Born in Newtown as the eldest child of Thomas and Emma. He was baptised 14th January 1883 in Newtown.
The 1891 census lists his as "John" living in Soberton Newtown, with his parents, two younger brothers and his grandmother (Sarah Searle). His father was working as a General Labourer.
By 1901 census he was living next-door to the Bold Forester in Soberton Heath with his parents and four younger brothers. Both he and his father were working as General Labourers.
The 1911 census lists the family is living at 1 & 2 West Street, Soberton. One of the boys (Charles) is listed a having been deaf since age 2. William is working as a Farm Labourer.

He joined the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment
He was killed in action Gallipoli, Turkey
Commonwealth War Graves Commission entry "Son of Thomas and Jane Searl, of School Hill, Soberton, Hants"

He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial and the Soberton War Memorial