William Lindsay was born in London on 10 May 1761, son of Alexander Lindsay and Susanna Durand. He came with his family to Quebec around 1773. He became a merchant's clerk, eventually going into business for himself, forming a partnership with William McNider. He also entered public service in 1792 as clerk assistant of the Lower Canadian House of Assembly. He was also registrar and treasurer of Trinity House at Quebec. On 17 June 1790 he married Marianne Melvin, with whom he had four children. He died in Quebec on 11 January 1834.