Lynah family history

himself with the vigor of a young man. As I lived with him and loved him dearly, my recollections are perfect of his features, dress, habits, and manners up to this day. His face was noble and beautiful. He could strictly be classed as a gentleman of the old school. The antique style of dress typified his person. He was of statue that was of perfect symmetry and of great strength. (1) He powdered and wore a long queue of very fine hair now in my possession. Shorts, with black or white stockings and gold Buckles; a full suit of black in summer; and a rich velvet in winter were his invariable habitments--a charming smile and a happy jest always went along with him so that he inspired cheerfulness everywhere."

An insight into his earlier nature is found in a modern account of an early Charleston murder,(2) in 1788. In this account of the murder of Nicholas John Wightman, Dr. James Lynah is referred to thusly:

"When called to minister to the wounded man, Dr. Lynah bustled in. Like so many of our Characters, the doctor was Irish. Like none of the others, he had an overwhelming taste for the center of the stage. Reporting on his first action is not satisfactory, but the story as told in one version would make us believe that the Doctor counted eight wounds and probed them before he thrust his finger into the largest and pronounced the man dead. Thereupon he announced dramatically that this was a murder and the murderers must be at once pursued. Probably he got the worst wound first but he loved effect. Later he would believe and say that he had sent for the constables, but we know that they had come with him. Also he would tell how he first directed the search towards Jones. Though it must have been in the minds of all who knew the neighborhood"...Nevertheless the newspaper account ending the story of the hearings reads as follows, "The citizens are greatly obliged to Dr. Lynah and Capt. Davis for their spirited exertion in breaking up a desperate gang of thieves who have long committed their depredations in and about the city."

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(1) From his portrait, could be added that he was clean shaven, with a high forehead, and aquiline, prominent nose, and a firm protruding chin. His face is that of a keen, alert, humorous person. He was of muscular build, perhaps somewhat short in status, with powerful arms and strong tapered fingers. He conveys the impression of strength, vigor, charm and self-assurance.

(2) Charles Town Murders: The Footpads Memorial by S. G. Stoney