Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-04-07
MATILDA HERON.
Romance of the Land of Gold


Correspondence of the Boston Globe.
SAN Francisco, March II, 1S72.-Fash-
ionable circles as well as those of more
plebian nature are at present much exer-
cised over bit of romance that has come
to light in consequence of the recent death
of one of the principal characters-HenTy
Herbert Byrne. Mr.. Byrne was one of the
leading lawyers of the Pacific coast as well
as of the United States, aud was for many
years District Attorney of the county. He
came to this city in 1850, and rose as rap
idly in the estimation of the people as the
city did in the respect of her old sisters. In
his official capacity he had to cope with such
learned and eloquent men .as Col. Z. d.
Baker and James McDougall and in every
way proved himself their equal. While in
the zenith of his success there came friend
less and unannounced to this coast one
who was destined to have a lasting inau-
ence on his life.
In the fall of 1858 Matilda Heron arrived
in this city and commenced an engagement
at the old American Theatre. She was then
unknown to the theatrical world, and was
received coldly, but in a few days became
the sensation of the hour and the mistress
of the theatrical world. Her success was
unrivalled, and won for her an enviable
reputation in her procession, and San Fran
cisco then, as now, claimed the development
of the talent that soon after became appre
ciated over the whole Union. Among her
warmest supporters, on her introduction TO
the public, was Mr.. Byrne, and in the course
of few months this friendship was trans
formed into a passionate attachment that
was reciprOcated by Miss Heron. In the
early portion Of june, 1854, Miss Heron
accepted an engagement to appear in Phila-
delphia, and Immediately commenced to
prepare for her journey. Mr.. Byrne
pressed his suit, and the two were married
secretly on the day preceding her depart
ure. Il was arranged between them that
she should proceed to Philadelphia, and at
the termination of her engagement, forever
quit the stage and return TO California with
her husband. She left, and at the appoint
ed time Mr.. Byrns followed her to Philadel-
phia for the purpose Of returning TO Cali
fornia with his bride. They met, remained
in each others company twenty-four hours
and the next day parted forever. But few
knew of Mr.. Byrne's marriage, and conse-
quently but few knew of the separation that
followed. He returned to California to
achieve brilliant success in his profession,
and to die hOnOred and respected by all who
knew him; she continued on the stage,
became famous and then fell from
her glorious position TO depend on the
charities of her brothers and sisters
of the craft. Sincethe death of Mr.. Byrne
the veil that covered his past life was rent
in twain, and all that l have given was
laid before the public, not to scandalise the
memory of the honored dead, but to give
the public more extended knowledge OF
what followed. When Mr.. Byrne's decease
became known abroad, a telegram was re-
ceiyed here, stating that Miss Heron was
en- route to California to contest the will OF
her deceased husband, which involved
property of great value. She mas not YET
arrived, and should she come, rumor says
she will be met by an Indictment charging
her with bigamy, it being alleged that SHE
never was divorced from Mr.. Byrse, anC
that since her separation she married a maj
with whom she lived until recently. Thu
the matter stands at present, and any new
facts of interest that may transpire will b,
forwarded.