My Genealogy Hound

Thomas I. Herrn, teacher, also a farmer and stock dealer in Highland Township, was born in Independence (now Izard) County, in 1861. His parents were John and Malinda (Finley) Herrn, of Tennessee and Arkansas, respectively, who were united in marriage in Independence County. The father was a farmer by occupation, who died in Ozark County, Mo., in 1863. He was a son of Thomas Herrn, one of the pioneers of Arkansas. His wife’s father was Isaac Finley, who settled in Izard County, Ark., at a very early day, and died there in the year 1865. Thomas I. Herrn received but little schooling until his thirteenth year, and then attended Evening Shade high school for three years. He subsequently went to the State University at Fayetteville, and afterward taught school himself for four years. In 1883 he was married to Kate, a daughter of James P. and Julia Cochran, whose history appears in this volume. By this marriage he has had one son and two daughters, the latter living. After his marriage Mr. Herrn moved to Evening Shade, and taught school for two years, but gave that occupation up to commence farming at South Fork. He now has 600 acres of land, with about seventy-five acres under cultivation, which, on his arrival, was destitute of improvement. In politics he is a Democrat, and is zealous in upholding the principles of that party. Mr. Herrn is one of that type of men who present a strong example for the younger generation to follow. He was thrown on his own resources at the age of thirteen, and went to work for $8 a month on a farm.