| 2. | Peter Lyon was born Abt 1624, Of Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts; died 1693/1694, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts. Other Events:
Notes:
Somewhat more than two and a half centuries ago, there walked the lanes of Good
Old Dorchester a young man in whose breast were struggling conflicting
emotions: the weaker, perhaps, a yearning for dear ones whom he should never
see again; the stronger, the comforting assurance that, in the disturbed
condition of England, the Test and Conventicle Acts were little likely to cross
a thousand leagues of sea. This young man was he who is known to genealogists
as Peter Lyon the First.
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.
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Reference:
"Lyon Memorial", A. B. Lyon, 1905, p 320-321.
Peter married Ann Tolman 26 Nov 1649, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts. Ann (daughter of Thomas Tolman) was born Abt 1628, Of Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts; died 26 Nov 1689, Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet]
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1665 - See Notes