William Birrell was the son of William Birrell, dyer afterwards salt-agent, and Agnes Thomson. He was born in 1799. From about 1816, he was employed by his elder brother James Birrell. He was living with the family at the census of 1851. When his brother went to Glasgow in November 1855, and probably continued to work as a journeyman. He died at Linktown 9 February 1864.