1851 Birth:1770,2655 Birth year of 1851 estimated based on age (9 years) in 1860 census enumeration; birth place of Perry Township, Noble County, Indiana taken from father's residence in that location in both the 1850 and 1860 enumerations.

1860 U.S. Census:2655 William enumerated in the household of his father James Cannady (mother Tryphena Rich is presumed dead by 1860) in Perry Township, Noble County, Indiana as a male, age 9, born in Indiana, attended school within the year. Siblings enumerated in the household were Frances, a male age 15; Martha, age 13; Alonzo, age 10; Amelia, age 7; and Henry, age 6.

1870 U.S. Census:2642 William J. enumerated in the household of his father James Cannady in Porter Township, Cass County, Michigan as a male, age 19, carpenter, born in Indiana, attended school within the year. Siblings enumerated in the household were Harrison, age 15; Mary, age 9; and Lincoln H., age 6. Sister Martha was also living in the household with her husband Andrew J. Bunn and 4 month old daughter.

1874 Marriage Record:1824 1 January 1874, Williamsville, Cass County; William Cannady , residing in Cass County, Michigan, age 23, born in Indiana, carpenter, joiner; Frances Cousins , Cass County, age 20, born in Michigan; married by Lanson T. Lee, Justice of the Peace, witnessed by Malinda Cousins and Miranda Cousins, of Williamsville.