William was born in Groveton, New Hampshire, on the 13th of March, 1868. He was deployed to China in support of the Boxer Rebellion after joining the US Navy and it was his actions as a Boatswain's Mate First Class that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

In action with the relief expedition of the allied forces in China, 13, 20, 21 and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Holyoke distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

William Edward Holyoke died on the 3rd of April, 1934, at the age of 66 and is buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading, Pennsylvania: Section 67A, Row 4, Grave 41.