[3] After "youthful studies in the New York schools," Lyall became a member of various mercantile firms, including the Planet Mills, the United States Corset Company, and the Chelsea Jute Mills Company.

[2] For many years, Lyall was president of the Brighton Mills in Passaic, New Jersey, until his retirement c. 1906, as well as a director of several banks and fire insurance companies.

[2] Together, they were the parents of:[2][4] After his first wife's death, Lyall remarried to Pamelia Washborn (née Warren) Oxnard (1844–1929) on April 25, 1882, in New York City.

[8] Lyall died suddenly on January 13, 1916, at the Hudson tunnel platform at 18th Street and Sixth Avenue.

[1] After a funeral held at his home, 41 Prospect Street in Summit, he was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.