Their company operated a sawmill on the Seguin River at Parry Sound, primarily managed by William, and a steamship service between Collingwood, Parry Sound and Port Arthur/Fort William (Thunder Bay), mainly operated by his brother James Hughes.

The firm set up a town at Parry Sound and William also served as a lay Methodist minister for the community.

He bought out his brother and father's share in the town site and set up a general store there.

With Beatty's support, a vote was taken to keep the township free of alcohol under the terms of the Dunkin Act.

Up until 1950, anyone who bought land in the town had to sign an agreement not to sell alcohol on their premises.