B. Jermain “Jerry” Savage (Partner 1918 to 1952) was born in 1882 in Newburgh, New York. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Williams College. He received his law degree (with honors) from New York Law School. In 1910, he entered the firm then known as Tracey, Cooper & Townsend. In 1914, he left to serve in World War I, and, when he returned, became a firm partner. When Townsend left to become president of Albany Savings Bank, the firm became known as Tracey, Cooper & Savage. When James Tracey died in 1925, and William Van Rensselaer Erving joined the firm, it became known as Cooper Erving & Savage by which is known to the present day.
Savage specialized in corporate law, estate and tax law and was an authority on banking law. In 1941, he was named as chairman of the board of First Trust Company and remained so until his death. He was also a senior vice president of Albany Savings Bank. Both banks were firm clients. He served on many other corporate and civic boards, including the William P. Van Rensselaer Estate Corporation. He frequently lectured on the history of the Van Rensselaer family. He was early investor in television and an owner Champlain Television Corporation.
Savage died in 1952 at age 69.
