William Hamilton "Uncle Billy" Savage (1822-1909) and his wife Elizabeth (Henson) moved to this area in 1869. Because road conditions were poor, they often stocked extra supplies and sold them to their neighbors. Their store became the center of the Savage community, 2.5 miles east. The village had a doctor, blacksmith, cotton gin, stores, school, church, and a post office established in 1891. Savage began to decline after World War I (1917-18) when construction of new roads in the area bypassed it. Annual reunion activities are held in Leonard, 3 miles southwest.