A native of England, William Procter was born on 7 December 1801 in Herefordshire and educated at Lucton School.

He started his business and, in 1833, married Olivia Norris, who was the daughter of a prominent candle maker in the city.

[5] At his father-in-law Alexander Norris's suggestion, he joined forces in 1837 with his brother-in-law, James Gamble, to establish the company that bears their names.

Both needed pig fat and Norris's proposal allowed them to procure large quantities from suppliers at a lower cost.

[6] Procter is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery,[7] as is his business partner, James Gamble.