Robert Lyon

Background

Lyon was born in Inverurie, Scotland in 1812 and came to Canada along with his family in 1829.

Career

Initiated by the 20-year-old Lyon at the urging of his eventual "second" Henri Lelievre, the duel was held over the love of local schoolteacher Elizabeth Hughes, and occurred above the Tay Canal outside Perth, Ontario. After Lyon"s death, Wilson and his second Samuel Robertson were both charged with murder in Brockville, Ontario, though acquitted. Lyon"s second, Henri Lelievre, fled the country fearing that some also considered him responsible for the duel, since he had encouraged a second round after both had missed their first shot.

He is believed to have died in Australia.

In 1996, Susan Code wrote A Matter of Honour, and a year later two students of Sheridan College oversaw the production of an independent film by the same name, telling the story of the duel. On his 1973 album Stompin" Tom and the Hockey Song, Stompin" Tom Connors released the song "The Last Fatal Duel," written by Freddy Dixon, detailing the battle (though accidentally referring to Lyon as William, not Robert).

Lyon"s tombstone in the Anglican cemetery in Perth reads

Friendship Offering,

Dedicated

To the Memory of

ROBERT LYON,

(Student-at-law)

He fell

in mortal combat

13 June 1833

in the 20th year

of his Age

Requieseat in Pace.

Connections

rival:

James Boulton