Biography - J Russell
J. W. RUSSELL, merchant, Nokomis, was born in Montgomery County, Ill., in 1839; he is the oldest of a family of eight children that were born to William H. and Catharine (TODD) RUSSELL. William RUSSELL was born in Kentucky in 1818, and came to Montgomery County, Ill., with his father, John RUSSELL, a native of North Carolina, in or about 1823, settling on land entered by them; they followed agricultural pursuits till their death, which occurred in the year 1880. William RUSSELL, the father of our subject, married in this county, about the year 1838; his wife, daughter of Benjamin and Mary TODD, was born in about 1816; is still a resident of Montgomery County. Our subject spent his early days on his father's farm, and received such a common-school education as the advantages permitted in those days. In 1860, he began life for himself by engaging at farming, and in 1871 he embarked in the general mercantile business at Nokomis, and, by honest dealing and a close attention to business, he has not only been successful financially, but has gained the confidence of his many customers. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, Masonic fraternity and Knights of Honor. In 1863, he married Miss Mattie D. STRADER, daughter of John and Elizabeth (AVIS) STRADER; she was born in Jefferson County, Va., in 1842, and died in 1880, leaving one child, Charlie D. In 1881, Mr. RUSSELL married again - Annie STRADER.
Extracted 22 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1882 History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, Part 2 Biographical Department, page 322.
