The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-01-29

came route agent on the Rome & Water
ton in the Oneida Central Bank of Rome
at salary of 500 per year, and re-
mained with the bank eighteen months.
was engaged as bookkeeper by a lumber
firm. His duties as bookkeeper, however,
comprised the driving OF one of the teams
belonging to the firm and loading and un-
loading lumber. He also acted for time
as night watchman. While he was thus
engaged he was offered the position of
bookkeeper of the Merchants Saving.
Loan and Trust Company. and this was
the actual beginning of his career as
banker. In the spring of 1860 he had
worked his way up to the position of as
sistant cashier. and later to that of cash
ier, which he held until 1868. when he left
the Merchants Saving. Loan and Trust
Company to accept a similar position with
the First National Bank. with which insti-
tuition he has been identified until the pres
The old charter of the bank expired in
1882, and on its reorganization he was
ger. About this time. his financial ability
was paid a high compliment by his election
to the presidency of the American Bank
ers' Association. On Jan. "a. 1891, he was
elected president of the First National
Bank. and still holds that position:
Mr. Gage was prominent in all OF the
success. and was one of the four men-J.
j. p. Odell. Writ Dexter and j. w Doane
being the others-who practically guaran-
teed that Chicago would carry out its
pledge of raising $4,000, 600 for the buildings
of the fair. He was for a time president
of the local board of directors but on his
election to the presidency of the bank he
was compelled 10 resign this office. He re-
fused any remuneration for all the time he
had spent as president of the local world s
fair directors, although a handsome salary
had been voted for the position.
Mr.. Gage has been twice married his
| Little Falls, N. Y. whom he married in
| 1864 She died in 1874. and in 1887 he mar
ried Cornelia. Gage. of Denver; Col; He Is
| League Clubs of Chicago. and personally
| is "A very popular man. He is democratic
in his manners. pleasant and and affabie and
No other house in Chicago at all re-
sembles the home at No. 47o North State
| street. where Mr. and Mrs. Gage have
| the largest residences on the North Side,
| and even among the expensive and mod
bors it is imposing. Doric pillars sup
| port the high-roofed verardas. and lions
| heads. carved in black walnut. look down
| from the heavy front doors-each with a
| great brass ring in It's jaws initiating
| old-fashioned knockers. At the front of the
house a high tower overlooks the houses
| for several blocks around The interior OF
| the house is remarkable for the ponderous
carvings of black walnut over the doors
and windows. and for the high. winding
| stairs. which also are heavy with carved
walnut. The high ceiling of the lower
| story would suffice for two modern stories.
| Mrs LYMAN j. Gage is charming. gray gray
| familiar to people outside her own large
| circle of friends than are her features.
Although under a mass of beautiful gray
| hair. her face, like her husbands, Is as
| devoid of wrinkles and marISs or worry
as many woman much younger In years.
| Before her marriage to MIR. Gage she and
| her daughter. who is now Mrs L. f. Pierce.
of Barry avenue. Lakeview. haG spent
| much of their time travelling. and with
| the additional culture that comes from
wide reading Mrs. Gage is a delightful
conversationalst.
In a quiet way Mr.. and Mrs. Gage are
| noted as entertainers. Whist Is Mr. Cages
! greatest evening amusement and the game
| is just as popular with his wife. Both are
frequently seen at the theaterS. Mrs.
Gage is not a member of any club, nor is
| she particularly interested in the new
| woman. She and her husband are members
| and regular attendants the Central
| Church. with which they became associated
| under the pastorate OF Professor Swing.
| Both lovers OF good music, but neither
| has ever learned to play.
| When the next secretary of the treas
ury caught the bicycle fever last summer
he carried his new machine along with
| him TO Saratoga, where he LEANED TO ride
| without fear of having his falls illustrated
| by newspaper artists. Previously he had
| driven a great deal with Mrs. Gage after
| banking hours and s.lsHl,. on their return
| Mrs. Gage was compelled to follow her
| husbands wheel IN brouglam, she de-
| cided that she had contracted the bicycle
| fever also. II was too late in the season
| to learn. however, and SO Mrs. Gage post
| ponde the first lesson till next spring.