Page:Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography (1900, volume 4).djvu/514

474 signal service bureau began the publication of a daily " International Bulletin," comprising the re- ports from all co-operating stations, and on 1 July, 1878, this was supplemented by a daily interna- tional chart. In 1879 he was a delegate to the Meteorological congress at Rome. He was pro- moted brigadier-general on 16 June, 1880, as a special reward by congress for his services in the line of his profession. Gen. Myer established a sys- tem of cautionary day and night signals for the benefit of lake and ocean commerce and naviga- tion, a system of reliable river reports for the benefit of interior commerce, and special series of reports for farmers and planters.

MYERS, Peter Hamiilton, author, b. in Her- kimer, N. Y., 4 Aug., 1812 ; d. in Brooklyn, N. Y., 30 Oct., 1878. He lived in Auburn, N. Y., in early life, educated himself, and became a lawyer in Brooklyn. In 1841 he delivered a poem on " Sci- ence " before a society in Hobart college. He wrote several prize stories, and American historical ro- mances, including " The First of the Knickerbock- ers, a Tale of 1673 " (New York, 1848) ; " The Young Patroon, or Christmas in 1690 " (1849) ; " The King of the Hiirons," republished in England as " Blanche Montaigne " (1856) ; and *' The Prisoner of the Border, a Tale of 1838 " (1857).

MYERS, Sarah Ann (Irwix), author, b. in Wilmington, Del., in 1800 ; d. in Carlisle, Pa., 11 Dec, 1876. She was educated at Bethlehem female seminary, married Dr. Theodore Myers in 1825, and on his death was thrown* on her own resources. She went to Philadelphia, where she became a friend of Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, and was advised by the latter to attempt authorship. Her success en- abled her to continue studies in music and paint- ing, and she became a member of the Pennsylvania a,cademy of fine arts. Subsequently she removed to Carlisle, Pa., where she supported herself by teaching music and art and by her writings. Her paintings include a head of " Evangeline," " Greek Oirl," and " One of the Pharisees." Among her numerous books, which are largely intended for children, are " Fitz Harold " (New York, 1853) ; "' Aunt Carrie's Budget " (Philadelphia, 1859) ; "Poor Nicholas" (1863); "The Gulf Stream" (1864) : and " Margaret Gordon," her last work, which is said to be founded on her own life (1869).

MYERS, William, soldier, b. in Reading, Pa., 4 Dec, 1830; d, in New York city, 11 Nov., 1887. He was graduated at the U. S. military academy in 1852, and served in various garrisons till the «ivil war, when, on 17 May, 1861, he was made as- sistant quartermaster, with the statf rank of cap- tain. He was chief quartermaster of the Depart- ment of the Missouri in 1863-"5, and at the close of the war was given for his services the brevet of brigadier-general of volunteers, and the same in the regular army. After the war he served as chief quartermaster of various departments, becoming lieutenant-colonel in 1881, and on 15 March, 1883, he was retired from active service.

MYLES, John, clergyman, b. in Newton, Gla- morganshire. South Wales, in 1621 ; d. near Swan- sea, Mass., 3 Feb., 1683. He was matriculated at Brasenose college, Oxford, 11 March, 1636, began to preach about 1644-5, was the founder of Swan- sea church, and soon became popular in the prin- cipality. He travelled extensively, forming new churches, and in 1651 was sent as a representative of the Welsh Baptist churches to the ministers' meeting in London. He returned with a letter from the London ministers recommending the for- mation of new churches. While in Wales he was an able advocate of strict communion, but in this country, although persecuted by the " standing or- der " in Massachusetts, his views became more lib- eral. In 1662 the act of uniformity was passed, and dissenters were severely persecuted in Wales. In 1663 Mr. Myles and several members of his church fled to New England. But in Boston he found no sympathy or '• spiritual comfort," and, settling at Rehoboth, Mass., he there organized a church in the house of John Butterworth. Very soon complaint was made, and on 2 July, 1667, Mr. Myles and James Brown were eacli fined five pounds " for setting up a public meeting without the knowledge and approbation of the court." Upon this Mr. Myles and his church removed to Barrington, R. I. He built a house near the pres- ent Barneyville on Palmer's river, and during the Indian wars his house was the refuge of the people, and was called " Myles's garrison." A bridge over the river is still called Myles's bridge. The catho- lic spirit of Mr, Myles had drawn to his settlement many Baptists, as well as others, and ere long he obtained leave from the general court to form a new township, which in honor of his old home in Wales he called Swansea. It was in Massachusetts, and among the corporators was Capt. Thomas Willetts, who had been the first mayor of New York city, and who warmly joined with Mr. Myles in his efforts to advance the interests of tlie new town. In 1673 a school was organized, of which Mr. Myles was master. The troops first gathered in Swansea during the Indian war, and at its close the church of Mr. Myles was scattered, and he was compelled to seek support in other places. He went to Bos- ton and preached there for some time, but in 1678 he returned to his old church. Mr. Myles was a cultured scholar and a popular preacher.

MYLES, Samuel, clergyman, b. in 1664 ; d. in Boston, Mass., in March, 1728. He was graduated at Harvard in 1684, went to England for orders, and on his return became rector of King's chapel, Boston (erected in 1689 ; see illus- tration), 29 June, 1689. After three years of service he visited England for the purpose of laying before the proper authorities the condition of the chapel and congregation, and obtaining aid in their belialf. Dur- ing two years of effort in this cause he was very suc- cessful in enlisting the royal bounty, part of which was an annuity of £100 for support of an assistant minister. While in England he received the degree of M. A. from the University of Oxford in 1693. The assistant minister arrived in Boston in 1699, but after several years a serious disagreement arose between him and the rector. The bishop of London, who was diocesan for the colonies, interposed in 1706, and a new assistant was appointed in 1709. In April, 1723, Mr. Myles laid the corner- stone of Christ church, Boston, which was opened for public worship by Rev. Dr. Timothy Cutler in December of the same year. His health failed in the summer of 1727. Mr. Myles is represented as a good preacher and fair scholar.