Biography of Warren Russell

Warren Russell, a prominent and well-to-do agriculturist of Madison township, who represents one of the oldest families in this section of Somerset County, was born July 13, 1827, on the homestead where he now resides, son of Jonathan Russell, Jr. His grandfather, Jonathan Russell, Sr., born in New Hampshire, February 8, 1765, married Betsey Nutting, who was born in the same State, June 25, 1768. Coming to Somerset County at an early day, Grandfather Russell settled in Madison, taking up land now included in the present Russell homestead. The district was then in its primitive wildness, and the brave pioneers had to keep a constant watch for Indians and wild beasts. By persistent energy he cleared a good farm, on which he and his wife reared their family and spent the remainder of their years. His death occurred February 9, 1843, and hers July 17, 1842. The family comprised seven children, namely: Betsey, born September 20, 1790; Sallie, born January 31, 1792; Lucy, born November 22, 1794; Jonathan, Jr., born October 1, 1795; David, born October 5, 1797; Olive, born October 12, 1802 ; and Amy, born October 24, 1808.

Jonathan Russell, Jr., continued in the occupation to which he was reared, succeeding to the ownership of the homestead which he had assisted in improving, and remaining on it until his demise, November 14, 1844, at the comparatively early age of forty-nine years. He was twice married. His first wife, Betsey Bunker Russell, born in North Anson, Maine, died on the home farm, February 23, 1840. Of this union four children were born – Warren, Ichabod B., Coney W., and Lucy P. Ichabod B., who died March 29, 1893, married Emeline Crilley, who is now living in Skowhegan; and Coney W., who died May 12, 1873, married Phoebe Blackwell, who makes her home with Mr. Warren Russell. Lucy P. was engaged in teaching until her death on March 28, 1859. The father subsequently married Mrs. Deborah Blackwell Longley; who, born in Madison, January 20, 1809, died June 18, 1858. Her first husband, Francis Longley, a farmer by occupation, lived in Hartland, Maine, where he was accidentally drowned in April, 1837. Of his marriage with Mrs. Longley there was but one child, Betsey K., who died in infancy.

Warren Russell grew to manhood on the old farm, helping in labor suited to his years and strength, and receiving a practical education in the district schools. The eldest child, being then seventeen years old, when his father died he assumed the responsibility of the household affairs, and in course of time became owner of the ancestral acres. He carries on general farming and dairying most successfully. Possessing good business ability and foresight, he has acquired a goodly property in this vicinity, consisting of three hundred acres of land; and he is recognized as one of the valuable men of the community. He is a Democrat by conviction, and has served as Selectman of Madison for six years, besides holding other town offices.

On November i 1, 1849, Mr. Russell married Miss Judith B. Longley, who was born October 27, 1832, in Hartland, Somerset County, daughter of Francis and Deborah (Blackwell) Longley, of whom mention is made above. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have four children, the following being their record: Francis L., born May 4, 1852, died April 26, 1861; John, born May 26, 1857, was fatally injured by the kick of a horse, and died April 29, 1861; Coney, born April 27, 1862, now engaged in mercantile pursuits in the village of Norridgewock, was married on December 24, 1887, to Miss Flora Pease, of Stark, and after her death, on September 17, 1892, to Miss Elizabeth Danforth; and Eva, born March 26, 1864, now residing in Skowhegan, Maine, is the wife of Elmer E. Greenwood, a civil engineer, and has one daughter, Ruth, born June 20, 1898. A member of the Christian church, Mrs. Russell is quite active in the religious work of that denomination.

Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.

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