Jefferson C. Savage

Jefferson C. Savage, (pictured) trustee of Hardeman County, was born May 27, 1820, in Monroe County, Ky. He is the only surviving one of a family of twelve children born to Hamilton and Elizabeth (Martin) Savage, both of whom were born, raised and married in North Carolina. Soon after marriage Hamilton Savage moved to Kentucky, and about 1824 to Tennessee, locating in Hardeman County. He served in the war of 1812. He was a Whig before the civil war, and afterward a strong Democrat. He was a successful farmer. After the death of his first wife, he married Mrs. Paie. He was of English descent, and Mrs. (Martin) Savage, Scotch-Irish. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He died in 1865 at the age of eighty-four. The grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war; by birth a Virginian. He lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and ten years. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm. His educational advantages were very limited, attending school only about twelve months. He was an affectionate, dutiful son; devoted himself to his parents as long as they lived. In 1843 he married Miss Lucy Dean, who was born in 1811. To them six children were born — two sons and four daughters — two of whom are living: Giles M., and Eudora F., wife of W. F. Prewitt, a farmer of the county. In 1878 Mrs. Savage died. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Four years later Mr. Savage married Mrs. Sallie Black. There is no issue. 1862 Mr. Savage entered the army, first in Capt. Wilson’s company, and shortly afterward was transferred to the company of Capt Wiley Higgs of which he was made first lieutenant, serving in that capacity until close of war. Wiley Higgs, 2nd Co. "K", formerly Higgs' Independent Tennessee Scouts, reported during 1863 and 1864 as acting under General Forrest's Command with men from Hardeman County. During all of his active and gallant service he was neither wounded nor captured. After the restoration of peace he began farming, continuing until 1872 when he was called to his present position. He has discharged the duties of his office in such a satisfactory and creditable manner that he has been re-elected eight times in succession. He has resided in the county for sixty-one years. He began life as a poor man, but by honesty, industry and enterprise has accumulated nearly 900 acres of fine land and considerable means. He is a generous contributor to all charitable and religious institutions. He is an esteemed and worthy citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Savage are both consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”