From the age of 15 to 20 Mr. Russell lived with the Rev. A. Harding, of New Salem, Mass.; then coming to Como, this county, he worked a year on the farm belonging to S. B. Harding; then for two winters he taught school in Princeton, Bureau Co., Ill.; next, he was employed at farm labor until the following August, when he went with a survey­ing party north of La Crosse, Wis. The next four years he was employed as clerk in Holmes & Hap­good's store at Como, and four years more he was engaged in the grocery business with A. C. Hap­good at Como; then he bought out Mr. Hapgood and conducted the business alone for four years, and sold out. Two years subsequently he removed to Sterling and purchased a house and lot on Spruce St.; subsequently built on the corner of Seventh and Spruce streets, which he now occupies as a residence. He also owns a farm of 190 acres at Big Bend, which he rents.

Mr. Russell is a Republican in his political principles. He takes special interest in public improvements and institutions for the public welfare.

He was married Dec. 25, 1851, to Miss Julia T. Sampson, a native of Duxbury, Mass. She came west in 1836 with her parents, Capt. Henry and Nancy (Turner) Sampson, who settled in Como, kept hotel for a time and finally died there. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have two children, - Annie F. and Charles T.

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