Robert Lyon

Robert Lyon was probably born in County Tyrone, Ireland in the 1750's. His parents were a George Lyon and a Catherine (Kate) Shields who may have lived in the Parish of Leckpatrick near the town of Strabane. The Lyon family are recorded in a number of early genealogical and historical documents, e.g. Muster Rolls in the early 1700's.

The Lyon family prior to the 18th century are recorded in the Derry area with a number of entries in St Columbs Cathedral Parish Register in the City of Derry.

Robert Lyon lived with his wife, Jean (Jenny) McPhillamy in the townland of Farrest, Cappagh Parish in the late 18th century. They had three sons, all Mariners who sailed out of Ayrshire in Scotland. These were, George, William and Robert Lyon I believe there was a family connection (cousins) with Henry Lyons of Tattynure and Robert Lyons of Killyclogher whose father was a John Lyons of Correnarry, Cappagh. Information concerning Robert Lyon and his wife, Jean was detailed on a small card by his Grandson, David Murray Lyon of Ayr, Scotland.

There is a family story that the Lyon family, presumably Robert and Jenny fled Ireland at the time of the 1798 United Irishman Rebellion, there were many thousands of United Irish supporters or Liberty men present in the Presbyterian population of County Tyrone. It is the case that other members of the Lyo/Lyons family continued to reside in the Cappagh area following the rebellion but of course many families were divided on such issues.