Myers, Theodorus Bailey, 1821-1888

Theodorus Bailey Myers (1821-1888) was an American lawyer, businessman, and historical manuscript collector. He was born in New York City, the son of Major Mordecai Myers, who served as an officer in the War of 1812 and later as mayor of Schenectady, New York and Charlotte Bailey, niece of Congressman Theodorus Bailey. Myers served on the military staff of Governors Bouck and Wright (1842-1846) and, during the Civil War, on the staff of Generals Benjamin Butler and John Wool. He sat on the board of several corporations and charitable organizations and was a member of prestigious New York social clubs.

Myers's enthusiasm for American history, especially military history, inspired him to collect historical books and autograph manuscripts. He contributed articles to American history publications, often including transcriptions of manuscripts from his collection. Myers shared this avocation with his close friend, Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet who arranged the collection and had it bound in a similar fashion to his own before Myers's heirs donated it to The New York Public Library.

From the guide to the Theodorus Bailey Myers collection, 1542-1876, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)