William S. Herndon

Born in Rome, Georgia, Herndon moved to Wood County, Texas, in May 1852. He attended the common schools and was graduated from McKenzie College in 1859. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1860 and commenced practice in Tyler, Texas. He served in the Confederate States Army from 1861 to 1865 and attained the rank of captain. He resumed the practice of law in Tyler. Attorney, executive adviser, and general solicitor for numerous railroad companies 1868-1881.

Herndon was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-second and Forty-third Congresses (March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1875). He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1874 to the Forty-fourth Congress. He again engaged in the practice of law in Tyler, Texas, engaged in railroad construction. He died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 11, 1903. He was interred in Oakwood Cemetery, Tyler, Texas.