My Genealogy Hound

Francis M. Russell, one of the most prominent citizens of Union Township, Laclede Co., Mo., was born near his present place of residence, on the Osage Fork, in what was then Pulaski County, Mo., August 18, 1839. He is the son of Jeremiah and Celia (Wade), Russell, natives of Warren County, Ky. The father was born in 1803, and died in Laclede County, Mo., February 23, 1880. He was a successful farmer and merchant, selling goods at Jericho for ten years, and was postmaster at that place. The mother was born in 1809, and died in Laclede County, Mo., May 10, 1876. They were married in Kentucky, and afterward moved to Illinois, where they resided ten years, or until March, 1837, when they moved to the neighborhood in which our subject now lives. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. To their marriage were born eleven children, five now living: George W., W. R., Francis M., Theresa, wife of G. W. Steen, and Mary, wife of Capt. E. McMahan. Francis M. Russell received his education in the country schools, and finished at the academy at Lebanon. He then assisted his father in the mercantile business until the opening of the late war, when he enlisted in Capt. Campbell’s company of Missouri State Guards, but was afterward in Woods’ battalion, Confederate service, Capt. Wickersham’s company, which was organized for Capt. Wickersham by Mr. Russell, who came through the Federal lines to organize the company. He was not with the command any length of time, he being a scout, and rendering valuable work for the Confederacy. He was in the battle of Wilson’s Creek, Lexington, Price’s raid, and was twice taken prisoner, first by Col. Woods, near Mr. Russell’s home, and taken to Lebanon, where he was retained about three months in 1863. The second time he was taken prisoner by Capt. Robert Butts, and was six days in prison at Springfield, when he escaped. His scouting was done from White River in Arkansas to north of where he now lives. His experience during the war was varied as well as dangerous. When the war cloud of battle had cleared away Mr. Russell went to Louisiana, and April 7, 1867, married Miss Nannie Daniel, a native of Shelby County, Tenn., born October 22, 1847, and the daughter of M. E. Daniel. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Russell moved to Texas, but afterward moved back to Louisiana. In 1871 they moved to Laclede County, Mo., where they have since resided, his occupation being that of a farmer and stock dealer. He has been south and west with mules since coming back to Missouri; has perhaps handled more mules than any one man in Southwest Missouri, and during the time has bought over $500,000 worth of mules alone. As a trader he has been very successful. In 1880 and 1881 he was engaged in merchandising at Conway but was burned out, and did not again resume the business. Mr. Russell is now the owner of 500 acres of excellent land in Laclede County, Mo., it being considered the best stock farm in the county. His farm is about three and a half miles southeast of Conway, on the Hartville and Buffalo road. He is a Mason, a K. T., is a member of the A. O. U. W., a member of the Wheel, and is a Democrat in politics. To his marriage were born six children: Mary Ella, Florence Leona, Ida Lee, Emma Josephine, Jeremiah Edwin and Clara.