Michael Myers

Michael Myers was probably born Portsea/Portsmouth, England in c. 1785. He arrived in Jamaica c. 1800. He lived at Portsea, St Elizabeth from the mid-1820s, registering enslaved people as owner from that period until emancipation, when he was compensated for the loss of 55 enslaved people. Michael Myers had children with Amity Seaton from 1834 onwards. They may have married in or around 1841 and had several more children.

Myers died in 1870 at Portsea, St Elizabeth: ‘Died: Myers. At Portsea, in the parish of St Elizabeth, MICHAEL MYERS, in the 85th year of his age, 69 years of which he lived in Jamaica and 46 years he resided in Portsea. He was a magistrate of the Parish, a father to the poor in his neighbourhood, and by his death, the peasantry in that part of the country have sustained the loss of a valuable friend, who was ever ready give them wholesome advice. He was esteemed by all classes for his sterling goodness and aimiability of character. He has left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn the loss they have sustained.'

We are grateful to David Barker for assistance in compiling this entry.

Obituary of Michael Myers, Colonial Standard, August 1870.