Phineas Lyman facts for kids
Phineas Lyman (born 1716, died 1774) was an important soldier in colonial America. He served in the British Army during the French and Indian War. After the war, he led many soldiers from New England to start a new life in West Florida. He passed away there just before the American Revolutionary War began. People remembered him as one of the most skilled American officers of his time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Phineas Lyman was born in Durham, Connecticut. He went to Yale and graduated in 1738. After college, he worked as a tutor at Yale until 1741.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
Lyman then studied law and started his own law practice. He worked in Suffield, which was part of Massachusetts at that time. In 1749, he helped move Suffield to be part of Connecticut. From 1749 to 1755, he was a member of the Connecticut Legislature. This was like being a state senator today.
Service in the French and Indian War
Phineas Lyman became a major general in March 1755. He was put in charge of 1,000 Connecticut soldiers. These soldiers joined an effort to capture Crown Point, but it was not successful.
Key Battles and Commands
At the Battle of Lake George on September 8, 1755, Lyman showed great leadership. The main commander, Sir William Johnson, was hurt. Lyman took over and successfully pushed back the French and Native American attack.
In 1757, Lyman commanded Fort Edward for a while. In 1758, he led Connecticut troops in an expedition with General Abercrombie. This battle at Ticonderoga was a big loss for the British.
Later Campaigns
The next year, Lyman joined Lord Amherst. They successfully captured Crown Point and Ticonderoga. In 1760, he took part in trips to Oswego and Montreal. In 1762, he led the American colonial soldiers who helped capture Havana from the Spanish.
Life After the War
After the war, Phineas Lyman traveled to England in 1763. He stayed there for nine years, until 1772. He was trying to get land for himself and other soldiers who fought in the war. He wanted this land in the new colony of West Florida.
Settling in West Florida
In 1772, he finally received a special land grant near Natchez. This area is now part of Mississippi. In 1773, Lyman led a group of settlers to this new region. He died the next year, in 1774. He was buried near the Big Black River in West Florida.
West Florida's Fate
When the American Revolutionary War started in 1775, West Florida remained loyal to the British king. After the war, in the Peace of Paris of 1783, West Florida was given to Spain.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "article name needed". New International Encyclopedia. (1905).
