His father (also William) was partner in the firm of shipbrokers called Imrie & Tomlinson, based in Rumford Street, Liverpool.
On 27 August 1870 the White Star Line was to launch the RMS Oceanic the first of four new steamships which were built by the Belfast Shipbuilding company, Harland and Wolff.
Amy went on to enter the Convent of Poor Clares at Hertford, an order of nuns dedicated to the memory of St Francis.
In later years as he excelled in business he moved into the even grander Holmstead in Mossley Hill, a house which contained many fine examples of art including paintings by Strudwick from whom Imrie was a patron.
He financially backed St Margaret's Church on Princes Road and numerous charities around the city which he supported anonymously.