Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 June 1901 — JAMES A. HERNE DEAD. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JAMES A. HERNE DEAD.

Noted Actor Passe* Away After Two Months’ 11l nets. James A. Herne, the actor and playwright, died Sunday afternoon at his New York home. The cause of death was pneumonia. He had been ill about two months, and was thought to be on the way toward recovery when a relapse came. It was while playing in “Sag Harbor” in Chicago that Mr. Herne was taken ill. His physicians said he had an attack of grip and they advised complete rest, and his return to his home in New York. When he arrived there pneumonia developed and a few weeks ago his friends thought the end was near. He rallied, however, and it was hoped that his vigorous constitution would pull him through. But when the relapse came it found him weak and he sank rapidly. Mr. Herne had a beautiful home in New York City, and was accounted wealthy. The body will be cremated. James A. Herne was born at West Troy, N. Y., in 1840. He received little education in early life, being largely self-

taught. He early started out to earn his own living. He was a clerk in a grocery store when an actor of the day, Joe Webb, supported by a small company and two St. Bernard dogs, came to West Troy‘to play “The Dog of Montargis." The actor who should have played the part of Macaire failed to appear. Herne learned of the need of the manager for an actor and volunteered. He not only did not break down, but went through the small role so creditably that he was engaged to continue in it. That was his beginning. Herne was in San Francisco in the late ’7o’s and wanted a play for himself, but could not get one. David Belasco suggested that he write it himself. With Belasco's aid “Hearts of Oak” was written. Herne’s next play was “Shore Acres.” It was written in 1891 and became remarkably successful. Other successful plays by him were “Sag Harbor” and “Griffith Davenport.”

JAMES A. HERNE.