Although not a very old resident of this county, Mr. Russell has become fully identified with its best interests, and is recognized as an upright and useful citizen. He owns and operates 120 acres of good land on section 1, in Thompson Township, and is a man who has worked his own way up in the world to a worthy position among his fellows. By industry and frugality he has accumulated a comfortable property, and has signalized himself as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen; one who attends strictly to his own concerns, and performs his part in upholding the principles upon which are based all well-regulated communities.

Our subject is of English descent on his father’s side of the house, while his mother traces her ancestry to Scotland. The first-mentioned, William Russell, was educated in Kremlin College. The mother was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and her progenitors were closely allied to the Scotch nobility. William Russell was above the average in education and intelligence, was a practical surveyor, and owned a farm in Ireland. In personal appearance he was of commanding stature, and in this his son John closely resembles him. He died in Ireland, in 1887, at the age of eighty-six years. The mother is still living there, and is now aged seventy-six; they were the parents of eight children, of whom John, our subject, is the eldest born. The next child, a daughter, Martha, deceased; James and William are farming in New Zealand; Samuel is at home with his mother; Nancy, deceased; Sarah J. is in Arizona; Elizabeth was married, became the mother of two children, and died in Arizona; her children are with her sister, Sarah J. Her husband at one time operated mines for an English company in New Zealand, but subsequently sent to Arizona in the employ of the same company to take charge of their mines in that Territory.

John Russell, our subject, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, May 28, 1839. He was brought up on a farm, and in 1867 was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of William Kidd. Two years later, in 1869, he emigrated to America, and for nine months thereafter was employed in a gas manufactory in New York City. After securing sufficient money to pay his passage he removed with his wife to Ulster County, N. Y., where he was employed on a farm fifteen months. In the spring of 1871 he started for this county and arrived in Scales Mound Township on Easter Sunday, April 1. He was employed thereafter on a farm three years, when he was enabled to rent that which he now occupies. He operated this four years, and then purchased it. He has since been industriously engaged in its improvement, and has converted it into a valuable piece of property.

Six children completed the household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the eldest of whom, a son, William, was born in County Antrim, Ireland. He is now living at Stockton, this county. The others – John, Robert, James, Margaret, and Isabel – are at home with their parents. Mr. Russell has been a great worker, spending few idle hours as long as there was anything to be accomplished. In his worthy efforts and ambitions he has been ably assisted by his estimable wife who has done her full share in the building up of the homestead, and making it the most pleasant spot on earth for her family. Husband and wife are alike deeply interested in the welfare of their children, doing everything in their power for their best good, giving them all the advantages possible, and training them in those principles which shall make of them good and worthy members of the community. Mr. Russell’s first wife died soon after coming to this country, leaving one son named William. He was married the second time to Mrs. Susana Bolton in 1874.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)