My Genealogy Hound

Joseph S. Russell, a pioneer of Cole County, and a lumber merchant of California, was born in Cooper County, Mo., near Boonville, on the 18th of September, 1822, his parents being Buckner W. and Catherine (Yase) Russell, the father a native of Russellville, Ky., that place taking its name from the Russell family. About 1820 he located near Boonville, and was here married, his wife having come to Cooper County, Mo., on a pack horse, with her brothers, both her parents being dead. After their marriage they moved to Cole County in 1824, and purchased a claim of a Mr. Burke. This was at Russellville, which place received its name from Buckner W. Russell. He afterward entered a large tract of land, and throughout his life was a successful tiller of the soil. At the time of his locating there were but two or three stores in Jefferson City, and the country was in a very wild and unsettled condition. They raised their own cotton and flax, and spun and wove their own clothing. The father died February 25, 1848, and the mother February 24, 1883. Only one of their two children is living, Joseph S. The latter was but a little over a year old when he came with his parents to Cole County, and during his boyhood days received only about six months’ schooling. After his father’s death he purchased the home farm, and there followed agricultural pursuits until 1877, when he moved to California. In 1855 he began merchandising at Russellville, but during the war his goods were carried off by the soldiers. Since coming to California he has been engaged in the lumber business in partnership with Mr. Bishop, the firm name being Russell & Bishop. He also owns a lumber yard at Russellville. He owns land to the amount of 480 acres in Cole County, and some property in California. In 1844 he married Jane Leslie, by whom he has three children, only one of whom is living at the present time, Catherine, wife of Judge N. J. Robertson. His second wife was Nancy Leslie, by whom he has a family of five children living: Elizabeth B. (married John A. George), Sarah Ellen (married John W. Smith), Gracy (married Reuben Smith), Semerida (married Charles A. Graser) and Frances (married Jacob O. Crone). Four sons are deceased: Buckner W., Andrew J. and Joseph C., died in February and March, 1858, and James D., in September, 1862. Mr. Russell was postmaster at Russellville for some time, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.