Bio of Myers, A. J. (b.1851) Wabasha Co., MN
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Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Barbara Timm and Carol Judge
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1884.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab1.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Myers, A. J. agent Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, Mazeppa, was
born in Cattaraugus county, New York State, in October, 1851. At two years
of age he came west with his parents, to Wisconsin where he lived for two
years. His parents then moved to the State of Minnesota, stopping for a
time at Saratoga, from which place they went to Lake Sheteck, Minnesota.
Here they were driven from their home by the Indians, during the Indian
outbreak of 1862, and fled for safety to Mankato. Shortly after reaching
Mankato, his mother died from the effects of exposure, consequent of their
flight from the Indians. This was a sad epoch in the life of young Myers,
as his father had lost everything by the Indian outbreak, and had no means
of providing for his family but his bare hands, and threw him almost
wholly on his own resources. He proved equal to the occasion, however, as,
though but eleven years of age, he commenced fighting the battle of life
on his own account. For a number of years he made his way by working on
farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin. At the age of eighteen years he went to
learn the trade of furniture finisher. He then worked at the jewelry
business two years, but the confinement not agreeing with his health, he
was compelled to quit it. Up to this time of his life his advantages for
schooling has been so limited, that they were hardly worthy of note. But
he was of that kind not to be kept down, and while working at the jewelry
business he devoted his spare time to study and improving his mind by
midnight oil. In this way he fitted himself for business, and became so
proficient with the pen, that subsequently he taught writing and
penmanship several terms. After quitting the jewelry business he engaged
in selling sewing machines and organs, and ultimately engaged in the
insurance business, but having married and settled in life, his almost
continual absence from home was unpleasant, and he determined to enter
some other field; accordingly in 1878 he made application for the position
he now fills; but here he was beset with difficulties. He had sufficient
education, was a fine penman, but was without experience. He believed,
however, he had capacity for the position. In an interview with Mr. Lakey,
the superintendent, he frankly stated all these facts, and was accepted.
During his first year as agent he learned the art of telegraphing from an
operator employed at his expense, since which time he has been independent
and competent in every department. Mr. Myers is a member of the Masonic
order, and is junior warden of the lodge. In December, 1878, he was
married to Miss Minnie E. Buell, of Hyde Park, whose father was one of the
earliest settlers of Wabasha county. They have two children, Frederick B.
and Arthur L.