Peter Lyon

Children

Notes

Of his antecedents and of his age nothing is known with certainty. As to his English home, all data point to London of either Essex or Middlesex stock. That he was made freeman in 1649, and his first recorded child was born in 1650 indicate that he was born between 1620 and 1630. It is possible, indeed, that he was twice married, and that Susanna, member of the First Church in 1639, was his first wife. This supposition might account for some of Lyon name who appear at an early date, but who have no apparent connection with those whose position in the colony is definitely known. Unless we assume, however, that while Susanna was a member, Peter did not qualify for citizenship for some years after his first marriage, this supposition must be rejected.

Much of early Dorchester history is forever lost through the unfortunate destruction of early records. It is stated in the 'Annals ' that 'the records before 1657 were burned, and there were no records of that period given by a few families, and inserted in the next book births.' And so it happens that we know our first maternal ancestor only as 'Ann, wife of Peter.' Her personality being thus merged to that of the head of the house, we have of her family not even that vague and barren statement of old Judaean days, 'Peter's wife's mother lay sick of a fever.' That she lived her uneventful life, and died at her appointed time is all that ever will be known.

The short and simple annals of Peter's life are meager enough. By occupation he was a weaver. He was made freeman in 1649. In 1657 he received for killing a wolf. In 1664 he signed a petition to the General Court an inhabitant of Dorchester. In 1665 he granted a strip of ground for a highway. He was given permission to entertain Peter Green. of Concord, into his family for one mouth, an event that may have some connection with the marriage of his son Nathaniel, who had a son bornn Concord in 1680. In 1672 he appears to have been much concerned about his sons, for in answer to a summons from the Selectmen, he reported that they follow their employment, and that he would look diligently after them. He served on the jury in cases of appeal, life, limb and banishment, 1675-77-85, and in 1681-2 held what would now be considered the very undesirable office of tithing man. He sold a house and lot on Green St. to the Davenports in 1693.

Administration on the estate of Peter Lyon, weaver, late of Dorchester, was granted to his son-in-law, Daniel Morey, carter, of Boston. Jan. 8, 1694. Inventory presented by Daniel Morey; amount, 35 pounds, 8 shillings and 6 pence.

Record of his death, and the place of his burial no man knoweth to this day. 33. Ann TOLMAN, died on 26 Nov 1689 in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Source: 'Lyon Memorial', A. B. Lyon, 1905, p 320-321.