Bill was born at Morden in Surrey. In 1881, he was living with his parents at Merton. At fifteen years ofage he was apprenticed to the plumbing, gas and hot water fitting trade. After becoming a sanitary engineer with Tracksons he carried on his trade in London until 1909, being recognised as an outstanding tradesman. He married Annie Mary Deiter and lived at 37 Milton Road, Wimbledon, in a town house in which his three children were born.
In October 1909 the family sailed, as nominated immigrants, from Tilbury Docks aboard the SS 'Perthshire' via the Suez Canalfor Australia. Nominated or Remittance Passages could be arranged by any natural born or naturalised person residing in Queensland, desiring to provide a passage to the colony for a friend or relative in Europe, by obtaining a passage warrant from the Government in payment of the required amount. The warrant was then forwarded to the friend or relative in Europe. On presentation ofthe warrant, the Government representative in Europe would arrange a passage for the emigrant.
The journey was not without mishap. After encountering rough seas in the Bay of Biscay on the first day out, one ofthe lifeboats was lost. On reaching Queensland, landfalls were made at Thursday Island and Townsville before berthing in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.
The family travelled to Biarra to stay with Bill's brother, Jim, for a short period. For some years they made their home at Esk where Bill followed his trade, part of the time with Shanks the plumber. He worked in the building trade and with Nestles at various times. In 1911 he was successful in balloting a block in the Taabillga Resumption and was one of the first to settle in on 5 August 1913, the night when the Kumbia Hotel was opened. His family followed as soon as he had built the home.
For a number of years Bill did carpentry and odd jobs with Fred Kajewski around the Kumbia district. After his son Arthur left school they established dairying on their properly which had been named 'Heathfield', and continued this pursuit until Bill's death, shortly after his golden wedding anniversary. His wife, Annie, survived him by two years. Bill was remembered for his genial disposition, his strong sense ofcharacter together with his natural humour and friendliness that endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. |