"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western Historical Pub. Co., 1902. Page 621. Malheur County. GEORGE W. LYELLS The hearty, genial and jovial gentleman whose name heads this article is one of the best known men in the county of Malheur, having wrought in industrial development in various portions of it, and always maintaining his reputation untarnished and manifesting that uprightness and integrity and industry that are the sterling virtues of typical manhood. He was born in Jonesborough, Illinois, on January 27, 1858, being the son of Richard C. and Sarah (Toney) Lyells. He was reared on a farm and gained his education from the district schools of his native and other places. In 1869 his father took his family, consisting of himself, wife and ten children, our subject the oldest, across the plains to Pueblo county, Colorado. They endured the real pioneer hardships en route, and suffered much from the attacks of the Indians. In 1872 Mr. Lyells started out in life for himself, his first trip being across the plains barefoot, driving six yoke of oxen hauling two wagons from Colorado to Baker City, Oregon. He helped fight the Indians, being attacked several times en route. October 10, 1872, was the glad day when they first saw Baker City. George W. worked on a farm for a time, then went to Rye valley and mined in the placers of that vicinity, after which he returned to Baker City and attended school for a period. After that he went to Idaho and freighted with oxen to the different camps, and in 1873 returned to Baker City, where he entered as an apprentice at the forge, and for nine years he labored in that city. Then he went to Malheur and opened a shop, 1884 being the date. Five years later we find him in Vale beating the anvil to the time of skillful labor and honest effort, and in 1900 he came to Ontario. Here he has a good shop, owning the building and the lot, and his patronage is such that he is busied all of the time, and then is not able to attend to it all. He enjoys the meed of a good honest reputation earned by hard and skillful labor and an upright life of careful walk. In addition to the blacksmith shop he operates a wagon repair shop. July 25, 1889, marks the happy date when Mr. Lyells led to the altar his chosen bride, Miss Mary E., daughter of Benjamin and Rosa Stevens. They are the parents of the following children: Edward R., married to Stella M. Craig, and one child, Percy E., has been born to them; Sylvia V., wife of E. A. Rieger, of Ontario; George F.; Angeline E.; Lillian E.; Syrene B. He is a member of the Ontario Lodge, No. 90, I.O.O.F., while he and his wife are members of the Rebekahs, and his wife of the Cherry Circle of Woodcraft, No. 304. Mr. Lyells carries with becoming dignity the honors of grandfather, although his geniality and affableness are tinged with the life and vigor of twenty-five. Both he and his wife are esteemed by scores of friends from all parts of the county. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.