William was the fourth child and second son of 12 children born to Joseph Poyser, Jr. and Martha Magdalena Reed. He had 8 sisters and 3 brothers. He was born in Sugar Creek township, Stark county, and grew to maturity on a farm, attending at intervals during his minority the district school near the family homestead. When a young man, her came to Canton with his brother and took up the carpenter's trade, at which he soon became a very efficient workman. For some years he was in the employ of the Russell Machine company, of this city, as traveling salesman, but after resigning that position he resumed mechanical pursuits, devoting special attention to cabinetmaking, in which he acquired great efficiency and skill. Mr. Poyser ran a shop of his own and in addition in general cabinetmaking frequently worked for John Danner, manufacturing the latter's celebrated revolving book-cases. He was an honest, industrious man, provided well for those dependent upon him and lived an honorable life in the sight of men and in the reverent fear of his maker. William married Catherine A. Little (b. 1832 d. 1911) on 9 Jun 1853 in Canton, Ohio by the Rev. A.M. Torbet. Catherine's father was Elias Little, a member of one of Stark county's oldest and most highly esteemed families, his antecedents have moved to this part of the state when the country was little more than an untrodden wilderness. The birth of Mrs. Poyser occurred in Canton and her education was such as the public schools could impart.

They had four children:

Mary Frances
Helen I.
Grace
Charles W.

William and Catherine were married over 26 years and ended when William died. He was a zealous Christian whose daily life harmonized with the precepts of the religion he professed. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Canton and for many years labored earnestly in the Sunday School, having held various official positions in that organization. In politics he was a pronounced Republican and as such did much in a quiet way to promote the interests of his party. He had profound convictions on many things, was honorable and just in all his dealings and endeavored to realize in himself his high ideal of manhood and citizenship.

Source: "Joseph Poyser and his Descendants 1763-1983" by Josephine Lois Poyser Fullerton pg 19-21

(bio info from Debra Polly)