How a notorious Vermont congressman was jailed for political speech in 1798

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - A Vermont congressman from the 18th century was one of the first Americans to be jailed over political speech, and historians say his story is still relevant today.

Congressman Matthew Lyon was a complicated figure. He served during a divided political time amid rising tensions with France. On this day, Oct. 10, in 1798, Lyon became the first American to be found guilty of violating the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Born in Ireland, Lyon migrated to New England as an indentured servant and became a prominent community leader and newspaper owner in Fair Haven in the late 1700s.

A Democratic-Republican, Lyon frequently battled with Federalists, even once brawling with Connecticut’s Roger Griswold on the floor of the U.S. House.

“He touches on so many of the complicate