Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-09-05

learn the trade of machinist Then he
borrowed money and bought his mother
a home, which he paid for at the ex-
piration of his apprenticeship. Mean
while he studied hard and became an
expert mechanic. 1t was he who put
the engine in the first hoop boat built
for the California trade. So pleased
was the captain of the steamer that he
offered young Herbert the position of
engineer of the vessel. Some months
of his apprenticeship were still due
and Mr.. Gray declining to release him
the proposition could not be accepted.
Soon after attaining his majority he
engaged in the grocery business and
entered upon successful business
career, which he continued until 1866,
when he was elected the first Demo-
cratic sheriff that New Castle county
had had for 10 years, defeating Samuel
Allen, very popular Republican can
didate. As sheriff he made himself
popular with all good citizens and was
vigilant and fearless in he discharge of
all his duties. Among the many notable
instances of nerve and energy was his
prevention of the famous Collyer, Kelly
prize fight on the Delaware soil in
1867. A ring had already been pitched
about a mile from Newark and every
thing was ready for the fray when the
plucky sheriff stepped into the ring
and despite the threats of the sluggers
and ruffians that thronged to see the
mill compelled them to pull UP their
stakes and leave. That the fight
shortly afterward took place over the
line in Pennsylvania was no fault of
his, for it was beyond his jurisdiction.
OF the 367 prisoners entrusted to his
care during his term not a single one
escaped, though the New Castle jail
had been very leaky institution at
various periods. So valuable were his
services that he was induced to remain
as deputy under his successor, Jacob
Richardson.
I, From his early boyhood Mr.. Herbert
took an active interest in political
affairs and participated in every cam
paign, welding probably greater in
tuence than any man in his section.
His first official position was that Of
collectorof taxes for New Castle hun
dred. For 81 years he was member
OF the New Castle City Council and
for many years he was president of that
body. For many years he was a mem
ber Of the Board of Education, and
until recently he was the president of
the same. On May 14th, 1859, he
was elected trustee of New Castle
Commons, of which body he was treas.
urer for 20 years. In 1879 he was
elected county treasurer, to which Office
he was successfully reelected until his
election as State treasurer on January
Goth, 1887.
For at least 40 years Mr. Herbert
attended every Democratic county and
State convention. He attended the
national Democratic convention of 1880
at Cincinnati and the convention of
1854 at Chicago in the interest of
United States Ambassador Thomas F.
Bayard for the Presidential nomination.
Mr.. Herbert was prominently pushed
forward by his friends as candidate
for the Democratic nomination for
Governor in 1856 and received 20 votes
against 100 for Benjamin 7. Biggs, his
successful competitor in the State con.
vention.
In civil life he was just as active,
and no man in New Castle did more TO
promote the interests of the city than
he. Every public improvement found
in him an active promoter. To his
efforts in great measure were due the
building of the Grand Opera House,
the establishment of the New Castle
waterworks, of which he was director
for many years, and the formation of
the Lenape Fire Co., formerly the New
Castle Fire Co., of which hc was a
member The ground upon which the
Red Mems Hall stands was donated by
Mr.. Herbert, He saved the colored Nj.
e. Church of New Castle from the
hands of the sheriff, and did much
toward assisting worthy men ia their