Scotland numbered Mr. Lyall among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Castletown, Caithness, Scotland, where he gained a practical knowledge of the contracting business before crossing the Atlantic in 1870. When he sought a home in the new world Montreal was his destination and he made his initial step in circles here in the employ of his cousin, the later Peter Nicholson. Six years were sufficient to bring him a wide acquaintance that he believed justified him in embarking in business on his own account. He was joined by his two sons, William and Traill O. in 1892, who are still connected with the business that was established in Montreal in 1876. The third son, Peter D. Lyall, is head of a large contracting firm in Winnipeg. From the time that he started out independently Peter Lyall was successful and his name figured prominently in connection with building operations in Montreal and this part of Canada. He kept in close touch with all phases of the business and with all progressive steps therein. Many of the business structures of Montreal still stand as monuments to his ability, his energy and his notable ambition. He carried out the erection of the Quebec Bank Building, the Royal Victoria Hospital, Macdonald Engineering buildings at McGill, the Sun Life building, the Canada Life, the Grand Trunk general offices, the Coristine building, the new Board of Trade, the Stock Exchange, the Guardian Life, the Dominion Express and Transportation buildings, and hundreds of others. Some of the finest residences of the city also stand as monuments to his handiwork, notably among which are the homes of the late Sir Edward S. Clouston and George L. Cains. From the time that he started out in business his rise was continuous. It was soon evident that he understood the building business, both from a scientific and practical standpoint, that his reliability made him worthy of a liberal patronage, and that his energy and indomitable spirit made possible the prompt and faithful execution of his contracts. Success came to him soon and was well merited, so that he gained place among the prosperous residents of the city. His ability in management, his power of carefully formulating plans and then executing them with determination was seen in his cooperation in the organization of a number of companies which have constituted leading factors in industrial, commercial and financial circles. He was one of the promoters of the Lachine Rapids Hydraulic & Land Company, formed in 1896, and of the Midway Land Company in the same year. He was one of the organizers of the Laprairie Brick Company in 1904.