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Notable People

Isaac Myers

Biography

Isaac Myers (1835–1891) was a labor organizer, businessman, newspaper editor, and political activist who helped advance African-American workers' rights in Baltimore.

Born in Baltimore to free parents, John and Sarah Myers, he attended a school for African-American children operated by the Rev. John Fortie. At sixteen, Myers became an apprentice to caulker James Jackson. By age twenty, he was supervising other caulkers in Baltimore's harbor.

During the Civil War, Myers worked as a porter and shipping clerk before returning to caulking after the war. He organized the Colored Caulkers' Trade Union Society and co-founded the Chesapeake Marine Railway & Drydock Company, identified as the first African-American-owned shipyard.

In 1869, Myers became president of the Colored National Labor Union. He also served as president of the Colored Business Men's Association, Colored Building & Loan Association, and Maryland Colored State Industrial Fair Association.

His activities extended into business, journalism, religion, and politics. Myers operated a grocery store and coal yard, edited the weekly newspaper *The Colored Citizen*, and participated in Republican politics. He was appointed a special agent for the United States Post Office and an inspector of bulk goods at the port.

A member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Myers served as superintendent of its Sunday school and president of the A.M.E. Church's Aged Ministers' Home.

Quick Facts

Year of Birth

1835

Place of Birth

Baltimore, MD

Year of Death

1891

Place of Burial

Not provided

Occupation

Labor Organizer, Businessman, Newspaper Editor, Political Activist

Era

19th Century / Civil War and Reconstruction Era

Key Contributions

Leadership

African-American Labor Leader who organized the Colored Caulkers' Trade Union Society and became president of the Colored National Labor Union in 1869.

Pioneer

Co-founded Black-Owned shipbuilding company, the Chesapeake Marine Railway & Drydock Company, identified as the first African-American-owned shipyard.

Leadership

Business and community Leader led several African-American business associations, edited The Colored Citizen, and held leadership positions at Bethel A.M.E. Church.

About this Series

Our notable people series highlights individuals connected to Laurel Cemetery whose lives impacted our community and our history in significant ways.

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