William Lewis Herndon

About

American naval officer who led the expedition to the Amazon.

Before Fame

He served in the Depot of Charts and Instruments at the U.S. Naval Observatory.

Trivia

His quick thinking saved the women and children of a ship under his command after they were caught in a hurricane.

Family Life

His brother-in-law and cousin, Matthew Fontaine Maury, was a noted American scientist and abolitionist.

Associated With

He was the father-in-law of President Chester A. Arthur.