This wonderful man was born at Verona, Oneida County, New York, over
sixty years ago. In early life, he determined to earn all that he could,
and spend less than he earned. When he arrived at the age of fifteen, he
removed to Troy, and entered the grocery store of one of his brothers.
Until eighteen years of age he remained here as a clerk when he had
saved money enough to buy an interest in another store of which another
brother was proprietor. Here he remained several years in successful
trade, when the partnership was dissolved. He next turned his attention
to the wholesale trade, dealing in grain, flour, pork, beef, etc., the
most of these ventures proving successful.
His towns' people, recognizing his business ability elected him alderman
for seven years, and later, treasurer of Rensselaer county. His fidelity
in these trusts won for him a seat in Congress, and he was re-elected by
an increased majority, serving both terms with great credit to himself
and party.
In 1860, he had succeeded so well that he could show $200,000 on the
credit side of his bank account. Seeking new fields to conquer, he
naturally gravitated to the money centre, New York. Since that time
Russell Sage has been as favorably known in Wall street as any broker in
the country. He occupies an office in the same building with Gould, and
scores of the leading spirits, with whom he mingles daily. He attends
strictly to business, and never even smokes. Mr. Sage deals in
everything which he deems "an investment,"--banks, railroad stock, real
estate, all receive his attention. He is a very cautious operator, and
cannot, by any possible means, be induced into a "blind pool." He has,
however, been very successful in the "street," and it is said has built
over three thousand miles of railroad. Russell Sage might easily be
mistaken for a church deacon, instead of the keen operator that he is.
However, no one in the "street" will give away "points" to his friends
sooner than he. The _Troy Times_ once mentioned several people who said
that Mr. Sage had pointed out to them investments, of which they could
never have known but for him, each investment having yielded them
thousands of dollars. He often gives friends the benefit of his splendid
opportunities, which makes him a general favorite among all brokers. Mr.
Sage enjoys the confidence and friendship of some of the leading
operators, among whom are Jay Gould.
He is a man of marked ability, and honesty. He never fails to meet any
of his obligations, nor will he allow others to neglect theirs. Of
course, he is careful what he agrees to do, but always does just as he
agrees, regardless of cost. For this reason he is known in Wall street
as "Old Integrity." Russell Sage is a shrewd, close calculator, and is
worth many millions, the result of improving his opportunities. He is a
consistent member of the Evangelical Church, and is very charitable.
Long may such men live, for we have many worse.