Diplomat. Herbert was born on April 20, 1859 of American parents at Madoc, Canada, the son of John T. and Elizabeth J. Squiers. He attended Canandaigua Academy, Canandaigua, New York and the Minnesota Military Academy at Minneapolis, graduating in 1877. After his graduation from the Military Academy, he secured appointment as second lieutenant in the 16t United States Infantry. After two and a half years' service he obtained a transfer to the Artillery School at Fortress Monroe, Virginia. On completing his course, May 1, 1882, he pleaded for and obtained assignment to the cavalry, but after three years in this branch, again sought change and got himself assigned to St. John's College, Fordham, New York, as teacher of military science. Repeated endeavors to have Squiers return to active service proved unavailing and he remained at St. John's College until the fall of 1890, when an Indian uprising in South Dakota led him to ask for duty in the field. He was promptly ordered West, was promoted to first lieutenant, December 17, and twelve days later took part in the battle of Wounded Knee. The following summer he was granted a month's leave, and after the month was up delayed returning to duty so long that finally he was ordered to return at once or resign. He resigned, November 28, 1891, in a letter justifying his conduct on the ground of urgent private business. His personality and talents were much better adapted to the new career which opened for him on November 15, 1894, with appointment as second secretary to the United States embassy at Berlin. Here he remained until May 1897, when he resigned. A year and a half later he reentered the diplomatic service as secretary to the legation at Peking. During the Boxer uprising of 1900, his previous military training caused Sir Claude MacDonald to select him as chief of staff. The courage and competence with which he discharged his duties won for him the thanks of the British government and commendation by President McKinley. From 1906 until failing health caused by tropical fevers forced his retirement in 1910, he was minister to Panama. He died in London in 1911.