He was born in Bunbury. He was the son of William and Mary Ann Alice (maiden name Delaporte). William married Alma Esther. Their children were William James Richard (1908-), Thomas Leonard (1912-), Kadge Elba (1915-), Tester (1917-), Forrest Rupert (1919-), Francis Charles (1922-) and Esther Joan (1924-).