Russell, Henry 1841-1926

RUSSELL, SHEPHERD, ADAMS, MCDONOUGH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/26/2012 at 11:05:20

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; March 23, 1926

HENRY RUSSELL PASSES

In the passing of Henry Russell who died at the home of his son, John S. in Grinnell last Friday this vicinity loses one of its most upright and honored men, a man whose word was always accepted without question and whose manner of life was in accord with the best principles of Christian living. No men have lived here who have borne a better reputation for all that makes a true and pure and worthy manhood and his death is a loss to any community.

Henry Russell, son of Joseph and Antoinette Russell, was born in Salem Co., New Jersey, Nov. 17, 1841, and passed away March 19, 1926, at the home of his son John S. Russell, of Grinnell, being 84 years, 4 mo., and 2 days of age.

When a very small boy his mother died, leaving his father, one sister and two brothers. When he was twelve years old he lost his only sister and one brother during an epidemic of cholera.

At about 18 years of age, he had accumulated enough money through his own efforts to take him to Indiana. While there he volunteered with the 84th Indiana Regiment, and served in the battles of Nashville, Cumberland Gap, Lookout Mt., and other battles of that campaign, until he was seriously wounded in the advance on Atlanta, Georgia.

After he was sufficiently recovered, he was made General Wound Dresser in the hospital service, under Dr. Blackwood.

At the close of the war he was mustered out at Indianapolis, Ind., having served nearly three years.

On June 21, 1866, he was united in marriage with Eliza Shepherd at New Castle, Indiana.

To this union seven children were born--William H. who died in early manhood; Harry A. and Charles E. of Lynnville; Orin C. of Omaha; John S. of Grinnell; Mrs. Lillian M. Adams, and Mrs. Pearl A. McDonough of Whittier, Cal.

In 1880 they moved to Iowa and located in Washington township, in the Sugar Creek neighborhood, where he has since resided until last November when he came with his son to Grinnell.

Soon after locating at Sugar Creek he united with the Friends Church and was a substantial and faithful member the remainder of his life.

The loss of his devoted companion in 1912 was a great blow to him, and though his children gave him loving care, this loss, to him, seemed irreparable. He had been in failing health for several years, but was seriously ill only a few days before his death.

Henry Russell was a man of strict integrity of character, absolutely honest and honorable in all his business dealings. He strove always to be faithful to every trust, regardless of the cost to himself.

The funeral was held at Sugar Creek Church Sunday afternoon at two o'clock conducted by Rev. W.P. Roberson of Taintor, an old time friend of Mr. Russell. Music was by a quartet consisting of Rayford Ratcliff, Roy Williams, Charles Porter and H.T. Gifford. Bearers were friends in Washington Townshp where he had spent forty-five years of his life: Roy White, Lew White, Joe Dexter, Harley Binegar, Merlin Stanley and Ralph Stanley. Burial was in Sugar Creek Cemetery by the side of his wife.