William Gruldsbun Dustin was born on June 7, 1850 in Corinth, Vermont.

His father, Daniel, was a Brigadier General and commanded the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps. He mustered in as the Captain of Co. L, 8th Illinois Cavalry, promoted to Major, promoted to  Colonel of the 105th Illinois Infantry, and finally promoted to Brevet Brigadier General. He served from September 18, 1861 to June 7, 1865.

William went into the Civil War with his father at age 14 and spent a year and a half with him. This period covered the Atlanta Campaign and Sherman's March to the Sea. He attended both days of the Grand Review in Washington D.C. But, William never enlisted thus isn't considered a veteran of that war.

On December 19, 1873, he enlisted in Co. F, 5th Regiment of Infantry and served in the Indians Wars. He was discharged on June 30, 1877.

He joined the Henry Fox Camp 270 in Dwight. He was elected Illinois Division Commander in 1896. Up to the time of his death, he was Editor and publisher of The Banner and was the Division's Treasurer, a position he held for ten years,

In 1889, he moved to Dwight and was employed for one year in the Dwight Star and Herald office. He purchased half interest in the newspaper and in 1898 he became the sole owner. In 1905, Allen S. Holbrook (PCinC) bought an interest in the newspaper. William was also a postmaster for 16 years (4 terms).

He was a member of the Military Order Loyalty Legion of the United States, National Press Association, Illinois State Press Association, Republican Press Associations, Modern Woodmen, and Court of Honor.

He married Catherine Rodgers and they had four children. One daughter survived into adulthood.

William died on February 14, 1918 and is buried in Oaklawn Cemetery, Dwight, Illinois.