ROBERT HERRON, a descendant of a leading pioneer of North Strabane township, was born September 30, 1826, on the farm now occupied by his brother James. He is a son of Joseph Herron and grandson of James, whose father, Charles Herron, was born in Ireland, where he was married, and reared a large family, coming with them to America in an early day. His son James was born in County Down, Ireland, and passed his boyhood in his native land. He came to America in the latter part of the eighteenth century, locating in North Strabane township, this county, on the farm now owned by James Herron, the grandson. The place was then in a rude state of cultivation, but was soon transformed into a comfortable home. In early manhood Mr. Herron was united in marriage with Rachel Reed, a resident of Ohio, and the following children were born to them: Charles, John, William, James, Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. Politically, Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and took an active part in the questions of the day. He was an earnest member of the Seceder Church. Joseph Herron was born January 2, 1797, in North Strabane township, Washington county, on the farm of his father, and received his early education in the schools of the vicinity. On January 3, 1824, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset township, this county, and then settled on the home place, where the remainder of his life was passed. In 1850 he erected the brick residence now occupied by his son James. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Herron were born children as follows: Rachel, born December 15, 1824; Robert, born September 30, 1826; James, born September 18, 1828; John, born July 24, 1830; Sarah J. (Mrs. Jonathan Peese), born April 22, 1833; Joseph, born December 8, 1834; Margaret A. (Mrs. Robert Munnel), born October 4, 1837; and Elizabeth M. (Mrs. John B. Herron), born October 6, 1842. Mr. Herron was a Democrat in politics, and served as judge of election and school director. He was also a lieutenant in the militia, and in religious connection was a member and liberal supporter of the Seceder Church. Mr. Herron died January 25, 1852, and was followed by his wife March 18, 1854. Both are buried in the cemetery of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. Robert Herron worked on the home farm during his boyhood, and on May 13, 1858, was united in marriage with Rachel E., daughter of John Berry and she bore him the following children: William G., Margaret J. (Mrs. W. B. McNary), Lizzie R. (Mrs. M. H. Munce), Anna M. (Mrs. W. H. McNary), Sadie Thome and Robert Walker. Mr. Herron has always been a Democrat in politics, and has held various township offices. He is a very prominent citizen, and in religious connection he and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect, to which he gives a liberal support. Mr. Herron has in his possession one of the oldest Bibles in Washington county, which was formerly the property of one of his paternal ancestors.

Text taken from page 1209 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]