About Robert W. Lyon
Lived 1842 – 1904 (aged 62). Robert W. Lyon was an American politician.
Robert W. Lyon (May 22, 1842 – October 9, 1904) was Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1881 to 1884.
Early life Mayor Lyon was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania north of Pittsburgh in 1842. He joined the 102nd Pennsylvania Volunteers during the American Civil War. When he came home from war Lyon made a small fortune in the petroleum industry.
Pittsburgh politics Mayor Lyon won election in 1881 and was best known as "the working man's mayor." He guided city hall into the completion of the Smithfield Street Bridge and the successful annexation of the Garfield neighborhood. The AFL, forerunner to the AFL-CIO, was founded in Pittsburgh under his administration.
In 1884, he went to work in a steel mill and worked in county government until his death in 1904. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in the west suburb of McKees Rocks.
Personal life Lyon married Harriet Barclay (1841-1899) and they had 7 children.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert W. Lyon?
mayor of Pittsburgh and Union Army soldier (1842–1904)
When was Robert W. Lyon born?
Robert W. Lyon was born on 22 May 1842 in Butler County.
When did Robert W. Lyon die?
Robert W. Lyon died on 9 October 1904.
What was Robert W. Lyon's occupation?
Robert W. Lyon was a politician.
What nationality was Robert W. Lyon?
Robert W. Lyon was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert W. Lyon. https://biography.guide/robert-w-lyon/
MLA: "Robert W. Lyon." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-w-lyon/.
Chicago: "Robert W. Lyon." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-w-lyon/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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