Description

His writing was a chronicle of the times in which he lived. William James Savage was born in Norwich, England in 1879. Leaving school at the tender age of ten to earn a living, he mused about life and its vagaries. His writings could be said to be history as it was lived. Most often in poetic form, but occasionally in prose, Savage scribbled his record whenever and wherever he could. Sometimes with wonder and sometimes with derision, his notes provide a “boots-on-the-ground” view. Life could be tough and life could be cruel, but life also had moments of awe. All aspects, the good and the bad, are found here.

Fortunately, the family of William Savage recognized the historical value of these handwritten notes. The originals are preserved in the Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County. Long after Savage’s death in 1964, great-grandson and author, Robert G. Presland, working from photocopies, deciphered the crabbed handwriting. His goal was to share this extraordinary treasure-trove with a modern audience. The result is William James Savage, Walk with Me and it is sure to bring a smile to your face and, perhaps, a tear to your eye. Read and be prepared to experience history.