Benjamin Russel

RUSSEL, TAGGART, BRYANT

Posted By: Cindy Bray Lovell (email)
Date: 2/18/2007 at 13:41:01

Obituary

Benjamin Russel died march 23d 1888, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G. C. Bryant, Benton county, Iowa. Mr. Russel waa one of the oldest citizens of this state. He waa born in the town of Sharon, New Hampshire, Aug. 14.18?9, and was married to Mrs. Mary Taggart April 6th. 1833. Shortly after this union hs moved to Mason, in the same state. Here was born to them five children, two of them dying In Infancy. Franklin enlisted inthe Union army and was killed at Tripoli. Lizzie died Dec. 1st at Waukon, lowa. Mrs. Bryant, the only surviving child, lives in Benton county, two miles from this place. Mr. Russel moved to Waukon, in this state, in 1851, and from there to Vinton, Benton county, in 1870. Mr. Russel, in religious sentiments, was a Universalist, uniting with tbe organization at Waukon, Iowa, some twenty-five years ago. He was a member of tbe Vinton organization also.
Mr. Russel was a man loved, honored and respected by every person who knew him. Truth, and nothing but the truth, was his polar star. He was a man of tbe strongest kind of convictions, and when once formed, he had the courage to obey them against all opposition. He was always ready, and his hand was always open to assist the needy and afflicted. When we say that Mr, Russel was a good citizen and a good man we voice the sentiment of everyone. He leaves a wife a year or more his senior and Mrs. Bryan, his only surviving child, to mourn his loss.
His remains were deposited in West View cemetery, March 24th, I888. Rev. Mr. Prall, pastor of the Universalist church at Cedar Rapids, officiating.

From the La Porte City Progress (La Port City, Iowa) April 11, 1888