Mr. Myers was born at Hoosic Four Corners, Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1800. He was a slave of Gen. Warren, of Revolutionary fame, and made free by him, in the city of Albany, at the age of eighteen. He was a man of very limited education, but of great natural gifts. He was both an orator and a writer.
In the publication of his paper and the make-up of subject-matter, he was greatly aided by his wife, who was a lady of education and refinement. Before marriage, she was a Miss Harriet Johnson, the daughter of Capt. Abram Johnson. She aided her husband in the preparation of all his editorials, she, too, having caught the Abolition spirit. In the publication of his journal, Mr. Myers was backed by Horace Greeley, Gerrit Smith, Erastus Corning of Albany, N. Y., Henry J. Raymond, Hugh Hastings, Thurlow Weed, William Cassidy, and Peter Cagger.
Mr. Myers conducted his paper purely in the interest of the abolition of slavery and in the interest of his race, and never for the purpose of making money. The above-named gentlemen, and many others, aided him with contributions from time to time; and they were largely instrumental in enabling him to circulate his journal throughout the country. Although it did not appear regularly, nevertheless it was a potent factor in aiding him to make his work effective.
The cause of Abolition was supposed by many able men and influential newspapers; but by none with more earnestness and self-sacrificing devotion than that which characterized the life of Stephen Myers. The Elevator, like many other journals of its class, proved a powerful lever in diverting public opinion, public sympathy, and public support, towards the liberation of the slave. It seems almost incredible that Mr. Myers, with no education, could have accomplished so great a work. Nothing but unceasing labor and unwavering vigilance could have made him so
