William Herndon was the first Herndon in Virginia of whom there is official record. He came from England to New Kent County, Virginia where he patented land in 1673. He was active in promoting the development of the new settlement upon the upper waters of the Mattapoui, having individually assisted 10 individuals and in company with Robert Bagby 56 persons to locate in that part of New Kent County. That was then on the outposts of the colony.
The two patents to William Herndon and Robert Bagby were for 1800 acres and 1000 acres while the two patents for William Herndon were for 430 and 64 acres respectively.
In 1677 William Herndon married Catherine Digges (1654-1729) who is the daughter of Edward Digges, the second Puritan governor of Virginia.