Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Niagara County, New York, p508-9

Lynford D. Levan, the efficient postmaster at the village of Wilson, and a veteran of the civil war who is widely known and highly esteemed, is a son of Solomon and Jane (Moore) LeVan, and was born September 28, 1846, in the town of Cambria, Niagara county, New York. As the name would indicate, the LeVans are of French extraction. Solomon LeVan (father) was born and reared in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, but in 1838 removed to Niagara county, this State, and located in the town of Cambria, where he remained until 1855, when he came to the village of Wilson. Here he has since resided, being now in his seventy-third year. He is a republican in politics, but up to 1888 was a democrat. He has always been a laborer. He served nearly four years as hospital steward during the civil war. He married Jane Moore, daughter of Abner Moore, by whom he had seven children. Mrs. LeVan was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is now in her sixty-third year. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and served in the war of 1812, and her paternal grandfather was born in France, emigrated to America at an early day, and settled in Pennsylvania.

Lynford D. LeVan spent his first years on a farm, but was principally reared in the village of Wilson, being educated in the public schools and the academy at that place. In 1862, when only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in Company B, 129th New York infantry, which regiment, by reorganization afterwards became the 8th New York artillery. He served until the close of the war, and never lost a day on account of sickness while in the army. His brother, Clarence LeVan, enlisted in 1861, in battery M, 1st New York artillery, and was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. After the close of hostilities, Mr. LeVan returned to Wilson, where he has ever since resided, and taking up the employments of civil life, learned the trades of molder and machinist, which he followed for three years. He then learned house and sign painting, and was engaged in that occupation until August 12, 1889, when he was appointed post master at Wilson by President Harrison, and immediately entered upon the discharge of his official duties. He is still serving acceptably in that capacity.

On May 21, 1867, Mr. LeVan was united by the ties of marriage to Mary E., daughter of Henry Johnson, of Wilson. To them have been born a family of five daughters: Hattie, Grace, Myrta, Edith, and Mary.

In politics Mr. LeVan has always been identified with the Republican party, and takes an active interest in its success. He has many times been honored by his fellow citizens with election to different offices, serving as village clerk for six years, constable for four years, tax collector one term, and as collector for the Union school two years. He has also served four years as justice of the peace, and has been elected for another term of four years. Mr. LeVan takes rank as a representative citizen of Niagara county, and is justly entitled to the high degree of respect and esteem in which he is held.

1862 enlisted in Company B, 129th New York infantry which became the 8th New York artillery