A native of the "Old Bay State," having been born in Franklin County, Massachusetts, on March 20, 1839. He resided in his native county until sixteen years of age, when, becoming possessed with the spirit of Western adventure, he resolved to "go West," and one bright morning in October, took the stage and started westward. He studied law and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois, at Ottawa, April 14, 1866. He was a law student at the time the war broke out, and he offered his services to the Government in the first call for volunteers to aid in the suppression of the Rebellion. He enlisted for three months; but at the time of his enlistment the quota was full, and he went into camp at Dixon, awaiting another call for troops. He then enlisted in Company B. Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out of the service in the summer of 1864, his term of enlistment having expired. He then resumed the study of law in 1866. It will be observed that the professional life of Mr. Russell has been spent in Greene County. His time, however, has not been entirely spent in the practice of his profession. In 1872 he was elected to the State Senate of Iowa, and the ability and faithfulness with which he discharged his duties as Senator, is indicated by the fact that he served in that capacity for twelve years. He was the Greene County attorney. In 1870 he was sent to Washington to settle with the Government for swamp lands of the State. His mission was so successful that a settlement that was highly satisfactory was secured. In 1860 he was one of the five commissioners appointed by the President of the United States to make a treaty with the Ute Indians for the purpose of securing the reservation of the latter. Mr. Russell was married in October, 1868, to Miss Mary McDuffie, a native of western New York. Mr. Russell is a Republican in politics, and has been connected with that organization ever since he attained his majority. As a lawyer, he sustains an excellent reputation, and an equally honorable reputation as a citizen.
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