William Fortescue was born in London and came to Australia with his parents in 1864.
He first lived in Brisbane, where he followed various occupations, then moved to Toowoomba, and later to Warwick, where he was a compositor on the, Warwick "Argus". He next became engaged in the sawmilling business in Brisbane and was employed by Messrs. McGee and Luyd. After a time, William Fortescue was brought to Dalby by the Bunya Sawmilling Co. to manage their Dalby branch. After occupying the position for some years he went into the building and contracting business in Dalby and later started a joinery business.
William Fortescue also took an active interest in local organisations and was a prominent member of the Masons and the Oddfellows' Lodge. He was also a member of the Dalby Town Council for 15 years and was elected Mayor in 1904-5 and again in 1915.
William Fortescue married Emily Elizabeth Williams in 1880, and they went on to raise six children together. He died in 1934 at the age of 80 years.
