Bill W. is a name used by multiple individuals worldwide, and without additional context it most commonly refers to William Griffith Wilson (1895–1971), cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous. This profile explains who Bill W. is in that context while noting how to interpret the name elsewhere. Below, verified public records, biographical outlines, and key affiliations are summarized to provide a durable reference that distinguishes the historical figure from other people who share similar names.
Identity and Background of Bill W.
The best documented Bill W. is William Griffith Wilson, an American who cofounded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1935 with Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio. Wilson’s early life included military service in World War I, periods of unemployment, and struggles with alcoholism that led to a sustained recovery via the Twelve Steps. He is credited with shaping the peer-support model and spiritual framework that made AA widely influential. His full name, date of birth, and place of birth are recorded in biographical sources and archival materials.
Biographical Snapshot
Below is a concise, sourced summary of core biographical attributes for Bill W. (William Griffith Wilson).
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Griffith Wilson | Biographical records |
| Date of birth | November 26, 1895 | Vital records, biographies |
| Place of birth | East Dorset, Vermont, United States | Local registries, biographies |
| Known for | Co-founding Alcoholics Anonymous | Organizational histories |
| Death | January 24, 1971 | Obituaries, institutional archives |
Public Records and Common Uses of the Name
In general usage, Bill W. can refer to any William Wilson or similar name variant. In professional or legal documents, the initials W. may stand for a middle name and are not unique. When the name appears in news, legal, or medical contexts, it is important to confirm full name, dates of birth, location, and other identifiers to avoid confusion with other individuals named Bill W.
Bill W. in Historical and Cultural Context
Beyond the biographical core, Bill W. as William Griffith Wilson influenced public health, social movements, and addiction recovery worldwide. His partnership with Dr. Bob Smith produced a model that spread across the United States and internationally. Understanding this context helps distinguish the historical cofounder of AA from other people named Bill W. who may appear in different fields or regions.
Key Milestones at a Glance
- 1895: Born in East Dorset, Vermont.
- 1917–1918: Served in the United States Army during World War I.
- 1935: Co-founds Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron, Ohio.
- 1939: Publishes Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism (the Big Book).
- 1971: Dies in New York City; legacy continues through AA and related fellowships.
Interpreting the Name Bill W. Today
Today, the phrase my name is Bill W. is used by members of Alcoholics Anonymous when introducing themselves in meetings, emphasizing humility and shared identity rather than personal prominence. Elsewhere, the name may belong to other private individuals or public figures; in those cases, additional context such as location, profession, or affiliations clarifies which Bill W. is being referenced. Consistent identifiers like birth date, location, and organizational affiliation reduce ambiguity.
Practical Guidance for Verifying Identity
To verify which Bill W. is relevant in a given situation, consider these steps:
- Check full legal name and middle initial or name.
- Confirm date of birth and geographic location.
- Look for organizational affiliation, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a professional body.
- Review publicly available records, press mentions, or official publications when appropriate and accessible.
Summary and Takeaways
The most prominent Bill W. in widely recorded history is William Griffith Wilson, cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Verified records support his birth in 1895 in Vermont, his service in World War I, and his central role in developing AA’s framework. Other individuals named Bill W. exist, so confirming full name, dates, location, and organizational ties is essential for accurate identification. This profile provides a durable foundation for distinguishing the historical figure from others who share the same name.