Biography

William Lewis Herndon was a naval officer born in Fredericksburg, Virginia. After serving in the Mexican-American War, Herndon spent three years at a naval observatory and was later sent to a "South Pacific station," where he received orders to "explore the valley of the Amazon to ascertain its commercial resources and capabilities." Herndon published his findings after a safe return to the United States in 1852. By 1855, Herndon was in command of a mail-steamer that travelled from "New York to the Isthmus of Panama." Previously named the "George Law," the old steamer was given new life when Herndon assumed control of the ship in September 1857, renaming it the "Central America." On its return voyage, the "Central America" was loaded with passengers and gold from California, which amounted to "$2,000,000." Herndon and his crew hit a cyclone near the Gulf Stream; seeing the danger, Herndon signaled for a small brig to retrieve all women and children on board. Herndon and 426 other passengers were lost at sea. 

Herndon is referenced by Frances Miller Seward (FMS) in a letter to Augustus (AHS). In her letter (18570930FMS_AHS), she detailed the noble character of Captain Herndon, praising the sacrifice he made for the women and children aboard.