This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: sharonp1us Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.myers/5523.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I've heard of the name Myers in reference to a farmer or an estate owner. I've also heard that the spelling with an 'A' or "I" was a mark of status, like major or minor. The use of expert sounds like Smith in English. Myers is the most common surname in Germany, like Smith is in England. Spotswood interest in Germans was their building expertise, because he hope to find silver and settled for iron. George Moyer expected to go to Pennsyvannia, but was held captive in the port, robbed of their savings and forced into servitude. Eventually they won their freedom in court. Evidently this was an arrangment between Spotwood and the ship's captain. There are some who make a connection between George Moyer/Majer/Miers of Germanna and Jacob Myers. But, others disagree... there were a lot of Myers. George Moyer's family did have some money, similar interests and followed the migration paths to Kentucky. The Michael Myers (George's son) line migrated to Rowan, NC then Barren County, Kentucky in the late 1700's probably with the Goss family... and then to Missouri and Indiana. My impression is they were farmers and the mills benefitted the local community. Several reached California during the goldrush. My ancestor built a very successful lumber mill near Truckee. It was considered state of the art for it's time, 1870, although there were lots of larger mills. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.