William Arthur Barnhill was born in Hope Mills, North Carolina and grew up in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. He spent much of his childhood exploring the forests and waters of the Chesapeake Bay and along the Susquehanna River developing a love and respect for nature. 

Drawn to the regional beauty and the mystery of ancient history, William has traveled extensively through such places as England, Africa and Mexico. He has an impressive collection of pre-historic fossils, world art and Pre-Columbian art reflecting many cultures of the Americas. 

    Today, a heartfelt naturalist, he makes his home in the picturesque central coast of California in the small town of Arroyo Grande.