Democrat & Chronicle
Rochester, Monroe NY
April 17, 1899

DEATH OF GEORGE SAVAGE

Noted Orchidist and Floriculturist Gone - His Professional Record

George Savage, who for the past fifteen years had been the manager of the late William S. Kimball's orchid conservatory on Olean street, died yesterday at his home, No 87 Bronson Avenue, at the age of 54 years.  He is survived by his wife, Anna Savage.  He also leaves one brother in California.  Early in the winter Mr. Savage, contracted the grip which brought on heart trouble, and later developed cerebral spinal meningitis which caused his death.

Mr. Savage was probably the most noted orchidist in this country.  He had become widely known here and in England by his contributions to the leading periodicals devoted to floriculture and orchids.  He had originated several varieties of orchids and other flowers, and the leading orchidists of England had visited him here and viewed the splendid growth of orchids which he propagated for Mr. Kimball.

He was born in England and when a young man studied gardening and floriculture there, where it is an important trade.  When he came to this country he went to work for the Searight Company in New Jersey, where he remained for about eight years.  Then he came to Rochester and took charge of Mr. Kimball's orchids.

He had not been here long when he began to enlarge Mr. Kimball's young orchid collection.  He got many valuable varieties, and under his direction Mr. Kimball bought the best orchids in all parts of the world, and thereby became widely known among the raisers of that plant.  Mr. Kimball's delight was the cypripedium, or as it is known here, the lady slipper.  Mr. Savage raised some seedlings and the choicest was named Laura Kimball.

No orchids were sold from the Kimball collection, though some were exchanged with other growers.  Mr. Savage originated a very beautiful orchid, which he named after his wife, Anna.  He also originated a yellow calla lily, five or six years ago, which was a great novelty here then, as all former kinds had been white.  It was a unique and beautiful thing.

Not only was Mr. Savage an expert and noted Orchidist, but he was widely versed in floriculture.  He wrote of flowers a great deal, and was an enthusiast in his work among flowers and orchids.

Mr. Savage was a man of very social manners and his many friends here will lose an esteemed companion and a valued friend.  He was a member of the Sons of St. George and the Florists' Society.  The funeral will take place Wednesday forenoon at 10 o'clock at the house, No 87 Bronson Avenue, Rev. Amos Skeele, of the Epiphany Church, officiating.