William James Herritage was born circa 1850 in Washington, North Carolina. A Lincoln University graduate, Herritage was an espiscopal minister, called to service at the St. John the Evangelist church in Edenton, North Carolina. From Edenton, he endeavored to build new congregations among the Black citizens of nearby towns such as Elizabeth City and Washington. Reverend Herritage also served as the principal of the parochial school for Edenton's African American students. He died in Edenton on March 7, 1927.