Champion, Jefferson, NY

Sage Biography, Part I

COLONEL ELIAS SAGE

The Sage family is of Norman origin, derived from Saga-mah, the wise man or historian of the tribe. The first in English history is found in the battle Abby Roll. This roll is that made by William the Conqueror after the battle of Hastings, when he divided the English lands among his principal followers in 1066, and is, therefore, of great antiquity. David Sage came to Middletown, Connecticut, from Wales, about 1650-52, with his mother who, after his father’s death, resumed her maiden name. Elizabeth Randall married Mr. John Kirby in 1652, and after his death again resumed her maiden name, as land-conveyances executed by her show. David Sage was born 1639, died 1703, had four sons, --first, David, born 1665, who left no family; John, born 1668; Timothy, born 1678; and Jonathan, born 1680. These last three each had families, thus making three principal branches.

Joseph, son of Joseph, had two sons, Joseph and John. Traces found descendants numerous. There are some still remaining in the female line in Cornwall.

Samuel, b. 1730 (son of Nathaniel, b. 1707), had three sons and three daughters,--Enos, b. 1757, Elias, b. 1759, Samuel, b. 1763. Elias, b. 1759 (son of Samuel, b. 1730), had eight sons and four daughters,--Martin, b. 1784, Roswell, b. 1786, Bernard, B. 1788, Harvey, b. 1794, Elias, b. 1799, Norton, b. 1804, Wesley, b. 1806, William, D.L.F., b. 1809, Sally, b. 1782, Hannah, b. 1790, Elizabeth, b. 1796, Rhoda, b. 1800. Elias, b. 1799 (son of Elias, b. 1759), had two daughters,--Martha I., b. 1848, and Emily G., b. 1850.

Colonel Elias Sage, son of Elias and Elizabeth Sage, of Sandersfield, Massachusetts, was born February 27, 1790. Family moved to Lewis county, New York, in 1800. The advantages of education were in those days very limited, and young Elias received only such schooling as could be procured at the district school. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the trade of carpenter, and house-builder, and finished his apprenticeship when he was twenty-one years of age. He immediately thereafter commenced for himself, by taking jobs, and continued in that business for almost twenty years, with very gratifying success. As fast as he earned any money, he invested it in real estate, purchasing his first land when he was but twenty-four years old, and continually added thereto. Having a liking for agricultural pursuits, he concluded to devote his entire attention to farming after he reached his fortieth year. Our readers can judge of his success when we state that at the age of twenty-one he had only his hands, and the knowledge of his trade to commence with, and we find him the most extensive land-owner in his town, and his home farm one of the finest in the county, as can be seen by reference to the illustration in another part of this work. His home had been in Champion since 1815. Being of a military turn, he entered the militia, when young, as corporal in the Fourteenth New York cavalry. He was soon promoted to sergeant, and step by step until he was made colonel of the regiment; and remained such, with an eminent record, for three years.

He united in marriage with Miss Hannah White, of Rutland, January 7, 1827. She died October 25, 1844. He married his present estimable wife, Emily O. Randall, in the city of Troy, January 18, 1847. Three children resulted from this union; two of whom survive, viz., Martha J., wife of Seymour J. Woolworth, and Emily G., wife of Chauncey Loomis. We find colonel Sage in his seventy-ninth year active and hearty, possessing a remarkably retentive memory and a judgment as clear as crystal. He has been a member of the Congregational church at Champion since 1816, and one of its trustees for many years. In politics he first affiliated with the Whig party, and on formation of the Republican party joined in its ranks. He always takes a deep interest in political affairs, but always declined to hold office, seeking rather the quietude and peacefulness of his home and its attendant duties, and leaving political preferment to those who crave it. (Jefferson County History, by L. H. Everts, 1878)

Transcribed by Holice B.Young

Html by Debbie

December 26, 1999

[Jefferson County ALHN][NY ALHN]