Jump to content

Wikipedia:List of hoaxes on Wikipedia/Matthew Lyons

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Matthew Lyons
[[Image:MatthewLyons.jpg]] ''(Original picture was an old 19th century black-and-white print of a man holding a hat in his right hand and standing against a painted backdrop. An ornate chair is on his right. The man's head has been digitally replaced by a head from a modern portrait.)''
Nickname(s)"Fantastic Hands"
AllegianceRepublic of Texas, United States of America
Confederate States of America
Service / branchUnited States Army
Confederate States Army
Years of service1842 – 1848, 1861 – 1862
RankCaptain
Battles / warsMexican American War

American Civil War

Matthew Lyons (May 3, 1823 – March 27, 1862) was a medical doctor and a captain in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is remembered both as an adventurous Texas frontiersman and as a pioneering doctor.

Early life

Matthew Lyons was born to Glen Lyons, a wealthy oil baron, and his wife, Meredith. Matthew had twin younger siblings, Benjamin and Samuel. Matthew learned equestrianism at an early age, and eventually became a letter carrier for the Army of Texas. After the Battle of San Jacinto, Matthew Lyons spread the news of the victory and Mexican surrender to the nearby city of Houston.[1]

First military career

Because of his admiration for both the patriots and the soldiers of the Texas Revolution, Matt Lyons enlisted in the United States Army in 1842. He was under the command of Zachary Taylor, Private Lyons fought against the Mexicans during the Mexican-American War. During the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, Matthew Lyons was credited with firing the shot that fatally wounded Gen. José García.[2] Consequently, he received the nickname Matthew "fantastic hands" Lyons. At the conclusion of the war, Matthew was honorably discharged with the rank of private first class.

Medical career

In 1848, Matthew moved to Austin, Texas where he began his career in medicine. While he officially practiced pediatric medicine, Matthew spent much of the time experimenting in a field that would later be classified as epidemiology. Matthew led a fairly insular life throughout this period and did not marry, but he did maintain correspondence with French microbiologist, Louis Pasteur.

Second military career

After the start of the American Civil War in 1861, Matthew Lyons enlisted with the 7th Texas Cavalry on the side of the Confederate States of America. Because of his previous military experience and tactical knowledge, he was granted the rank of captain. Matthew Lyons fought in numerous battles in the Confederacy's New Mexico Campaign.[3] Matthew Lyons died during the Battle of Glorieta Pass on March 27, 1862.[4] Matthew Lyons is buried in Austin, Texas.

See also

References

  • Catton. Bruce (1971). The Civil War. American Heritage Press, New York. Library of Congress Number: 77-119671.

Notes

  1. ^ The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston; James, Marquis; University of Texas Press: ISBN 0-292-77040-5.
  2. ^ Keleher, William A. (1952). Turmoil in New Mexico, 1846–1868. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. ISBN 0-8263-0631-4.
  3. ^ The Red-Blooded Heroes of the Frontier ISBN 1434690180
  4. ^ Austin Tribune. "Defeat at Glorieta Pass," March 29th, 1862
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lyons, Matthew}}
[[Category:People of Texas in the American Civil War]]
[[Category:1823 births]]
[[Category:1862 deaths]]