Resisting Tyranny

“This book makes for fine reading, not just for its story value. Resisting Tyranny also gives an insight into the dynamic of how tyranny can thrive, not just in Lyon’s time, but our own. It speaks to the crucial importance of protecting our rights to free speech and a press.”


—Don Wendorf, Retired Psychologist and Musician





“At a time when a U.S. president and his sycophants, and even religious advisors, are accusing the media of inventing ‘fake news,’ this brief book inspires us to remember our priceless constitutional rights. This Irish-American and friend of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys never feared to champion democracy against the pretensions and powers in both State and Church.”


—Dwyn Mounger, Historian, American History





“The sheer genius of this book is found in the way it puts the average person in touch with this period of history and in the way it makes history’s lessons relevant for today. It warns against governments that step into tyranny to insure they can do what they desire to do against the will of the people.”


—Will Randolph, Director of Office on Aging, United Methodist Church





“This is a good time for the Morgans’ book Resisting Tyranny to appear, as we live with Faulkner’s declaration, ‘The past is not dead, it’s not even past.’ Matthew Lyon’s story needs to be revisited, as some of the challenges to democracy Lyon faced, we confront in our time. In a real sense Lyon’s opposition to the then President John Adams Sedition Acts of 1798 is a mirror of what we face today in places of power. We need to heed Lyon’s letter to future citizens to take being a citizen seriously, ‘to organize for good causes,’ ‘to seek truth,’ and ‘challenge lies,’ if we are to preserve and extend our freedom. If not, the words of George Santayana may well come true, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ This is a well written book without a dry word in it.”


—Jane M. Thibault, Retired Gerontologist





“Penning a letter to the present generation in what they imagine to be the words of their Irish ancestor, who rose to the level of statesman from the ranks of servanthood, the Morgans’ write, ‘Protect and defend your republic, whether from within or without. . . . The worse threats come from those who subvert the values we uphold.’ I would highly recommend this book to any who seek to preserve the lessons of history, both for the betterment of themselves and the current generation, and those whose responsibility it will be to ensure the lives and liberties of all.”


—Daniel C. Potts, Founder and President Cognitive Dynamics Foundation





“As an American History major, I certainly remember reading about the 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts, but I don’t recall reading about Matthew Lyon, the first American tried, fined, and imprisoned under these very acts for speaking out against the then President John Adams. Matthew Lyon’s life was dedicated to securing these ideals for himself and for others, and in so doing, he became our country’s first martyr for freedom of speech and the press.”


—Lynda Everman, Convener, Clergy Against Alzheimer’s Network.





“Matthew Lyon is an oft overlooked personage who played an important role in the founding and shaping of the nation. Resist Tyranny, written by two of Lyon’s descendants, is a brief but informative book that gives insight into this colorful character, whose spirit was filled with the proverbial Celtic fire. The Morgan brothers have done a fine job of introducing this lively and evocative patriot to a broad audience. It is fascinating and reader friendly.”


—David M. Seymour, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America





“By his industry and skill Matthew Lyon carved out an empire in both Vermont and Kentucky. Both John Adams and Matthew Lyon began their terms at the same time. For the next four years political sparks between Lyon and Adams flowed like fireworks. When confronted with Adams’ attempt to stifle the tone of democracy written into the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, Lyon had a voice that could not be stilled. Matthew Lyon is almost a forgotten patriot and has been passed over by history. This effort to resurrect Lyon’s life and political influence for our time is much needed.”


—Odell Walker, Lyon County Historian and President of the Lyon County Historical Society





“Matthew Lyon’s sense of adventure brought him to America at an early age. Once here, his strong work ethic and flair for entrepreneurship served our fledgling country well. His legendary, outspoken patriotism and service to country will surely inspire the reader!”


—Sally Whittington, Lyon County Historical Society





“What better timing for the publication of this book. Our country is divided because of disagreements with the policies regarding immigrants. We now have freedom of speech to criticize the president and the administration. It is an appropriate time to be reminded that Matthew Lyon fought for this right.”


—Lorraine Brown IPP, Fair Haven Vermont Historical Society





“By bringing the life of Matthew Lyon to our attention, the Morgan brothers show us how easily the freedoms we enjoy can be restricted and urge us to be alert to the possibility of emergent tyranny in our own time. Although Lyon was engaged in public service more than 200 years ago, his determination to assert his (and now our) right to criticize the leaders of this democratic republic makes his story entirely relevant today. Everyone concerned about freedom of expression and the state of our union should read this succinct and highly interesting account of a remarkable defender of liberty.”


—Josiah Benjamin Richards, Author/compiler of God of Our Fathers: Advice and Prayers of Our Nation’s Founders