Herriot, James

Born in Leith, Scotland and spent 5 years at the Edinburgh Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, then apprenticed to be a tailor. Married deaf woman Isabella Shannon in 1831. His tailor business faltered during the recession of 1838, and after 5 years of hardship, he moved his family to Salford, Manchester, where his reestablished business was more successful, eventually employing 12 men, half of them deaf. Instrumental in the founding of Manchester's first deaf association, then established a dedicated chapel for local deaf persons. Retired from his tailoring business to devote full time to self-help efforts for the deaf, and also helped found and support other local deaf organizations in other towns. Died after a 2-year illness.