James W. Herriott

 

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: GEORGE, HERRIOTT, WASHINGTON

JAMES W. HERRIOTT. This gentleman is well and favorably known in Mahomet Township as being an honest man and a good citizen, and the proprietor of a well-cultivated farm on section 12. He is a gentleman of enterprise and industry, as his homestead indicates on every hand, and in his agricultural pursuits has been fairly successful. He comes of a good family, being the son of William and Louisa HERRIOTT, who were natives of Virginia. After their marriage they located in Bourbon County, Ky., whence they removed to Scott County, the same State, and from there in the fall of 1851 to Illinois. Coming into Champaign County, they located in Mahomet Township, of which they were residents the remainder of their lives. The mother departed hence Nov. 24, 1875, and the father, March 24, 1883. Their family consisted of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters.

James W. Herriott was the ninth in order of birth, and first opened his eyes to the light in Scott County, Ky., Aug. 26, 1836. He was fifteen years of age when his parents became residents of this county. With the exception of three years spend in the army he remained a member of the parental household until 1869. His education was conducted in the common schools, and he followed the occupation of his father before him, engaging in farming since his earliest recollection. His army experience dates from September, 1861, when he became a member of Co. I, 25th Ill. Vol. Inf. He was present at the battle of Missionary Ridge, receiving a wound in the right hip and the right arm by minie balls, and is now a pensioner of the Government. Many times he barely escaped with his life, and his health was seriously impaired by the hardships and privations which he endured in the service. At the battle of Stone River he was captured by the revels, but soon afterward paroled. At the close of the war he received an honorable discharge, was mustered out of service at Springfield, Ill., and returned to his home in Champaign county. Soon afterward he purchased a farm in Hensley Township, which he occupied ten years, then disposed of it and returned to Mahomet Township. Here he has 200 acres, forty of which are in timber. The soil is easily tilled and productive of the richest crops of the Prairie State.

The marriage of Mr. Herriott took place in Condit Township, Dec. 21, 1869, the maiden of his choice being Miss Susan A., daughter of John and Elizabeth A. (GEORGE) WASHINGTON, both natives of Virginia, and descendants of the Father of his County. They first settled in Virginia proper, where John Washington departed this life in February, 1862. Mrs. W. still survives, and is a resident of that State. Of their ten children the wife of our subject was the sixth in order of birth. Her native place was Loudoun County, Va., and the date of her birth Feb. 9, 1848. She remained a member of the parental household until her marriage, receiving a fair education and being trained in all useful household duties.

Mr. and Mrs. Herriott became the parents of nine children, namely, William W., Lulu E., Rosa G., Minnie S., Nettie, James T., George L., Lydia M. and Bertie. Lulu E. and Lydia M. are deceased. Mr. Herriott takes a genuine interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his county community, and in politics supports the Democratic party. Both he and his excellent wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.