William Burnell was born about 1605 in Kingswinford, co. Stafford, England. He signed a will on 16 Apr 1660 and died between 16 Apr 1660 and 12 Jul 1660 in Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts. His estate inventory was taken on 12 Jul 1660. He was married to Mary about 1642 in Boston First Church, Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts.

Mary died on 16 Nov 1645 in Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts. Children were:

i. Elizabeth Burnell was born about 1643 in Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts. She was baptized on 18 Jun 1643 in Boston First Church, Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts.
ii. John Burnell.
iii. Samuel Burnell.