He was born in Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland on December 17, 1849, the son of James Robbie and Elspet Webster.

William had an illegitimate daughter by Isabella Reid in 1870 named Margaret.

[3] William and his brother John emigrated to America in 1875, and he became a naturalized citizen.

"[4] In 1910, he was a founding member of the Butte Humane Society board of directors.

[5] In 1918, the Spanish Flu claimed the life of his son George, while the rest of the family recovered.