Mathew Lyon

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

Lyon, Mathew, an American politician, was born in the County of Wicklow in 1746. At the age of thirteen he emigrated to New York, assigning himself for a term of years to a farmer, in payment of his passage. During a portion of the War of Independence he served as Colonel of militia, and held some civil appointments. In 1783 he founded the town of Fairhaven in Vermont, and embarked in numerous speculations and manufactures. He was ten years a member of the Vermont Legislature, and while a member of Congress (1797-1801), he gave the vote that made Jefferson President. On one occasion he was imprisoned for four months for libels on President Adams. He became bankrupt in 1812 by engaging in the building of gun-boats for the Government. In 1820 he was made a factor among the Cherokee Indians. Mr. Lyon died at Spadra Bluff, Arkansas, 1st August 1822, aged about 76. He was an able debater, though somewhat rough and impetuous in manner. His son, Chittenden Lyon, took a foremost place for many years as a Kentucky politician.

Sources

37a. Biographical Dictionary—American Biography: Francis S. Drake. Boston, 1876.

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