Francis S. Lyon papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS-2051

Scope and Contents note

This collection consists of one letter written by Francis S. Lyon, dated March 3, 1837, to M. Dickerson, Secretary of the United States Navy, and a bill of sale in Marengo County, Alabama, with Lyon's signature as a witness. In the letter he recommends that Dr. C. Wm. Tait to the position of assistant surgeon in the Navy. He states that there have been no appointments of this kind made from Alabama and hopes that Dr. Tait will be allowed to be examined by the first available board to demonstrate his qualifications. The letter is also signed by Reuben Chapman, Joab Lawler, Dixon H. Lewis and Joshua L. Martin, all Congressmen for the State of Alabama.

The bill of sale is for land in 1858 in the village of Macon, Marengo County, Alabama, to St. Andrews Parish rector Francis R. Hanson, church wardens Henry A. Tayloe and James H. Dubose, and vestry men J.W. Tayloe and Isiah DuBose, by Francis R. Hanson.

Dates

1837-1858

Biographical/Historical note

Francis Strother Lyon was born near Danbury, Stokes County, North Carolina, on February 25, 1800. He moved to St. Stephens, Alabama (an Indian agency) in 1817 and began studying law. He was admitted to the bar in 1821 and set up his practice in Demopolis, Marengo County, Alabama. He was the secretary to the State senate from 1822-1830 and served in the Senate from 1833 to 1834. In 1835 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served from 1835 to 1839. He was selected as one of three commissioners (and then the sole commissioner) to adjust all claims made against the State banks when they were paced in liquidation in 1845. In 1861 he was a member of the State house of representatives. He served in the First and Second Confederate Congresses and served from 1862 until the end of the war. He was a delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1875 and wrote the draft of the constitution adopted by the convention. He served one more term in the States House of Representatives in 1876. He died on December 31, 1882, in Demopolis, Alabama.

Extent

0.05 Linear Feet (2 documents)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A letter written by Francis S. Lyon, dated March 3, 1837, to M. Dickerson, Secretary of the United States Navy, and an 1858 bill of sale with Lyon's signature as witness.

Provenance

unknown

General

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