Born c10 April 1811 at London, England, the son of Joseph Witton, merchant, and his wife Mary, nee Lambert. Migrated to Hobart, Van Diemen's Land, c1830. Moved to Launceston, V.D.L. He married on 19 July 1832 at St. John's Church of England, Launceston, Van Diemen's Land, to Mary Ann Ramsdale of Vermont, North Esk, V.D.L., daughter of John Ramsdale. His wife was of a Methodist family and it is thought that William first became a Methodist about this time. He made a decision for Christ c1834 through the preaching of a Mr. Leach. Arrived at Melbourne on 18 March 1838 per "Rebecca" from Launceston (though often reported as having arrived in 1837). He was elected leader of the local Wesleyan Methodist Society. Worked as a carpenter and builder. Later had an ironmongery store. Local preacher at Portland (c1845-47). Went to Wollongong, New South Wales. Settled at Warragul, Vic., c1878. Died on 5 September 1886 at his residence, Victoria Street, Warragul, Victoria, and was buried on 6 September 1886 at the Warragul Cemetery, Vic.

[marriage certificate; death certificate; Benson A Century of Victorian Methodism]

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