Bio of Judge Joseph LaFayette Savage, Cherokee, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/cherokee/bios/savegebio.txt =============================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed and copyrighted by: Pam Long ================================================================================= November 1998 Biographical sketch of J.L. Savage - Cherokee Co., AL Joseph LaFayette Savage was born in Goshen Valley, this County, September 2, 1870. When his father, the late R.R. Savage, was elected Probate Judge in 1880, (his father served as Tax Collector to that date, elected in 1876) Joe moved from Goshen Valley to Centre with his parents- buying the Thomas B. Cooper residence. John P., Joe L. and Frank P. Savage as kid boys entered Centre public schools, learned rapidly and became identified with their town and County quickly. During the early eighties Joe worked in the Probate office at intervals, between school sessions. Business was on his brain and quit school to work in his father's office. In 1890 he married Miss Mary Darnall. Three sons and three daughters succeeded him, to wit: Henry, Robert and Frank Savage; Mrs. I.P. Belcher, Misses Ruth and Kathryn Savage. His wife also survives, as does a brother Capt. F.M. Savage, of Centre, and a sister Mrs. W.H. Raiford, of Tuscaloosa. A host of other relatives are widely scattered. Joe Savage's political career is interesting. He was bested in an election for Centre Justice of the Peace, August 1896, in a political upheaval of that period; and was defeated by the late S.G. Williamson in 1898 for the Populist nomination for Probate Judge, but his father (R.R. Savage) beat Williamson at the general election. All this while our friend was acting Chief Clerk, and even after the death of his venerable father, in 1899, he was retained as Chief Clerk by the appointee C.C. Appleton. In 1904 he easily won the Democratic nomination, and was overwhelmingly elected Judge of Probate. Also won again in 1910 and 1916. He was an exact busi- ness man and was reconed [sic] as one of the best judges in the State. But our subject showed even better in his generous deeds and patriotic impulses. "One-two-three" in every public enterprise Joe Savage was always active. For instance, he was a moving spirit and potent factor in establish- ing the County's first (Cherokee) Bank, in 1906. Gave $1,000 toward build- ing Centre's new Methodist church, spent much money on Ford garage and other enterprises, but his chief achievement was the dynamic energy he expended in securing, erecting and sustaining Cherokee High School. Before the Bill authorizing it was signed by Governor Comer, Joe McConnell and the writer jumped into the field with a petition for subscriptions. Being an innovation to Centre the crowd laughed at us and 'lowed as how it was too big un [sic] undertaking for Centre. We withstood derision until we had emassed a fine nucleus, then-presto! We inveigled Joe Savage into taking the job. Judge Savage soon had $5,000, but Comer said that was not half enough. At it he went again, got $10,000, then decided to build. Mean while he was knee deep in trouble, securing deeds, jibed in newspaper squibs, jealousies, intrigue and repudiation. When we got 'er built, 544 expensive seats and other equipment had to come, meaning $2,500 more, beside insurance and incidentals. [All this time, however, The News, G.P. Smith, Sam C. Tatum, Hugh White, Hugh Reed, Oliver Williams, Bill Lumpkin, Jeff Jordan, Mrs. Lula Cardon, John Hale, Charlie Ward and other public spirits were solidly behind him.] Then, when the enterprise became big enough to stand alone it lapsed into other hands' control, but such is life-and death. In the heyday of his life Joe Savage was a strong character. Judicious, considerate, fine mental poise, he was an outstanding man. Rigidly honest, a real Christian at heart, he erred, if ever, on the side of mercy. Whatever weakness he may have shown was his charity toward alleged friends who abused his generosity. He was actually a good man, a loving and beloved character. We shall miss him, especially when we project any scheme for the public good, and upon each recurring visit thereto we shall drop a tear on his grave.