His work helped launch the sugar beet industry in the United States.

Born on a farm[1] near Belvidere, New Jersey,[2] the son of Abram McMurtrie and Almira Smith, William matriculated to Lafayette College where he graduated with a mining engineer degree in 1871—the school did not then offer a degree program in chemistry, his primary interest.

[1] He undertook graduate studies at the College during 1871–1872[3] and was appointed as an assistant chemist with the United States Department of Agriculture.

[1] In 1896, Dr. McMurtrie was chosen vice president of the chemistry section for the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

[4] He died in New York City on May 24, 1913, and was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C.[8]