My Genealogy Hound

Tobias J. Lycon, of Edina, Mo., was born in Edgar County, Ill., July 5, 1836, and is a son of David and Susan (Hayes) Lycon, both natives of Kentucky. The father immigrated to Missouri in 1856, with his family, and located on a farm upon the line of Adair and Knox Counties. There he followed farming and stock raising successfully for a number of years. He was an honest, conscientious and upright citizen, and served his country in the Union Army, being wounded early in the service by an accidental shot from a revolver fired while in camp at Canton, Mo., from the effects of which he was permanently disabled, as far as hard work is concerned, and he is now living a retired life at Kirksville, Mo. He is now in his seventy-fifth year, and is enjoying life upon a comfortable income. The mother is also still living, and about the same age. They have had three children: Tobias J., Clarinda (deceased wife of Lewis Allred), and Jeremiah V., of Seward County, Kas. Our subject was reared to manhood upon the farm, in his native county and State. He accompanied his parents to Missouri, and soon after entered the employ of Bryant & Connelly, merchants of Edina. He served a two years’ apprenticeship at the business in a frame storehouse upon the present site of his large business block on the northwest corner of the public square. Before the war broke out he engaged in business for himself in Milan, Mo., and at the close of the war embarked in a business enterprise, which has developed into his present business. He started on a very small scale, having a capital of but $170, but by close attention to business, strict integrity, economy and tact, has increased his trade steadily, until he now owns the largest mercantile establishment in Northeast Missouri. In 1870 he erected the two-story brick building on the corner, and in 1876 built another adjoining on the south, and now utilizes both for his immense stock of dry goods, clothing, carpets, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and everything pertaining to a general line of merchandise excepting groceries and hardware. This establishment gives employment to five men, and a larger trade is controlled by this firm than by any other in Northeast Missouri. Mr. Lycon also is interested in farming and stock raising, having a farm well stocked with mules, and owns a handsome corrugated iron stable, situated in the rear of his business block, wherewith the assistance of his son, Pearl, he deals extensively in these animals and horses. He is one of the largest property holders and taxpayers of the county, owning a good deal of valuable farming land and town property. He is also largely interested in Texas land and cattle. In January, 1857, he married Miss Emma, the daughter of the late Andrew Biggerstaff. Mr. and Mrs. Lycon have two sons living: Pearl A. and Virgil E., who now manages his father’s store. In politics Mr. Lycon is a Republican, although his time is almost entirely devoted to his business interests. He is a Knight Templar, and a good example of one of the self-made men and enterprising citizens of Knox County.