Rep. Matthew Lyon

Lyon was the representative for Kentucky’s 1^st congressional district and was a Republican. He served from 1807 to 1811.

He was previously the representative for Kentucky’s 1^st congressional district as a Republican from 1805 to 1807; the representative for Kentucky’s 1^st congressional district as a Republican from 1803 to 1805; the representative for Vermont’s 1^st congressional district as a Republican from 1799 to 1801; and the representative for Vermont’s 1^st congressional district as a Republican from 1797 to 1799.

Lyon faced an allegation of violating Sedition Act on October 9, 1798 by accusing President John Adams of having a taste for excessive pomp, for which he was convicted and fined and served four months in prison while a member of the House. On Feb. 22, 1799, the House of Representatives failed to expel him, 49-45. In 1799, he was re-elected after conviction and while still in jail.

Lyon faced an allegation of “disorderly behavior” when, incensed that the House failed to expel Lyon for spitting tobacco juice at him in January and unsatisfied with Lyon's apology, Griswold attacked Lyon on February 15, 1798 with a cane while Lyon defended himself with a pair of fireplace tongs. On Feb. 23, 1798, the House of Representatives failed to censure either member, 47-48.

Lyon faced an allegation of spitting tobacco juice at Griswold on January 30, 1798. On Feb. 2, 1798, the Committee on Privileges recommended expulsion. On Feb. 1, 1798, he sent a letter of apology. On Feb. 12, 1798, the House of Representatives failed to censure him, 44-52 and failed to expel him, 52-44.