From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Page 492
 
WILLIAM BIRGE was eldest of thirteen children.  If one of these was George 
Richmond BIRGE, son of Elijah BIRGE and Mary RICHMOND, who also was an early 
resident at Whitewater, their ancestors were Richard1 (of Dorchester in 1630) 
and wife Elizabeth Gaylord Daniel2, 3, Jonathan4, Hosea5.  William was born at 
Hartford, Connecticut, November 18, 1813; came to Jackson, Michigan, from 
Ithaca, New York, in 1834; with brothers Henry and Leander to Milwaukee and 
thence to Cold Spring and Whitewater in 1837.  Henry's stay was short, but 
William and Leander stayed to build a city.  William married January 9, 1839, 
Mary Alvina NOBLES, whose father was in business at Milwaukee.  Their son, 
Julius C., was born November 18, 1839, the first native of Whitewater.  Mr. 
BIRGE's business activity at Whitewater was an important part of the history of 
that rising village.  He died May 22, 1860.  Mrs. BIRGE was born in 1808 and 
died March 9, 1892.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)