William “Billy” Waters was probably born in New York in the 1770s. Much of his early life remains uncertain, but naval records show that he later served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Ganymede. In 1812, he fell from the ship’s rigging and suffered serious injuries, resulting in the amputation of one leg. He left the Navy with a pension, but it was not enough to support his family. Billy went on to make a living as a street performer in London. He played the violin, sang and danced outside theatres, developing a distinctive appearance that included a military-style coat, decorated hat and wooden leg. His performances helped support his wife, Elizabeth, and their children. Billy became a well-known figure in London. His image appeared in prints, songs, books and on the stage. These representations made Billy famous, but they often reduced him to a character rather than showing the person behind the image.