Russell, Harriett A. (Thompson) 1849-1873

RUSSELL, THOMPSON

Posted By: Audrey Haught
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Mrs. Harriet A. Russell, whose death was briefly chronicled last week, was born in Garnavillo township, Clayton County, in January 1849, and was the second daughter of the widely known Thomas Thompson, Esq.

She was the first of a family of eleven children, all born in this county, tenderly attached and devoted to each other, to be called away by death.

She was married to Mr. Edward Russell, February 9th, 1870, and leaves an infant son, not yet three months old, now in care of Mrs. Thompson.

Having been born here, resided here, educated here, married here, her personal friendships and attachments were of the strongest character. Her father informs us that she was never in perfect health. She was evidently predisposed to the lurking disease which took her off, and from the birth of her boy failed rapidly. Everything that wealth could command, or the sleepless watchfulness of a devoted husband, and other kind friends could do, was done, and at times, it was hoped that the coming spring, with its new growth, it fresh air, its sunshine, its songs and flowers, might come to her with renewing and invigorating effect; but the very breath which came to unlock the laughing streams, and herald natures’ fairer, sweeter mood, seemed to bear out upon it her ebbing life.

The spring is coming; the grass will grow; the birds and the blossoms, the song and the sunshine will be here, but the precious wife, the proud young mother, the loving daughter, the cherished sister, the good friend, in whose presence all these things would have come with an added beauty, will be - gone. It is needless here, where they are universally beloved and respected, to add that those upon whom this dispensation falls most heavily have the warmest sympathy of the entire community.

Clayton County Journal: March 26, 1873

Note: Burial is in the East Side cemetery, Elkader. Another son, Thomas, died in Jan. 1872 aged 5mo.