Henry Lynch (b.c.1788)

He was described as, "a famous man in Wall Street". He fought a duel with James Watson Webb in a dispute over stock transactions, the build-up to which was recalled by Philip Hone in January, 1836: "Webb and Lynch maintain a relative position something like that of France and the United States: they carry clubs, but do not strike; and look fierce at each other, but do not speak. They cannot adjust their pecuniary differences in an honourable manner, for each considers the other unworthy of his notice. None but men of acknowledged honour and good character are entitled to the privilege of having their brains blown out . If Lynch and Webb are both men of truth they are liars, and if neither is to be believed they are both honourable men." About a year or so later, Lynch was challenged to another duel by his niece's husband - Mr. Louis Fitzgerald Tasistro - but was 'posted' for refusing to fight. Tasisitro was the same man who had passed himself off as a "Count" but was exposed by Henry's epicurean brother Dominick Lynch. Henry's daughter, Mary, married two Commodores in the U.S. Navy, William Compton Bolton and Charles Wilkes, leader of the first U.S. Exploring Expedition.