HERNE, JAMES A. (originally AHERNE) (184o-19o1), American actor and playwright, was born in Troy (N.Y.) , and after theatrical experiences in various companies produced his own first play, Hearts of Oak, in 1878, and his great success, Shore Acres, in 1882. His humour and pathos found their proper setiing in rural drama, and Shore Acres was seen throughout the United States almost continuously for six seasons, being followed by the less successful Sag Harbor, 1900.