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 HILARY ABNER HERBERT ERBERT, HILARY ABNER. The navy of the United States, in the position which it holds today among the navies of the world, is largely indebted to the advanced ideas and active labors of Hilary Abner Herbert, notable among our recent secretaries of the navy. Born at Laurensville, South Carolina, March 12, 1834, the son of Thomas E. and Dorothy Herbert, his life has been passed in the South. The family removed to Greenville, Alabama, in 1846, where the father became engaged as a teacher and planter, and the son received his early education. Sent to the University of Alabama in 1853, and to the University of Virginia in 1854, after his graduation he was admitted to the bar of Alabama, and engaged in practice in Greenville.

A few years later the Civil war broke out, and the young Southern lawyer hastened to join the army of the Confederacy, obtaining the command of a company in the 8th Alabama regiment. This command was attached to General Lee's army, in which Captain Herbert fought in the battles of the Peninsula from Yorktown to Fair Oaks, being wounded and captured in the latter engagement. Two months later he was exchanged, and joined his regiment as soon as fully recovered, taking part subsequently in the battles of Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Antietam, Gettysburg and the Wilderness, and being promoted lieutenant-colonel of his regiment in 1863 and colonel in 1864. A serious wound at the Wilderness put an end to his active service. He was carried by his men from the field, and was retired as colonel at the end of the war, resuming his practice at Greenville.

In 1872 Colonel Herbert removed his office to Montgomery, Alabama, where he continued in active practice until 1877, at the same time taking a vital interest in politics. His activity in the Democratic party and his evident ability led to his election to congress in 1876, and to subsequent elections for seven later terms. He remained a member of the house from 1877 to 1893. During his legislative life he served on the committees on the Judiciary, and on