Sage, Russell (1816-1906), was an American banker and philanthropist. He served two terms as a Whig member of the House of Representatives in the 1850’s. Later, he joined Jay Gould, the railway promoter, and made a fortune in railway promotions and in stocks. Sage was born in Oneida County, New York.
Margaret Sage (1828-1918), his second wife, used his fortune in many projects. She left money to 18 colleges, including Russell Sage College. Mrs. Sage also bought 70,000 acres (28,000 hectares) on Marsh Island off the coast of Louisiana, for a bird refuge. She also made bequests to the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, both in New York City.
