My Genealogy Hound

JAMES H. RUSSELL is one of Missouri’s sturdy, native-born sons, and has been identified with her history for a period of fifty-two years. He was born in Boonville, Cooper County, March 11, 1843, and was the younger of the two children born to James H. and Margaret J. (Wyan) Russell. Thomas W., the elder brother, is still living and resides in Kansas City. Our subject, however, has never left his native state, and has materially aided in the development of her resources, and has rejoiced in her prosperity.

The father of our subject was a Virginian by birth, and was born about the year 1818. Coming with his parents to Missouri when a mere boy, and settling, with them in Cooper County, he there passed his remaining days, his death occurring at the early age of twenty-five years. He had been reared to agricultural pursuits, and though but a short time a resident of that county, had made many warm friends and was looking forward to a bright and happy life among them. His death occurred in 1843, and was deeply regretted by all who knew him. The mother of our subject was a native of the Blue Grass State, and after the death of her first husband was married to James M. Nelson, in the year 1849. Mr. Nelson was a prominent banker and businessman of Boonville, and by this marriage became the father of four children, three of whom still survive. E. C. Nelson, the eldest child, is President of the St. Louis National Bank, and is very prominent in St. Louis business circles. Nadine is the wife of C. E. Leonard, who is the President of the Central National Bank of Boonville. Maggie, the youngest daughter, is the wife of Lon V. Stephens, State Treasurer.

Jacob Wyan, the maternal grandfather, was the first settler of Boonville, and was the proprietor of the very first store ever established in that place, being identified with its early struggles and energetically aiding in all projects for its advancement. He was industrious and enterprising, and willingly sacrificed personal comfort to the advancement of the public good.

James H. Russell was reared at home and received good educational advantages. Upon completing his common-school education, he took a business course at Jones Commercial College, located at St. Louis, thus preparing himself for the active duties and responsibilities of business life. At the age of eighteen years he left home and began business on his own account, undertaking the management of one of his step-father’s farms. In this position he had the opportunity to display his executive ability, for he had under him a large number of slaves, his step-father being an extensive slave-owner. One year later he decided to remove to Saline County, and there engaged in farming. Here, also, he met Miss Mary Elizabeth George, who later, July 19, 1866, became his wife. Mrs. Russell is a lady of much intelligence and true refinement, and all who have been privileged to enter their home have greatly enjoyed its hospitality.

After two years of successful farming in Saline County, Mr. and Mrs. Russell returned to this county and again engaged in farming. Here they had to undergo many hardships incident to pioneer life, but strong arms and light hearts conquered all difficulties, and made of the desert a blooming garden. At the time of their arrival there were no buildings on the place, and the first one erected was a smokehouse. During the course of its erection Mr. Russell slept in his wagon, and when nearly completed he brought his family to their new home. He tells many amusing incidents that occurred at that time, and says they were obliged to use nail kegs for chairs.

As the years passed by our subject found that prosperity attended his efforts, and added to his real estate until he became the possessor of six hundred acres of fine land, one of the best improved farms of the county. The residence erected was an imposing one, and, unlike many country houses, has all modern improvements. It is supplied with hot and cold water, the water being pumped into the house by means of a large wind-mill. For nine years Mr. Russell devoted the greater part of his time and attention to stock-raising, but has found his greatest success in the raising of wheat.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell became the parents of eight children, of whom six, five sons and a daughter, survive. Wyan S., the eldest son, was engaged for three years in the hardware business at Independence, Mo., and then returned to one of the home farms, the work of which he is now superintending. Louis N. married Miss Belle Eppright, and is also engaged in managing one of the home farms; he has one child Robert Lee, a promising young man of St. Louis, Mo., about three years ago entered the employ of the St. Louis National Bank, being one of twenty-seven clerks; two years later he resigned the advanced position of paying teller to accept a Government position as Chief Clerk of the post office annex. His rapid advancement speaks for itself, and considering the number of clerks, many of whom are his seniors, his rapid promotion can be due to no other cause than his recognized ability. May, the only surviving daughter, is living at home. She is highly accomplished and much beloved by all who know her. James H., Jr., a young man of about sixteen years of age, is a bright and promising student, attending the State Normal School at Warrensburg. George L. is a bright little fellow of eight years, and is the life and sunshine of the household.

Mr. Russell’s new home at Center View is a center of hospitality and good cheer. The host is a generous, whole-souled man and a brilliant conversationalist, and a visitor never forgets the cordial welcome and kind treatment received at his hands. A member of the Democratic party, our subject is actively interested in its advancement and firmly upholds its principles. Religiously he is identified with the Southern Methodist Church, with which he has been connected for a period of over twenty-eight years, and with whose benevolences he is ever in sympathy.