RUSSELL, John: 1864-1953

RUSSELL, MURPHY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/22/2014 at 04:05:48

JOHN RUSSELL Valley Pioneer Dies at Age of 88

Funeral services for John Russel, 88, pioneer citizen of the San Luis valley, and last of the well known Russell Bros., who passed away ast Thursday night at his home in Nortonville, following an illness of three or four weeks, were held Monday afternoon, at 1:00 o'clock in the Presbyterian church in La Jara, with Rev. J.S. Dapp conducting.

John B. Reed, an old friend of the Russel family, spoke on the life of Mr. Russel, relating many incidents worthy of mentioning. Mrs. Emma Newcomb, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. O.A. Garris, sang "Rock of Ages" and "Old Rugged Cross."

Palbearers were Raymond Braiden, Oren Reed, James Reed, ??? Cooley, Alamosa, Me Mon- ya and Clark Hutchison.

Interment was in the La Jara cemetery. Lowe mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

John Russell was born October ?0, 1864, in Richmond, Ill., the son of Charles Russell and Jane Ray Russell. He was the eldest of a family of three boys and a girl, all of whom with the parents preceded him in death.

Death was attributed to old age and com ications. Although ill only a few short weeks, following an attack of flu, he had been in poor health for two years. He passed from this life on January 8, 1953, at his home in Nortonville, at the age of 88 years, two months and 19 days.

Mr. Russell came to San Luis valley in 1881, settling in Conejos county. For many years he was engaged in the cattle business with his brothers, Ben and Frank, and in recent year he was engaging in farming and stock raising in the Nortoville section, where he established his home. He was well known throughout the valley and had many friends.

Deceased is survived by his widow, Elizabeth, and daughter, Mrs. Paul Murphy.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, Page 132