My Genealogy Hound

C. EUGENE LYLE, Vice-President of the Dowagiac Drill Company, one of the leading enterprises of Cass County, and also a Director of the City Bank, engaged profitably in the dry-goods business for himself when only seventeen years of age, and still continues to devote a large portion of his valuable time to mercantile pursuits. Our subject is a native of Dowagiac, and was born in this thriving city January 9, 1855. He was the son of one of the prominent citizens of the town, D. Lyle, well known in Cass County, and highly esteemed as an early settler and representative business man of Dowagiac. The home of the father and mother was blessed by the presence of two sons, C. Eugene and Frank W. Lyle, Cashier of the City Bank. Mr. Lyle throughout his childhood and the days of his boyhood regularly attended the excellent schools of his native town, and received a practical education which well fitted him to discharge the various and complex duties which have since devolved upon him.

Entering upon the responsibilities of business life four years prior to attaining his majority, our subject has for over a score of years given his close and unwearied attention to the details which insure the successful handling of dry-goods, and has built up a trade covering a large territory and second to none in this section of the country. In company with his brother he also engaged in manufacturing drills, the enterprise from the first receiving unusual encouragement and immense custom. The extensive factory now regularly employs from two hundred to two hundred and twenty-five men, its products comparing most favorably with the old establishments of this country and Europe. Financially prospered, Mr. Lyle is active in all matters of public interest, and is a large stockholder in the City Bank, of which he has for some time been one of the valued Directors. In this official position, as in his entire business career, he is especially distinguished for his executive ability and clear judgment.

Our subject was married in September, 1878, his wife being Miss Ida A. Holmes, a daughter of Richard and Mary Holmes, of Dowagiac, the father and mother being long-time residents of this city, having emigrated to Michigan from the State of New York, their early home. Mr. and Mrs. Lyle have one child, Miss Clara H. Lyle, to whom life promises a bright and happy future. Mr. Lyle is in no sense of the word a politician, but is well posted on local and National issues. In both social and business circles he has a large acquaintance, and, passing his entire life among the associations of youth, enjoys the confidence of a host of life-time friends.