William Little was born on 7 February 1839 in Cumberland, Cumbria, England.

[1] He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1851, arriving at Corio Bay when he was twelve years old.

[1][2] As Mayor, on Arbour Day 1890, he added 1,250 trees to Victoria Park.

[1] He also served as a lay preacher in the Wesleyan Church, and he was a Freemason.

[1] He also published short stories, an essay, historical articles and guidebooks.