Russell, Ed. 1844 - 1927

RUSSELL, MUNGER, EHRLICH, BUCKMAN, UPTON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Clayton County Register, Thur., 15 Sept. 1927.

Ed. Russell, the youngest of the six children of William and Emily (Munger) Russell was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1844, and passed away at Elkader, Iowa, September 9, 1927, his age being at the time of his death 83 years, seven months and 21 days. In 1852 he came with his parents to Elkader, the family living in the house now occupied by Tony Kossuth. The elder Russell was a shoemaker which trade the son took up in early life and pursued until a few days before his death.

In 1860, when 16 years of age, Mr. Russell, with his brother Milo, left Elkader and journeyed over that region destitute of railroads in those days between Omaha, Nebraska, and the head waters of the Missouri, in Montana and Idaho and as far south as Salt Lake City, Utah. In the latter city he had occasion to make two pairs of white satin slippers for a daughter of Brigham Young.

In the wild frontier he passed through all the experiences now made the subject of melodramas, including the treacherous red man vigilante committees and gold rushes and lucky strikes. It was a privilege to sit down beside one of the survivors of a day forever past and to hear him testify "all of which I saw and a part of which I was."

In 1868, after being away eight years, he returned to Elkader where he took up his trade being, at the time of his death, the oldest business man and also the longest in business in Elkader.

Fifty-three years ago last Thursday, Sept. 8, 1874, Mr. Russell and Miss Kate Ehrlich were united in marriage in Elkader and this has been their home since, with the exception of a short time in the Dakotas and Montana.

To this union four children were born, one of whom, a daughter, Marion, passed away at the age of thirteen. Surviving are the sons, Jesse of Rapid City, S.D., Ransom of Los Angeles, Calif., a daughter, Mrs. Ruby Buckman of Elkader, and three grandchildren, Lorraine Buckman of Elkader, and Orlo and Ruth Russell of Rapid City. One sister, Mrs. John Upton of Elkader, also survives.

Mr. Russell was faithful and loyal in his home, a kind neighbor, always ready and willing to render a favor when needed. He never knowingly offended anyone, always living a honorable and moral life.

The funeral was from the Congregational church Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Albert S. Kilbourn officiating. The interment was in the family lot in the East Side cemetery.