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- History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties, PA, Chapter XXXI, 1884, p. 304:
Benjamin Lyons, colored, was brought to Martinsburg, from Franklin County, about 1810. He was bound to Jacob Snoeberger when twelve years of age, and held as a slave until he was twenty-eight years old. After becoming free he worked a few years for John Berger, in this township, then purchased a farm, upon which he lived until his death. He died in 1859, at the age of eighty years. His wife was Mary Heck and their children were Mary, James H. and Catharine, living, and Richard and Elizabeth, dead. James H. Lyons is living on the place formerly owned by his father and has resided here for fifty-eight years. He married Sarah Forsythe, of Maryland, and is the father of fifteen children, all living but two. Mr. Lyons is postmaster at Salemville, an office which was established in August, 1882.
Historical Sketches of Morrisons Cove, page 24:
A Mr. Snowberger bought a large tract of land south of New Enterprise embracing what is now quite a number of farms, including the site of Salemville. Benjamin Lyon began working for Mr. Snowberger when quite a small boy.
He was very capable and trustworthy and when 16 to 18 years of age, Mr. Snowberger would send him on long trips with a six horse team. He hauled between Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and also hauled grain from the cove to Baltimore bringing back such articles as the settlers needed. He served Mr. Snowberger so faithfully that he helped the young man to start farming on land he gave him.
I know nothing of Mr. Lyon's children, though he had nineteen, except James Lyon, who became owner of his father's farm and reared a large family. James Lyon was a highly respected citizen. He managed his farm and conducted a general store in Salemville. He was the first postmaster in the village of Salemville. Benjamin Lyon, a son of James Lyon, lives in Roaring Spring. He is an influential citizen, prominent in church and civic circles. He is a skillful painter and has decorated many of the best homes in Altoona. Another brother is a physician, I believe in Cumberland.
Source: Burial Grounds of Bedford County Pennsylvania, Collection Five by James D. Boor, New Enterprise, PA; page 3.
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