Biographies

WILLIAM H. MYERS, proprietor of a blacksmith, wagon and carriage making shop at Terre Haute, is recognized as one of the enterprising citizens of this place, and is doing a good business.

He was born near Greensburg in Jennings County, Ind., February 28, 1849, and is a son of Harrison and Rebecca (Smiley) Myers, the former born in Pennsylvania of German parentage, while the latter was of Irish descent. In the family were five children: Samuel, who served in the Confederate army and was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge, when about twenty-four years of age; Richard, a mechanic now living in La Harpe; Eliza, wife of Schuyler Hurd, a farmer of Nebraska; Hattie, wife of Samuel R. Spikes, of Nebraska; and William H., who completes the family.

During his early boyhood the father became a resident of Indiana. When a young man he served as a pilot on the Ohio River, and in the fall of 1848 he suffered an attack of cholera, which terminated his life. His wife survived him for many years, and passed away in 1884.

William H. Myers was born and reared upon a farm, and during the winter season he would walk three miles to a log schoolhouse, where school was conducted on the subscription plan. He there pursued his studies at intervals until fifteen years of age. In 1853 he accompanied his mother on her removal to Lewis County, Mo., where he remained until 1864, when he came to Henderson County, Ill., locating in Terre Haute.

At the age of fifteen he began learning the blacksmith's trade with his brother, working three years as an apprentice. After serving as an employee for a year, he purchased his brother's shop, and has since been engaged in blacksmithing and wagon and carriage making. He is doing a most excellent business, which yields to him a handsome income.

On the 20th of August, 1869, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Miss Susan Evans, daughter of Benjamin and Ellen (Arnold) Evans. Seven children have been born to them: Artie, wife of H. B. Miller, of Galesburg, Ill.; Addie, who died at the age of two and a-half years; Charles W.; Edward R., who was accidentally shot while out hunting December 29, 1893, and died the following day; Juniata, Frank and Leroy.

Mr. Myers has always been a supporter of the Democracy, and in 1890 was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature. So ably did he fill the office that in 1892 he was re-elected, serving as an honored and prominent member of the House.

Socially, he is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity.

His wife belongs to the Baptist Church.

Mr. Myers is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and the best interests of the community ever find in him a friend. He is prominent in business and political circles, and his merit and worth have gained him the position which he now occupies.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.