James Lyons

James Lyons (October 12, 1801 – December 18, 1882) was a nineteenth century American politician from Virginia who also served in the Confederate Congress.

Early life Lyons was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in 1801, and graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1819.

Career

As an adult, Lyons made his law career in Richmond, Virginia. He was appointed Prosecuting Attorney there, holding that position for ten years.

In 1850, Lyons was elected to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1850. He was one of six delegates elected from the central Piedmont delegate district made up of his home district of Richmond City, and included Henrico, New Kent and Charles City Counties.

At Franklin Pierce’s campaign for President in 1852, Lyons joined the Democratic Party, becoming an outspoken advocate of States Rights. His interest in Southern affairs included service as the president of Virginia’s Agricultural Society. He also served on President Jefferson Davis' Counsel. During the war Lyons was appointed by the Confederate government as a judge to try political prisoners.

Following the reorganization of the Democratic Party of Virginia in 1872, Lyons was elected to be Chairman of the state organization meeting at Staunton, Virginia. The Convention nominated Charles O'Connor for President as a favorite of the Bourbon Democrats, but he declined, and it then nominated Lyons, and he too declined.

Death James Lyons died on December 18, 1882, in Richmond City, Virginia.