Educated in the district schools of Jefferson County, New York; Union Academy Belleville, NY, and graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1856. Moved to Juneau, Wisconsin in 1856 and was teacher in the public schools there for 1 year. He passed his Wisconsin Bar exam in 1858 after reading law in a law office. Moved to Owatonna in 1858 and engaged in the practice of law. William established a private bank with J.C. Easton in 1866; business was absorbed by First National Bank of Owatonna in 1871, of which William was made President and served until 1903. Commissioned Lieut. Colonel, Minnesota National Guard in 1861.[2]