Hiram Gage was born in March, 1802, at Castleton, on the Hudson.  He came to the city of Hudson with his parents when a mere child, was educated at the public schools, and spent the remainder of his life in this city.  His name appears among those who were connected with the public enterprises of Hudson for nearly half a century.   He was a successful crockery merchant for many years previous to his death, he had retired, leaving the business he had so long and industriously followed to his nephew.

     Mr. Gage was interested in founding the Farmers' Bank of Hudson, of which he was one of the early directors, and continued in that position till the time of his death.  He also held at various times the offices of supervisor, alderman, etc.  Of a quiet, unostentatious manner, and rather retiring habits, he was nevertheless prompt and liberal in his impulses towards all benevolent objects or public enterprises calculated to promote the growth and prosperity of the city.

     A member of the First Universalist Society of Hudson, whose welfare he always warmly sympathized, he was ever a cordial supporter of the interests, and one of the largest contributors towards the erection of the new church edifice.  He was indeed a generous patron of many enterprises, and in the family relations dispensed his favors with a judicious kindness which was often the occasion of remark.

     Mr. Gage was never married, but kept house in this city with his sister.  He was a man of strict integrity, honorable and upright in all his business and social relations, prompt to meet obligations, of great firmness and decision of character, and kindly sympathy for those less fortunately circumstanced than himself; so that, while he sought to deal justly with all men, he also loved mercy, and always inclined to the more cheerful and hopeful views of Providence and the world.

     He departed this life on the 20th of February, 1871, and was buried by the Knights Templar, of which order he was a prominent member.  He will long be remembered as on whose upright dealings, uniform courtesy, and unostentatious ability won for him the confidence and esteem of the entire community.