Albert Lee Myer was born 14 November 1846, in Troy, New York, to Lt. Col. Aaron B. Myer and Julia A. Myer. Myer went to school in the public education system of Troy. His father was a member of the 125th Regiment of the New York State Volunteer Infantry which was organized at Troy, Rensselaer County, New York. The 125th participated in the Battle of the Wilderness. On May 8, 1863, his father died of the wounds which he received in action during the battle.