Research Introduction
The HHA has conducted considerable research on the New Jersey Herriotts with the goal of establishing the Scottish roots of David Herriott (1661-1725) who emigrated to New Jersey in 1685 and is the progenitor of many Herriotts in America. They have also conducted years of research on the Scottish Heriots to find his family. Our research notes are available here for other researchers. Please be advised that these are raw notes and sometimes represent theories rather than conclusions. We leave it up to the reader to examine these and draw their own conclusions. We don’t want to take all the FUN out of it.
Research is the primary means by which a person tries to establish their roots. Even DNA evidence, to be conclusive, should be reconciled with existing documentation (birth, marriage, and death records; census records; wills; bibles; publications; etc) to establish the paper trail. This is not easy when dealing with older records as we must in researching Scottish Herriotts from 1400-1700 Scotland. Often tentative conclusions can be made after considerable analysis based on a preponderance of the evidence –approaching the conclusion from different vantage points. In our Research Area (only available to Registered Users) we have provided the analysis performed to justify our conclusions. It may not be perfect, but it is the best we can do with the information available. We welcome comments or rebuttals.
We recently engaged Legacy Tree in Scotland to do some research for us. This is our assessment of our experience (The June 2025 Herriott Herald newsletter):
HHA Requests Professional Assistance with Scottish Research
At the HHA Board Meeting in July 2024, it was decided that we should look into acquiring professional help to try to help us identify the parents of our immigrant ancestor David Herriott who came over from Scotland around 1685. Around 35 to 40 years ago we had some research performed, some of which was bogus and the rest unfruitful. It was determined to do the research ourselves until we could narrow down the search. The recent determination of a likely candidate by HHA Historian Ray Harriot indicated now might be the time.
An initial search of possible genealogists by Ray indicated that Legacy Tree might be able to do the job. They had several good testimonials online and indicated via correspondence that they could do the job. However, the more Ray communicated with them, the less confident he became that they would provide us with the research that we required.
Legacy quoted an initial study for $1,300 (this involved them reviewing the research that got me to my conclusion and presenting a plan). This was to be followed by a second phase costing $6,500. We weren’t thrilled as basically we would be getting no additional research for our $1,300 but decided that it was probably worth the $1,300 to hear what they had to say.
Ray’s gut was right. The final report provided no new information and just wanted more money to do further research. This, and, of course, they provided little hope of success. Their plan provided no new sources and basically just told us what Ray had already determined. About all they agreed to do was continue to spend any money we sent them.
The HHA decided it was not worth spending any more money with Legacy Tree. Better to wait until more records become available online and to rely on Ray’s research. Considering Legacy Tree wanted about $175 per hour, Ray is quite the bargain!
Here is their report in case anyone would like the information.