William Johnston Will was born in East Taieri, Otago, 30.11.1858, son of Rev. W. Will; educated East Taieri Public School, University of Otago, Edinburgh University; graduated from Edinburgh University in 1884 and entered practise in Green Island District

Military service: joined East Taieri Rifle Volunteers in 1878 and continued involvement with NZ Volunteer Forces in role as surgeon through to WW1; in 1898 became surgeon-major on staff 1st Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers; in WW1 served with main body as Assistant Director of Medical Services until invalided out in September 1918; also had a long association with the St John's Ambulance Association; was chairman of the Dunedin Centre of St John's Ambulance; received St John's Ambulance Medal for distinguished Service in Ambulance work; became Knight of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

[ref: Who's Who 1908 & 1925]