​HERNE, JAMES A. [originally Aherne] (1840–1901), American actor and playwright, was born in Troy, New York, 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. It was in rural drama that his humour and pathos found their proper setting, and Shore Acres was seen throughout the United States almost continuously for six seasons, being followed by the less successful Sag Harbor, 1900.