Bookeeper and shipping reporter. After arriving in New South Wales around 1849 became a bookeeper at Australia Stores in Goulburn, but soon moved to Melbourne where he was the shipping reporter for Argus. Then moved to Araluen for the Gold Rush in 1852. Returned to Goulburn and became a Manager of Australia Stores by 1856. Entered into a partnership with M. Alexander (q.v) and others in 1860, they soon had stores throughout the southern districts, William became the sole proprietor by 1877. In 1880 he opened new premises in Goulburn employing 70 hands. Country Entrepreneur. He joined the merchant marine and then went into commerce. Was the Director of Australia Copper Mining Company in 1873 and the first Chairman of the Goulburn Gas Company in 1879. In the 1880's he floated the Berrima Coal Mining and Railway Company and was the Chairman of the floated Goulburn Foundry and Engineering Company Limited in 1885. By 1887 became insolvent, sold the Goulburn Store and moved to Sydney as the manager of the Sydney and Provincial Building Society. His creditors were paid from his life insurance when he died.