Alexander Heron Jr.

Alexander Heron Jr. (c1818 - April 8, 1865) was a business man involved in shipping in Philadelphia in the mid-19th century.

Heron was born in Gosten, County Londonderry, Ireland about 1818 and moved to Philadelphia in about 1835. His sister, Matilda, became a noted actress. In 1851, he entered into a partnership with William J. Martin, forming Heron & Martin. Their ran a line of vessels between Philadelphia and Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, establishing the first line of steamships to the latter two cities. His company failed and he later became agent of the Ocean Steam Navigation Company, owning several company ships. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Heron sold three of his ships to the United States Navy, the most prominent of which was the Keystone State.

He died April 8, 1865 at the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia. He was buried in Old Cathedral cemetery in Philadelphia.

...
Wikipedia