My Genealogy Hound

William H. Russell, one of the leading citizens of White Oak Township, Franklin Co., Ark., was born in McNairy County, Tenn., October 22, 1830, and is a son of George and Annie (Hamm) Russell, both natives of Tennessee, the former born in Dickson County February 7, 1807, and died in Franklin County, Ark., August 1, 1860. The mother’s birth occurred March 12, 1812, and her death, in Franklin County, April 2, 1861. They were married in Perry County, Tenn., in 1827, and three years later immigrated westward to look them up a home. They came in ox wagons, and settled in Franklin County, Ark., and in 1832 erected the first house in the now thriving town of Mulberry. Here they resided until their respective deaths. The father was a son of Lewis and grandson of George Russell, who was of English birth, and was killed in Kentucky by the Indians, while on an exploring expedition with Daniel Boone. Nearly all the male members of the Russell family have been farmers, and became quite wealthy in pursuing that avocation. Lewis Russell was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was at the battle of Horse Shoe Bend. To George and Annie Russell were born six children: William H. was the second born, and is the only one now living; his brother James M., was a Confederate soldier, and died in Mississippi, while the battle of Corinth was being fought; John died in 1854, at the age of twenty-eight years; Mary J. was the wife of J. R. McElroy, and died in 1875. The rest of the children died in infancy. At the age of twenty-four years William H. Russell began merchandising at Huntsville, Madison Co., Ark., but at the end of a few years returned home, and assisted his father until the latter’s death. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Col. Gordon’s regiment, Confederate service, and was in active service until the close of the war. He then returned to the peaceful pursuit of farming. November 11, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth McElroy, who was born in Stewart County, Tenn., November 29, 1842, a daughter of Robert McElroy; she died February 17, 1880, having become the mother of six children: Mary V., wife of J. A. McLane; Maggie, wife of Jesse H. Hobbs; Willie Bell, Fannie, Ida and Dora. Mr. Russell is a Democrat in his political views, and has held the office of justice of the peace for many years. His wife was a member of the Methodist Church.