1874 Baptism
Feige, William Ernst
8 Aug 1874
Son of Charles Feige and Grace Bagard
Witnesses:
none
Source / record details
ZION'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS - BIRTHS AND BAPTISMS, 1860-1923
1874 Birth
Pittsfield Birth Records 1844-1938 found at the Berkshire Anthenaeum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Feige, William 27 June 1874 M
s/ o Charles soda water maker
b. Germany
Grace Bregard
b. Pittsfield
V 3 P 31
William Feige, b. June 27, 1874, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
father - Charles, soda water maker, b. Germany
mother - Grace Bregard, b. Pittsfield
Massachusetts, Town Clerk... Towns Records, 1579-2001BerkshirePittsfieldBirths 1871-1888 vol 3
familysearch.org
1880 West St., Pittsfield, MA
Charles Feige, 31, bottles soda and lager, b. Germany
Grace, 27, keeping house, b. MA
William E., son, 6, at school, b. MA
Jessie M., daughter, 3, b. MA
Lilian, daughter, 2, b. MA
William H. Johnson, boarder, 50, bottler of soda, b. NY
David Johnson, boarder, 18, work in soda water shop, b. MA
John Barnes, boarder, 19, work in soda water shop, b. NY
Ida Thomas, servant, 18, ast. house keeper, b. NY
1893 North Adams, Berkshire, Massachusetts
William Feige, shoemaker, 28 E. Brooklyn, Year: 1893
Source / record details
Adams and North Adams, Massachusetts Directories, 1887, 1889-90, 1890-93
1896 Marriage / PartnerWilliam Ernest FEIGE and Margaret E KELLY 14 July 1896, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA
He was 22 years old.
1896 - A small reception was given Mr. and Mrs. William Feige last evening at their home on East Brooklyn street. The evening was passed with various amusements and refreshments were served, making the occasion a pleasant one.
Source / record details
The North Adams Daily Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
Wednesday, July 22, 1896
1897 Birth of ChildGrace Marion FEIGE was born 3 July 1897, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA
William Ernest was 23 years old.
1900 Central Avenue, North Adams, Berkshire, Massachusetts
Feige, William, head, b. June 1874, age 25, married 4 years, b. Massachusetts, father b. Germany, mother b. Massachusetts, occupation: shoe cutter
Feige, Margaret, wife, b. Feb 1876, age 24, married 4 years, mother of 1 child, 0 living, b. Massachusetts, parents b. Ireland
1901
Feige, William E.
JURY LIST, CITY OF NORTH ADAMS - 1901 - Berkshire Genealogist, Volume 28, Number 4 - Fall 2007

North Adams Transcript, North Adams, Massachusetts
Jun 3, 1901
1902
Massachusetts, Land Records, 1620-1986
Berkshire Deed index (grantee) 1761-1985
Es-Fleming, R
Page 1297 of 2913
January 6, 1902
Grantee: Feige William E
Grantor: David J Gimlich
Location: East Brooklyn St, No Adams
Deed
Book: 261 Page: 497
Massachusetts, Land Records, 1620-1986
Berkshire
Deed index (grantor) 1761-1985 Fasce, A-Foti, N
Page 188 of 2951
Grantor: Feige William E
Grantee: Jacob Gimlich et al
Location: East Brooklyn St., No Adams, lot 35
mortgage
Book: 252 Page: 448
Massachusetts, Land Records, 1620-1986
Berkshire Deed index (grantee) 1761-1985
Es-Fleming, R
Page 1297 of 2913
May 22, 1902
Grantee: Feige William E
Grantor: Conrad Mausert
Location: East Brooklyn? St, No Adams
Right of Way
Book: 259 Page: 297
1903
Massachusetts, Land Records, 1620-1986
Berkshire
Deed index (grantor) 1761-1985 Fasce, A-Foti, N
Page 188 of 2951
November 24, 1903
Grantor: Feige William E
Grantee: William A Formhals
Location: East Brooklyn St., No Adams, Lot 35
Deed
Book: 268 Page: 219
1903
William E. Feige has sold his property on East Booklyn street to William A. Formhals for a consideration of about $4300.
Source / record details
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
November 25, 1903
1904
Feige, Edgar, wks Webers, bds 11 Brooklyn
Feige, George C., wks Webers, bds 11 Brooklyn
Feige, William, wks Millards, h 55 Franklin
1904 - Mr. and Mrs. William Feige have returned to their home in this city after spending the winter in Los Angeles, Cal.
Source / record details
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
Sat., April 9, 1904
1905
Massachusetts, Land Records, 1620-1986
Berkshire Deed index (grantee) 1761-1985
Es-Fleming, R
Page 1297 of 2913
July 24, 1905
Grantee: Feige William E
Grantor: William Burton
Location: Main St Ashland St No. Adams
Deed
Book: 273 Page: 43
Massachusetts, Land Records, 1620-1986
Berkshire
Deed index (grantor) 1761-1985 Fasce, A-Foti, N
Page 188 of 2951
July 31, 1905
Grantor: Feige William E
Grantee: Thomas H Sullivan
Location: Main and Ashland St Ext. No. Adams
Deed
Book: 273 Page: 51

North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
August 31, 1905
1905 - Feige Could Build on Main St. Sidewalk - Owns 11 Feet Beyond Lind - Adams Estate Also Lays Claim to Sidewalk. Might Build New Front On Block.
The recent sale of a small lot at the corner of Main and Ashland streets by William Burton to William Feige, as reported in this paper, brings to attention an important fact, which is that the lot projects into the street for 11 feet or more.
When Ashland street was extended last year from Summer street to Main street a large part of Mr. Burton's lot was taken by the city, but the little piece which has has now sold to Mr. Feige was left. When the city took the lot there was a brick block on it, in which Bateman's market was located, and this was torn down. It will be remembered that this block projected into the street some distance beyond all other buildings. When it was torn down many supposed the city had acquired the front of the lot and that there could be no more building out into the street, but this was not the case, and Mr. Feige's purchase gives him title to the land as far out as the block projected. It is therefore probable that when he develops the property he will
Source / record details
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
July 27, 1905

Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, August 1, 1905
1906 Birth of ChildMargaret Elizabeth FEIGE was born 12 April 1906, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA
William Ernest was 31 years old.
In 1906, Reginald Fessenden made the first AM radio broadcast on December 24th. This event marked a significant advancement in radio technology, paving the way for the modern broadcasting industry.
1913 Birth of ChildDoris Mary FEIGE was born 6 February 1913, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA
William Ernest was 38 years old.

William Feige and daughter, Margaret
Thanks to Diane Balogh
1917 World War I Draft Registration
Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts, living with wife, Mrs. Margaret Feige. He has brown eyes and gray hair. He is tall with a slender build.
1920 Purchase Street, Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts
Feige, William E., head, rents home, age 45, b. Massachusetts, parents b. Massachusetts, foreman in shoe factory
Feige, Margaret E., wife, age 43, b. Massachusetts, parents b. Ireland
Feige, Margaret E., daughter, 13, b. Massachusetts
1921 Who's Who in the Invention World?
Patents Issued January 4, 1921
Leather - Finishing Machine. William E. Feige, Milford, Mass.
Title American Review of Shoes and Leather, Volumes 35-38
Published 1920
Original from the New York Public Library
Digitized Apr 28, 2011
Page 17

1921 - Brothers Will Start Factory
Former Local Young Men Getting Ready
IN MILFORD
William Feige Will Be Head of New Enterprise.
William Feige and his brother, George and Milton of Milford, former well known residents of this city, are preparing to start a shoe factory of their own in Milford and operations will be under way in the near future. While this will be their first venture into the manufacturing of shoes, all three have had much experience in the making of shoes, having learned practically all branches of the business during many years of employment in various capacities in shoe shops in this city, Milford and elsewhere and are admirably equipped for conducting a factory of their own.
Source / record details
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
Thurs., June 16, 1921

Patent
US 1365389 A
Publication number US1365389 A
Publication type Grant
Publication date Jan 11, 1921
Filing date Feb 26, 1920
Priority date Feb 26, 1920
Inventors Feige William E.
Original Assignee Feige William E
www.google.com/ patents/ US1365389
1922 North Adams
W. E. FEIGE AND Co. - Fine custom made shoes for crippled or normal feet, to your order and measurements. Drop postal and I will call with samples. C. Johnson, 406 Houghton street.
Source / record details
North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
Tues., October 24, 1922

1929 - October 29 - Black Tuesday - Stock market crash - The Great Depression Begins - It lasted until 1941 (WW2)
1930 Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts
Feige, William E., head, rents home, $40/ month, age 55, age at first marriage: 22, b. Massachusetts, parents b. Massachusetts, machinist in shoe factory
Feige, Margaret E., wife, age 53, age at first marriage: 20, b. Massachusetts, parents b. Irish Free State
Feige, Margaret E., daughter, 24, single, b. Massachusetts, teacher at public school
Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1931
Name: William E Feige
Gender: M (Male)
Residence Year: 1931
Street Address: 54 Bancroft av
Residence Place: Milford, Massachusetts
Occupation: Shoe Wkr
Spouse:
Margaret E Feige
Publication Title: Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1931
Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1934
Name: William E Feige
Gender: M (Male)
Residence Year: 1934
Street Address: 54 Bancroft av
Residence Place: Milford, Massachusetts
Occupation: Shoe Wkr
Spouse:
Margaret E Feige
Publication Title: Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1934

1934 - The metal beverage can is invented (American Can Co., United States)
Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1936
Name: William E Feige
Gender: M (Male)
Residence Year: 1936
Street Address: 54 Bancroft av
Residence Place: Milford; Hopedale, Massachusetts
Occupation: Shoe Wkr
Spouse:
Margaret E Feige
Publication Title: Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1936
Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1939
Name: William E Feige
Gender: M (Male)
Residence Year: 1939
Street Address: 54 Bancroft av
Residence Place: Milford; Hopedale; Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Occupation: Shoe Wkr
Spouse:
Margaret E Feige
Publication Title: Milford, Massachusetts, City Directory, 1939
1939 Marriage of ChildMargaret Elizabeth FEIGE married 20 February 1939, Newton, Massachusetts, USA to William Vincent MCDONOUGH
1940 Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts
Name: William E Feige
Age: 65
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1875
Gender: Male
Race: White
BirthPlace: Massachusetts
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts
Street: Bancroft Avenue
House Number: 54
Farm: No
Inferred Residence in 1935: Milford, Worcester, Massachusetts
Residence in 1935: Same House
Sheet Number: 62A
Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 155
Household Members:
Name Age
William E Feige 65
Margaret E Feige 64
Death
Name: William Ernest Feige
Death Date: 1940
Death Place: Milford, Massachusetts, USA
Volume Number: 62
Page Number: 91
Index Volume Number: 95
Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.
Original data: Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Massachusetts Vital Records Index to Deaths [1916–1970]. Volumes 66–145. Facsimile edition. Boston, MA: New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
Funeral
William E. Feige
MILFORD, Dec. 19. - Funeral servies for William E. Feige, 66, of 55 Bancroft avenue, will be tomorrow at 10 in Trinity Episcopal Church. Rev. John P. Moulton will officiate. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in North Adams.
Mr. Feige was born in Pittsfield and had been a resident here more than 30 years. He was employed as a shoeworker in Worcester. Surviving ar his wife, Mrs. Margaret E. Feige; a daughter, Mrs. Maragaret McDonough of West Medford; two brothers, George of Millis and Edward of Shelburne Falls, and two sister, Mrs. Charles Slade of Samford, Vt. and Mrs. Albert Gutterson of New York.
Funeral Director C. Marshall Heroux is in charge.
Source / record details
The Evening Gazette The Evening Post
Worcester, Massachusetts
December 19, 1940
Obituary
Shelburne Falls News
William Feige Succumbs in Milford Hospital
Word has been received of the death of William Feige, brother of Edward C. Feige of Clement street, in the Milford hospital. Mr. Feige had been a frequent visitor at the home of his brother and sister-in-law in Shelburne Falls. Committal services will be held in North Adams on Friday.
Source / record details
North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
December 19, 1940
Social Security Death Claim
Name: William E Feige
SSN: 018051061
Birth Date: 27 Jun 1874
Birth Place: Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Death Date: 17 Dec 1940
Claim Date: 31 Dec 1940
Type of Claim: Death Claim
Notes: 19 Mar 1976: Name listed as WILLIAM E FEIGE

William Feige and grandson, Billy, 1940
Thanks to Diane Balogh

William Feige and grandson, Billy, 1940
Thanks to Diane Balogh

Photo taken by us
Questions, Corrections & New Information
Ask a question or share a correction, source, or new detail about William Ernest FEIGE.
When possible, include names, dates, places, and sources so the information is easier to verify.