Born in Richmond, Virginia. Married to Anne Augusta Conway, daughter of Virginia Governor William Branch Giles, with one son, William Barksdale Myers. Prominent attorney.

He was a leader in Richmond, the Masons, and his Jewish community. He served on the Richmond City Council and as it president for twelve years. President of the Richmond Publishing Company, director of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company, and president of the Richmond Club.

He is noted for the ownership of one coin, the unique 1792 Washington President “Stars Over Eagle” pattern struck in gold. He owned it by 1855 and later gave it to Col. Mendes I. Cohen.