Thomas: "Herndon was something of a dandy in his younger years, affecting a tall silk hat, kid gloves and patent-leather shoes. Five feet nine inches in height, thin, angular, erect, he moved and walked quickly with a superabundance of nervous energy. Dark-skinned, with raven hair, he had sharp black eyes set deep in crater-like circles."

Oates: "Herndon stepped about in fancy clothes, a big silk hat, kid gloves, and patent leather shoes. He was thin, stood about five feet nine, and had raven hair and black eyes."