William Fishbourne was born in Queen's County, Ireland in 1837. In 1862 he migrated to Queensland, and after disembarking at Brisbane, made his way to Dalby, where he would remain for the next 48 years.
For a short time, he kept a hotel on the southern side of Dalby but was a shearer and general labourer by trade.
For 14 years, William Fishbourne was connected with local government, being an Alderman of the Dalby Town Council, before being elected Mayor from 1899-1900.
At the time of his death in 1911, he was a member of the Dalby State school committee, and during his long residence in the Dalby district, William Fishbourne was well regarded as an upright and honest citizen.