In 1861 Mary A. Lanyon, aged 55, born in Camborne Cornwall, and husband Richard Lanyon, aged 63, born in Lanivet Cornwall, gunpowder manufacturer, were living in Cennall Vale, Stithians Cornwall. With them was son Tobias E. (26) of Stithians, agent to Kennall Gunpowder Co.
In 1871 Mary Ann Lanyon, aged 65, born in Camborne Cornwall, widow, gentlewoman, landowner, was living in Acton Castles, Perranuthnoe Cornwall. With her was son Tobias Edward (35) of Stithians, annuitant.
In 1876 Mary Ann Lanyon, widow, was the sole executrix of the will of her late brother William Lanyon of Camborne, gent.
In 1881 Mary Ann Lanyon, aged 77, born in Camborne Cornwall, retired merchant's widow, was living in Stack House (Acton Castle), Perranuthnoe Cornwall. Present were son Tobias Edward (46) of Stithians, and visiting grandson Fredrick Lanyon (9) of Holsworthy Devonshire.
In 1891 Mary A Lanyon, aged 88, born in Camborne Cornwall, widow, living on own means, was living in Acton Castle, Perranuthnoe Cornwall. With her was son Tobias E (56) of Stithians, dependent on his mother.
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Mary Ann Lanyon of Perranuthnoe died aged 95 years (burial record).
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Death of Mrs. Richard Lanyon, of Acton Castle.
The death of Mrs. Lanyon, which took place at Acton Castle on the 15th instant, at the advanced age of ninety-six, will revive many old time memories at Ponsanooth and Stithians, where the deceased lady was at one time a much respected figure. By the rising generation in these two villages Mrs. Lanyon was quite unknown, but those who are old enough to remember the Lanyons at Kennall Vale, when the extensive demand for, and the high prices commanded by, gunpowder pushed this family to the summit of their splendour, have lively remembrances of Mrs. Lanyon's many deeds of kindness throughout the district. At that time the Kennall Gunpowder Company was doing such an enormous business at home and abroad that, in spite of his charitable instincts and lavish hospitality, the late Mr. Richard Lanyon accumulated a large fortune in an amazingly short time. It was when the business was at its best that he purchased Acton Castle, and thither his widow repaired to spend the remnant of her days at the death of her husband about thirty-five years ago. Although she lived to a remarkably ripe age, Mrs Lanyon retained her faculties unimpaired to the last. Her remains were interred in the family vault at Stithians cemetery on Monday, several of the old employees at Kennall attending.
Commercial Shipping & General Advertiser for West Cornwall, 24 Sep 1898, p. 3
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Mary Ann Lanyon of Acton Castle Perranuthnoe Cornwall, widow, died 15 September 1898. Probate Bodmin 6 October to Tobias Edward Lanyon, gentleman. Effects £991 13s. 3d. 2
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