Richard J. Burdge was one of the most substantial contributors to the upbuilding of Beloit, and he was a man whose name is prominent in its history. He was one of its early progressive businessmen and he had a large part in early civic affairs.

He was born December 28, 1833. His parents came here when he was a child. He was a lawyer, and accounts of his activity start after he returned from the “gold rush” in California in ’49.

He was a stockholder in the Beloit Iron Works, a member of the company’s board of directors, and a trustee in the Beloit Savings Bank.

His outstanding contribution to the community probably was in educational matters. He was an excellent student, and his ability, together with his progressive attitude, shaped the early educational course of Beloit.

He was elected to the school board in 1881, and he served as a member the following 20 years. He was elected mayor in 1892 and re-elected the following year. In 1895 he became a member of the library board.

A politician of marked ability, his sphere of influence widened and he was named an assemblyman from this district, and later he was elected to the state senate. He was reported to be one of the strongest members of his party in Wisconsin.

He died May 8, 1916.