William was born in Norfolk, England between 1871 and 1873. He was married to Anna Collison (sister of Christian Collison, another South Peace soldier), who was born on November 14, 1875. William and Anna had two daughters, Gladys Maud (born in Norfolk in March of 1899) and Hilda May, born ca. 1901. William served in the British Army during World War I. In 1919, he filed on homesteads at SW 28-78-20-W5 and NE 20-78-20-W5. On his application, he listed his occupation as surveyor.
