Gage, Nelson William, Sr

Nelson W. Gage, Sr. - Altamont Enterprise - August 7, 1936

Birth

Nelson William Gage, Sr was born September 10, 1864 in the Town of Knox, Albany, NY, the son of Hiram Gage. His siblings were:

• Baron White Gage
• Roba Frances Gage Osborn, Tarrytown, NY
• Alice C. Gage Baker, New York

Marriage & Children

Nelson W. Gage, Sr. married Rose H. Elliott on Decmber 23, 1916. Their children were:

• Shirley Elliott Gage married Capt. Wm J. Cronin

• Baron Gage Cronin

• Nelson William Gage, Jr.

Death

Nelson William Gage, Sr. died October 5 or 6, 1937 in New York City, NY and was buried in Lee's Church Cemetery Town of Knox, Albany, NY.

Obituary

Obituary - Nelson W. Gage, Sr., Altamont Enterprise — Friday, October 8, 1937

Nelson Gage, 73, Publisher, Dies Near Delanson

Since retiring in 1931, had gained wide recognition for rare breed of cattle

Nelson W. Gage, 73, retired publisher and brother of the late Baron W. Gage, vice-president of the F. W. Woolworth Company, died early Wednesday morning (October 6, 1937) at "Westwind," his home on Delanson, R. D. 3, after a four day illness.

Mr. Gage was born in the town of Knox, the son of Hiram and Mercy White Gage. Mr Gage, in 1892, founded the Gage Publishing Company, and for some time conducted a branch of the publishing business in Delanson. We served as its president until retiring in 1931.

He also received wide recognition for his herd of pure bred red-and-white Holstein cattle, the only owner of a herd of this type in the nation. In explaining this species of cow, Mr. Gage commented recently: "Except for color, they're just ordinary cows - no more milk and no less, no better grade milk and no worse than the average Holstein's"

Maintenance of this breed has just been a hobby of the retired publisher, yet he spent hundreds of dollars a year keeping up this hobby.

Explaining the origin of the breed, Mr. Gage said recently: "It started a long time ago in Germany and Holland. The original Holstein-fresian breed was a lowland breed. For lack of muscle exercises and hardy highland feed, it was a scrawny breed. The breeders were anxious about the condition... So they appointed a commission to go into the Swiss highlands and purchase highland bulls with which to strengthen the strain. In the high valley of Simme, such bulls were found, and bought. The bulls were red and white and their strain persists in the blood of the Holstein-Fresian breed today.... I've bought many a red and white which didn't turn out to be true Holstein, but the search hass been worth the reward. I've got, now, every creature in my I can vouch for as to breeding."

Mr. Gage was a life member of Mamaro Lodge, No. ^53, F. & A. M., Altamont, conducted Masonic services at the late home yesterday afternoon. The body was taken to Troy for cremation. He also belonged to the New York Athletic club, Veterans of the 7th Regiment, the New York National Guard, and the Electrical Associates club.

Survivors include his widow, the former Rose Elliott, one son, Nelson W., Jr., one daughter, Shirley, and two sisters, Mrs. Alice Gage Baker, New York, Mrs. R. G. Osborn, Tarrytown.

Altamont Enterprise - Friday, October 8, 1937

Obituary - Nelson W. Gage, Sr., The Springfield Daily Republican,

Springfield, MA — Friday, October 15, 1937

DOG BARKS
by MILTON DANZIGER
Changed Holstein Color
There is a humorous poem, "What! Change the Name of Arkansas?" often rendered on stag occasions with fervor and pseudo-serious implications, which reminds Dog Barks of the man who changed the distinctive black and white Holstein cattle to red and white. This man was Nelson W. Gage, chairman of the board of directors of the Gage Publishing company (electrical trade publications) who died last week at his home in Delanson, N. Y., at the ago of 73.

Mr Gage was the only owner of a pure-bred herd of red and white Holstein cattle In the United States, his was quoted in 1936 by the Associated Press as saying: "I'm the only man in the United States who was darn fool enough to do it." He added: "Except for color, they're just ordinary cows—not more milk and no less, no better grade milk and no worse than the average Holsteins:" He spent thousands of dollars on his hobby, which he began 18 years ago by advertising in agricultural papers for red and white Holsteins. Holsteins are almost always black and white.

The Springfield Daily Republican, Springfield, MA - October 15,1937

CATTLE BREEDER DIES

(By The Associated Press)

New York, Oct. 6. - Nelson W. Gage, 73 years old, chairman of the board of Gage Publishing Company and noted as a breeder of blooded cattle, died Tuesday (October 5, 1937) at his home in Delanson, N. Y.

Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA) - Thursday, October 7, 1937

Additional Media

In Memoriam

AUTUMN AT WEST WIND FARMS

As Mother Nature with her seasonal helper Jack Frost once, again turns field and forest into a colorful spectacle, I turn my thoughts back to some four years ago this month.

At this time, one of our tried and true friends was taken from out midst. I am writing in memory of this grand old gentleman, a publisher and diversified farmer. Mot only does this time of year bring back deep sorrow to us, but also a memory of his efforts to beautify his fields and woodlands which he so relentlessly and enthusiastically carried out. About this time of year of before, one would usually find him with some of his men afield on his Bozenkill farm trimming and beautifying nature's offering, the trees. His interest was centered on the stately elm but waned scarcely little even to the scantily foliaged and spindling sumac in its place in fence row or picturesque hedge line.

So as we come into this autumnal splendor, I can not help but think how faithfully this cultured gentleman and nature worked together at this time of year.

Thus as it was God's will to take him, it seems that he went to rest beholding and admiring the things he cared for so much, the trees, in all their splendor, each trying to excel the other in contrasting colors and beauty so capably carried out by Mother Nature, and the relentless efforts of a man to keep them trimmed and shapely, by name, Nelson W. Gage.

-Kenneth Barber

Altamont Enterprise - October 24, 1941

Nelson W. Gage of Delanson, N. Y., says he has a herd of pure-bred red-and-white Holstein cattle because he is "the only man in the United States who was darn fool enough to do it.

Evansville Courier and Press (Evansville, IN) - Wednesday, August 12, 1936

Legal Notice

STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF ALBANY
ORION CRONIN HYSON, DEIRDRE CRONIN; JEN LAN BOYER. JO LAN CRONIN-BATES. DARROW CRONIN, MORRISSEY GAGE, ADAM GAGE, NELSON GAGE III, and. GABRIELLE GAGE; Plaintiffs, against BARRON CRONIN, Defendant.

NOTICE TO LIENORS TO
PRESENT CLAIMS
Index No. 1485-88
R.J.I. No. 0188 013489
Assigned Judge:
Hon. Harold J. Hughes.

To all creditors having liens on the undivided share or interest of any party to the above action;

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that any person not a party to the above entitled action, who has a lien upon any undivided share or interest in the property hereinafter described, is required to appear before the undersigned, the Referee appointed under Section 913 of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, by an Order filed in the office of the Clerk of the County of Albany, on the 9th day of December, 1988, at the office of the said Referee, Frank J;. Williams, Jr., Esq , at 342 Hamilton Street, in the City of Albany, State of New York, on or before the 20th day of April, 1989, at ten o'clock a.m. (10:00 a. m.), and to specify the nature of such lien or encumbrance, and the dates thereof respectively, and to bring with him his books, records and papers relevant thereto, and prove his lien and claim and the true amount due, or to become due by reason thereof.

The premises described in the Complaint are as follows:

This Indenture, made the ninth day of October in the year One thousand nine hundred; and twenty-two Between Nelson W. Gage of 461 Eighth Ave, New York, N.Y., party of the first part, and Rose H Gage, of 461 Eighth Ave., New York, NY , party of the second part Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part in consideration of the sum of One dollar and other good and valuable consideration lawful money of the United States, paid by the party of the second part does hereby grant and release unto the said party of the second part her heirs and assigns forever,

All that tract or parcel of land; situate in the town of Knox, County of Albany, and State of New York, and being parts of lots numbers 69, 70, 75 and 76, as laid down on a map of the Manor of Rensselaerwick, made by Jacob Winnie, bounded and described as follows, viz: Bounded on the north by lands lately owned and occupied by Simpson Wilber, deceased, and Hiram Gage, deceased; on the East by lands lately owned and occupied by the said Hiram Gage and Perry G. Cornell, deceased, and Resolve Cornell, deceased; on the South by lands lately owned and occupied by the said Resolve Cornell, Perry G. Cornell and Jonathan D. Wood, deceased, and on the west by lands now owned and occupied by Andrew Miller, Christian Saddlemi (Saddlemire?) and one MacGregor, containing about two hundred forty acres of land, more or less, hereby conveying and intending to convey the same lands and premises described in a deed from Calvin A. Gardner, and wife to Fayette C. Wyman, party of the first part : herein, dated March 29, 1895, and recorded in the Albany County Clerk's Office on the 29th day of May, 1895, in Book No. 451 of Deeds, page 422, from which deed the foregoing description is taken, and being the same premises described in a deed from Fayette C. Wyman to Nelson W. Gage, party of the first part herein, dated the 24th day of June, 1918, and at present unrecorded,

Together with the appurtenances and all the estate and rights of the said party of the first part, in and to said premises. To Have And To Hold the above granted premises unto the said party of the second part her heirs and assigns forever, the purchaser under this conveyance - resides as follows: at 461 Eighth Ave,, New York, N. Y. And the said Nelson W. Gage does convenant with the said party of the second part as follows:

First - That the said Nelson W. Gage, party of the first part, seized of the said premises and has good right to convey the same.

Second - That the party of the second part shall quietly enjoy the said premises.

Third - That the said premises are free from incumbrances.

Fourth - That the party of the first part will execute or procure any further necessary assurance of the title to said premises.

Fifth - That the party of the first, part will forever warrant the title to said premises.

In Witness Whereof, the said party of the first part has Hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above Written,

IN the presence of John D, White
Nelson W. Gage L.S.
State of New York
County of Albany ss.

On this 4th day of November in the year One thousand nine hundred and twenty-two before me personally came Nelson W. Gage to me known, and known to me to be the individual described

Together with the appurtenances and all the estate and rights of the parties, of the first part in and to said preimses.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above granted premises unto the said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns forever.

AND The said parties of the first part, do covenant with the said parties of the second part as follows: First,That the parties of the second part shall quietly enjoy the said premises.

Second, That the said parties of the first part will forever warrant the title to said premises.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the said parties of the first-part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
In presence of:
John White
Nellie M. Hane LS. Minnie D. Williamson LS.
Florence L. Warner LS.
U.S.R. Stamps Cancelled $3.50
State of New York
County of Albany, Village of Altamont ss

On this twenty fifth day of December in the year Nineteen hundred and twenty five, before me, the subscriber, personally appeared Nellie M. Hane, Minnie D. Williamson and Florence L. Warner to me known and known to me to be the same person described in and who executed the within instrument and they severally acknowledged to me that they executed the same.
John D. White
Notary Public,
Rec. Jan 14 10:11 A M. 1926 -
Clerk

THIS INDENTURE, Made the 31st day of December; nineteen hundred and twenty five.

BETWEEN BARON W. GAGE and DELIA G. GAGE, his wife, of the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, parties of the first part, and NELSON W. GAGE, residing at Knox, Albany County, New York, party of the second part. WITNESSETH, that the party of the first part, in consideration of mutual love and affection and of One Dollar dollars lawful money of the United States, paid by the party of the second part, does hereby grant and release unto the party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever.

Parcel No. 1

ALL that certain'farm situate in the Town of Knox and County of Albany aforesaid and described in a certain Indenture made the. 26th day of February, one thousand eight hundred and three, between Stephen Van Rensselaer, Esquire, Lord and Proprietor of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck of the first part land William Gage of the County of Albany and-of-the second; part, known and distinguished on a map thereof made by Jacob Winne as Lot Number fifty-eight, which said lot begins at a Beach stake marked . 57.58; thence south five degrees

East forty chains near a large Elm tree marked 58.59; thence North Eighty five degrees East thirty chains to the southwest corner of Lot No. 55 thence along the west bounds of Lot No. 55 North five degrees West forty chains to the southeast corner of Lot No. 57, then along the South bounds of Lot No 57 South eighty-five degrees West thirty chains to the place of beginning. Containing One hundred and twenty acres of land.

ALSO ALL that other certain farm; piece or parcel of land situated in the Town of Knox and County of Albany aforesaid and described in a certain Indenture made the second day of March, One thousand seven hundred and ninety eight between Stephen Van Rensselaer, Esquire proprietor of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck of the first part, Benjamin Duel and Reuben Russell of Bern in the County of Albany of the second part, known on a map made by Jacob Winne as Lot No. seventy-one, which said lot begins at a White ash tree marked 70, 71, 74, and runs thence North five degrees West forty chains to a Hemlock marked 71 72, 74; thence North, eighty-five degrees East, thirty chains to the norththwest corner of Lot No. 58; thence along the west bounds of Lot No. 58 South five degrees East forty chains to the Northeast corner of lot 79; thence along the north bounds of Lot No. 70 South eighty five degrees West thirty chains to the place of beginning.

Being the same premises conveyed by William Gage to Hiram Gage by deed dated June 1, 1853 and recorded in the office of the County Clerk of Albany County in Book of Deeds 122, page 105, and in addition thereto the forty (40) acres or the northerly one-third of Lot No. 71 on the said Jacob Winne Map. Said forty acres being same property conveyed by Jacob B. Williamson to Baron W Gage by deed dated April 25th, 1900 and recorded in the Albany County Clerk's Office on June 14th, 1900 in Liber 494, page 110.

Parcel No. 2.

ALSO ALL that certain lot, piece or parcel of land; situate, lying and being in the Town of Knox, Albany County and State of New York, being known as lot 55 on the Jacob Winne Map, which said land is more particularly bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at the northeast corner of Lot No. 58 on said Jacob Winne map; running thence along the easterly boundary line of Lot No. 58 South three degrees east forty chains; thence North eighty-five degrees East thirty chains; thence North three degrees West forty chains to the southeasterly corner of Lot No. 56 on the said mup; thence South eighty-five degrees west along the southerly boundary line of Lot No. 56 thirty chains to the point or place of beginning.

TOGETHER with all right, title and interest of the parties of the first part of, in and to any lands lying north of the above described property to the highway.

TOGETHER with all right, title and interest of the parties of the first part and of, in and to the lands lying in the highway to the center line thereof.

BEING the same premises conveyed by George B. Colliton to Baron W. Gage by deed dated March 31st, 1906 recorded in Albany County Clerk's Office May 23rd, 1908 in Liber 494 of Deeds at page 357.

Parcel No. 3.

ALL that tract, piece or parcel of land, bounded and described as follows, to wit: On the East by the highway, on the North by the highway, on the West by lands of John and Ezra Williamson, on the South by lands of Baron Gage. Said land being in the Town of Knox, Albany County and State of New York, and said to contain thirty acres of land, be the same more or less. Being a part of Lot No. 57.on said Jacob Winne map.

BEING the same premises conveyed by Henry Sperbeck to Baron W. Gage by Deed dated December 18th, 1909 and recorded in the office of the County Clerk of Albany County on December 30th, 1909 in Liber 494 page 505, together With the appurtenances and all the estate and rights of the parties of the first part in and to said premises.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the premises herein granted unto the party of the second part
DATED: March 6, 1989
FRANK J. WILLIAMS, JR.
(Mar. 23, 30, Apr. 6, 13)

The Altamont enterprise., March 23, 1989

NELSON W. GAGE EXPLAINS ORIGIN OF RARE HOLSTEIN

Nelson W. Gage, of Delanson, R. D, is the only owner of a herd of pure bred red-and-white Holstein cattle in this nation. In explaining this breed he says:

Except for color, they're just ordinary cows—no more milk and no less, no better grade milk and no worse than the average Holstein's."

Mr. Gage says, he is. the only man in the United States who has a herd of this breed of cow. Maintenance of this breed is just a hobby of the retired publisher, yet he spends hundreds of dollars a year in keeping up his hobby.

Thirty head, containing two bulls, of red and white Holsteins graze the Gage acres, just off the Altamont-Delanson road. Explaining their origin, Mr. Gage says,

"It started a long time ago in Germany and Holland...

The original Holstein, Fresian breed was a lowland breed. For lack of muscle building exercises and hardy highland feed, it was a scrawny breed. The breeders were anxious about the condition....So they appointed a commission to go into the Swiss highlands and purchase highland bulls with which to strengthen the strain in the high valley of the Simme such bulls were found, and bought.

The 'Simental' bulls were red-and white, and their strain persists the better of the Holstein-Fresian breed of today. Occasionally a red- and-white calf emerges. When a purebred Holstein produces a red-and-white calf, bad cross-breeding is suspected and the calf usually goes to veal, because farmers don't know the history of the strain.

Puiblisher-Farmer Gage. has spent thousands of dollars on his hobby. Seventeen years ago he began to advertise in agricultural newspapers for red and white Holsteins.

I've bought many a red-and-white which didn't turn out to be Holstein, but the search has been worth the reward I've got, for every creature, in my herd I can vouch for as to breeding."

But the Gage herd are not "registered." Holstein after all, for rules of the Holstein-Fresian Association forbid the registry of any animals which are not of creamy white splotched with inky black.

I've cut all of 250 animals out of my herd at different times because I wasn't sure of their ancestry."

Altamont Enterprise - August 7, 1936

Auction Ad - Altamont Enterprise - May 16, 1930

Arthur S. Tompkins, auctioneer, will sell for the subscriber at the farm of the late Nelson W. Gage near Lee's church 2 and one-half miles south of Delanson. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER at 1:30 o'clock sharp, the following property:

All cattle negative to blood test and herd T. B. accredited. Red and white Holstein cows: 2 year old freshened August 22, 3 year old due April 11, 3 year old due Jan. 9, 13 year old due May 14, also 7 yearlings and calves; beef cattle: 5 fat Aberdeen Angus steers, Aberdeen Angus bull, 4 Hereford cows; Dorset sheep: 1 registered 2 year ram, 3 reg. young ewes, 4 ram lambs, 30 ewes and lambs: Spotted Poland China swine; 1 reg. aged sow due December, 1 reg aged boar; 1100 lb. work horse Coca, 15 years; 75 buff orpington hens; 5 Himalaya rabbits; 1933 Plymouth: coupe. Terms: Cash. By order of MRS. NELSON W. GAGE.

Altamont Enterprise - November 19, 1937

Shirley Gage, the clever equestrian daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson W. Gage of Delanson, placed second. She rode "Keeto" owned by Frank Colloton of Albany.

Altamont Enterprise - September 14, 1934,

Census Data

Nelson W. Gage in the 1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Nelson W. Gage
Age: 15
Birth Year: abt 1865
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1880: Knox, Albany, New York
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's name: Mercy M. Gage
Mother's Birthplace: New York
Occupation: At School
Household Members:
Name Age
Mercy M. Gage 50
Barron W. Gage 20
Alice C. Gage 18
Roba F. Gage 17
Nelson W. Gage 15

Sources

---