William Frederick Ferdinand Meggers was born on July 13, 1888 in the town of Clintonville, Wisconsin. His parents were immigrants from Pomerania who made their way as farmers in the United States. The young Meggers quickly learned the value of hard work as he contributed by doing chores on the family farm. In addition to his renown as a great spectroscopist, William Meggers was a man of numerous other talents.

When he wasn't busy devoting his time to scientific research, Bill Meggers enjoyed music and collecting, among other things. He played three instruments - the violin, trumpet, and trombone - and he collected almost any artifact of American culture he could lay his hands on. He and his wife Edith had three children together.