Lyon, Samuel, Jr.
John M. McDonald interview — 1846-10-20
The surname of the family discussed in this interview is actually Lyon. Samuel Lyon Jr. (1787-1860) resided on Chestnut Ridge near the intersection of Chestnut Ridge Road and Route 22 in North Castle. He was the son of Samuel Lyon Sr. (1747-1819) and Mary Lounsbury. Samuel notes that his grandfather, Roger (1715-1797), held a commission as a captain prior to the Revolutionary War. The family supported the cause of independence, but Roger’s age and health prevented him from taking an active role in the conflict. Samuel Lyon Sr. served as an officer in the Westchester County Militia. Samuel Jr. notes that his father was captured by Loyalist Captain Gilbert Totten but escaped imprisonment in Manhattan by going east to Long Island and crossing the Long Island Sound to Connecticut. He also recounts how Thomas Ferris captured a horse from Long Island and crossed the East River.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
October 20.
Samuel Lyons, Esq. of Chesnut ridge: My father was taken by Capt. Totten at his house on the Post road near the cross road leading to my house. My grand father, Roger Lyons, held a Captain's commission under the King. My father was prisoner a long time and at length escaped, and with the assistance of a British officer gained the east end of Long Island, and crossed to Saybrook.
Thomas Ferris once crossed to Long Island, captured a fine horse, with which he gained the shore of the East river, got the horse on board a boat and succeeded in crossing with him.
The persons having the most information of the Revolutionary war in my neighbourhood are two old men named Smith (?) of Middle Patent. I will visit them with you.