J. H. Russell
J. H. Russell was born on May 29, 1822, in Washington County, Mo., and is the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Rice) Russell. The father was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., and immigrated to Iron (then Washington) County when a young man. By this union to Miss Rice were born six children, two now living, Jefferson C. and J. H. Those deceased are Joseph, William, James M. and Moses. Alexander Russell came to Iron County in 1818, when large bands of friendly Indians roamed over the country. He could remember very distinctly when Missouri was admitted as a State, and could relate many interesting anecdotes connected with the early settlement of the country. J. H. Russell, during his boyhood days had very meager educational advantages, as the schools were few and far between, but, notwithstanding this, by his own industry and determination, he has obtained a fair education. Mr. Russell has spent his entire life, with the exception of about three years, where he now lives, and remembers when the ground where Ironton is now located was one vast wilderness; when game of almost every kind was abundant, and remembers the opening of Iron Mountain and Pilot Knob – the great iron producing centers of Missouri. He was married in 1848 to Miss Estha J. Carsons, daughter of William Carson, a native of Virginia. To this marriage were born eight children, five now living: William A., Julia A., John C., Mary R., and Amanda M. Those deceased are named as follows: Elizabeth J. (Mrs. Rayburn), James T. and Sarah J. During the late war Mr. Russell enlisted in Company C, of Col. White’s Regiment Missouri Cavalry, but was afterward in the infantry organized in Oregon County, near Alton. He was captured in that county; sent to the Knob, from there to St. Louis, and from there to Alton, where he was paroled. He has been a farmer all his life, and had 600 acres of land, but divided with his children. Mr. Russell has always taken a great interest in the advancement of education, religion, etc, and has given freely and willingly to all. He is a member of the Farmers’ Alliance, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an elder.