1. William1 Russell (William2, ?3), son of William Russell and Mary Henley, was born in Virginia circa 1732. William died January 14, 1793 in Shenandoah Co., VA, at 60 years of age.
He married twice. He married Tabitha Adams in Culpeper Co., VA, 1755. Tabitha was born in Charles Co., MD ca 1738. Tabitha was the daughter of Samuel Adams and Charity Courts. Tabitha died 1776 in Virginia, at 38 years of age. Tabitha became the mother of Arthelia Russell in Culpeper Co., VA. Tabitha became the mother of Katherine Russell in Culpeper Co., VA. At 18 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Henry Russell in unknown, 1756. At 19 years of age Tabitha became the mother of William Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, March 6, 1758. At 22 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Mary Henley Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, 1760. At 23 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Robert Spotswood Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, March 28, 1762. At 26 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Tabitha Adams Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, 1764. At 30 years of age Tabitha became the mother of John Coates Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, 1768. At 32 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Samuel Russell in on Clinch River, VA, 1770. At 33 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Celah Russell in on Clinch River, VA, April 2, 1772. At 36 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Henley Russell in on Clinch River, VA, 1774. At 38 years of age Tabitha became the mother of Chloe Russell in on Clinch River, VA, 1776. He married Mrs. Elizabeth Henry Campbell in VA, circa 1783. Mrs. was the daughter of John Henry and Sarah Winston. Mrs. died March 18, 1825 in VA. Mrs. became the mother of Henry Winston Russell in Aspenville, VA, 1784. Mrs. became the mother of Elizabeth Henry Russell in unknown, September 15, 1785. Mrs. became the mother of Patrick Henry Russell in unknown, May 31, 1788. Mrs. became the mother of Jane Robertson Russell in unknown, May 31, 1788.
William became the father of Arthelia Russell in Culpeper Co., VA. William became the father of Katherine Russell in Culpeper Co., VA. At 24 years of age William became the father of Henry Russell in unknown, 1756. At 25 years of age William became the father of William Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, March 6, 1758. At 28 years of age William became the father of Mary Henley Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, 1760. At 29 years of age William became the father of Robert Spotswood Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, March 28, 1762. At 32 years of age William became the father of Tabitha Adams Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, 1764. At 36 years of age William became the father of John Coates Russell in Culpeper Co., VA, 1768. At 38 years of age William became the father of Samuel Russell in on Clinch River, VA, 1770. At 39 years of age William became the father of Celah Russell in on Clinch River, VA, April 2, 1772. At 42 years of age William became the father of Henley Russell in on Clinch River, VA, 1774. At 44 years of age William became the father of Chloe Russell in on Clinch River, VA, 1776. At 52 years of age William became the father of Henry Winston Russell in Aspenville, VA, 1784. At 53 years of age William became the father of Elizabeth Henry Russell in unknown, September 15, 1785. At 55 years of age William became the father of Patrick Henry Russell in unknown, May 31, 1788. At 55 years of age William became the father of Jane Robertson Russell in unknown, May 31, 1788. William Russell was educated at William and Mary College. He led the first attempt to settle Kentucky in September, 1773. The party was ambushed by Indians and his eldest son and the eldest son of Daniel Boone were killed. The party became discouraged and turned back. He was a Justice of Fincastle County, Virginia. He participated in the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1775. He was promoted to Colonel in 1776. He was captured by the British and held prisoner after the fall of Charleston in 1780. He was exchanged and rejoined the Continental Line. He was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. Col. Russell was brevetted to the rank of Brigadier General. He was an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati and was serving in the Virginia legislature at the time of his death. Russell County, Virginia is named for him.
William Russell and Tabitha Adams had the following children:
2
i.
Arthelia Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA on (birth date unknown). Arthelia died as a child.
3
ii.
Katherine Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA on (birth date unknown). Katherine died as a child.
4
iii.
Henry Russell was born in unknown 1756. Henry died October 10, 1773 in Powell's Mountain, Virginia,
at 17 years of age. Henry Russell was massacred in Powell's Valley October 10, 1773.
5
iv.
William Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA March 6, 1758. William died July 3, 1825 in Fayette Co.,
KY, at 67 years of age. His body was interred in Mt. Brilliant, Fayette Co., KY. He married
Nancy Price in Fayette Co., KY, December 25, 1786. Nancy became the mother of Eliza Price Russell in Fayette Co.,
KY, September 14, 1787. Nancy became the mother of Tabitha Adams Russell Fayette Co., KY, February 11, 1789.
Nancy became the mother of Maria Russell in Fayette Co., KY, October 5, 1790. Nancy became the mother of
Matilda D. Russell in Fayette Co., KY, March 24, 1792. Nancy became the mother of William Russell in Fayette Co.,
KY, October 17, 1793. Nancy became the mother of Samuel Price Russell August 16, 1795. Nancy became the mother of
Caroline Evaline Russell Fayette Co., KY, June 16, 1797. Nancy became the mother of Isabella C. Russell Fayette
Co., KY, January 16, 1799. Nancy became the mother of Mary Henley Russell in Fayette Co., KY, May 5, 1800.
Nancy became the mother of Miriam B. Russell Fayette Co., KY, December 22, 1801. Nancy became the mother of
Catherine Roberts Russell Fayette Co., KY, April 29, 1803. Nancy became the mother of Henry Russell Fayette Co.,
KY, April 13, 1805. Nancy became the mother of Robert H. Russell Fayette Co., KY, April 3, 1807. Nancy
became the mother of Felix Grundy Russell Fayette Co., KY, February 16, 1809. Nancy became the mother of Ann Maria
Russell Fayette Co., KY, February 25, 1811. Nancy became the mother of Sarah Virginia Russell Fayette Co., KY,
October 9, 1813.
At 29 years of age William became the father of Eliza Price Russell in Fayette Co., KY, September 14, 1787. At 30 years of age William became the father of Tabitha Adams Russell Fayette Co., KY, February 11, 1789. At 32 years of age William became the father of Maria Russell in Fayette Co., KY, October 5, 1790. At 34 years of age William became the father of Matilda D. Russell in Fayette Co., KY, March 24, 1792. At 35 years of age William became the father of William Russell in Fayette Co., KY, October 17, 1793. At 37 years of age William became the father of Samuel Price Russell August 16, 1795. At 39 years of age William became the father of Caroline Evaline Russell Fayette Co., KY, June 16, 1797. At 40 years of age William became the father of Isabella C. Russell Fayette Co., KY, January 16, 1799. At 42 years of age William became the father of Mary Henley Russell in Fayette Co., KY, May 5, 1800. At 43 years of age William became the father of Miriam B. Russell Fayette Co., KY, December 22, 1801. At 45 years of age William became the father of Catherine Roberts Russell Fayette Co., KY, April 29, 1803. At 47 years of age William became the father of Henry Russell Fayette Co., KY, April 13, 1805. At 49 years of age William became the father of Robert H. Russell Fayette Co., KY, April 3, 1807. At 50 years of age William became the father of Felix Grundy Russell Fayette Co., KY, February 16, 1809. At 52 years of age William became the father of Ann Maria Russell Fayette Co., KY, February 25, 1811. At 55 years of age William became the father of Sarah Virginia Russell Fayette Co., KY, October 9, 1813. William Russell was a Colonel in the War of 1812 and was active in Kentucky politics. Russell County, Kentucky is named for him. The biography of William Russell from The Kentucky Encyclopedia follows: RUSSELL, WILLIAM. William Russell, soldier and statesman, was born March 6, 1758, to Gen. William and Tabitha (Adams) Russell in Culpeper County, Virginia. In 1774 he joined one of Daniel Boone's expeditions into Powell's Valley against the Shawnee. He served in the Revolutionary War as an aide to Col. William Campbell, fighting at King's Mountain, Whitsell's Mills, and Guilford Court House. In 1783 Russell moved to Fayette County, Kentucky, and settled on land his father had received for military service. He participated in several expeditions under Gens. James Wilkinson, Charles Scott, and Anthony Wayne against the Indians in 1791 and 1794 on the Wabash and Maumee rivers in the Northwest Territory. Russell was a member of the Virginia legislature that passed the act separating Kentucky from the Commonwealth of Virginia. He served in the Kentucky House in 1792, 1796-1800, 1802-7, and 1823. In 1808 President James Madison appointed Russell colonel of the 7th Infantry Regiment in the regular army. He fought in the November 7, 1811, Battle of Tippecanoe against the Shawnee. After Gen. William Harrison was appointed to supreme command of the Army of the Northwest on September 17, 1812, Russell replaced him as commander on the Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri frontiers. In October 1812 Russell and Illinois Gov. Ninian Edwards executed a successful expedition against the Kickapoo and Peoria Indians. Russell held command of the 7th Regiment until the end of the War of 1812, when it was partially disbanded and reorganized. He returned to Fayette County, retiring to his farm. In 1824 he ran for governor but Joseph Desha defeated him, 38,278 to only 3,900. Russell married Nancy Price on December 25, 1786. They had sixteen children. He died at his home on July 3, 1825, where he was buried. In 1825 Russell County, Kentucky's eighty-first, was named in his honor. See Anna Russell Des Cognets, William Russell and His Descendants (Lexington, Ky., 1884).
6
v.
Mary Henley Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA 1760. Mary died 1815 in Cumberland Co., TN, at 55
years of age. She married William Bowen in unknown, 1778. William was the son of John Bowen
and Lily McIlhaney. William died 1804 in Cumberland Co., TN. William became the father of Tabitha Adams
Bowen in Virginia, 1778. William became the father of John Henry Bowen in Washington Co., VA, September 1780.
William became the father of Catherine Bowen March 17, 1785. William became the father of Samuel Adams Bowen
December 25, 1790. William became the father of Celia Wilson Bowen August 25, 1792.
At 18 years of age Mary became the mother of Tabitha Adams Bowen in Virginia, 1778. At 20 years of age Mary became the mother of John Henry Bowen in Washington Co., VA, September 1780. At 24 years of age Mary became the mother of Catherine Bowen March 17, 1785. At 30 years of age Mary became the mother of Samuel Adams Bowen December 25, 1790. At 32 years of age Mary became the mother of Celia Wilson Bowen August 25, 1792.
7
vi.
Robert Spotswood Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA March 28, 1762. Robert died January 16, 1842 in
Callaway Co., MO, at 79 years of age. He married Deborah Montgomery Allen in Shenandoah Co.,
VA, May 29, 1787. Deborah was born in Shenandoah Co., VA September 27, 1766. Deborah was the daughter of Thomas
Allen and Abigail Millar. Deborah died June 11, 1842 in Callaway Co., MO, at 75 years of age. At 21 years of age
Deborah became the mother of Abigail Millar Russell in Shenandoah Co., VA, June 22, 1788. At 23 years of age
Deborah became the mother of Tabitha Adams Russell in Shenandoah Co., VA, June 16, 1790. At 25 years of age
Deborah became the mother of Elizabeth Van Meter Russell in Shenandoah Co., VA, May 7, 1792. At 27 years of age
Deborah became the mother of Thomas Allen Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, February 5, 1794. At 28 years of
age Deborah became the mother of Catherine Branson Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, April 5, 1795. At 31 years
of age Deborah became the mother of Rebecca Williamson Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, May 16, 1798. At 33
years of age Deborah became the mother of Deborah Montgomery Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, June 17, 1800.
At 36 years of age Deborah became the mother of William Henry Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, October 9, 1802.
At 38 years of age Deborah became the mother of Mary Anne Bowen Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, September 25,
1805. At 41 years of age Deborah became the mother of Robert Spotswood Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY,
October 27, 1807. At 43 years of age Deborah became the mother of Miriam Malvina Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co.,
KY, March 20, 1810.
At 26 years of age Robert became the father of Abigail Millar Russell in Shenandoah Co., VA, June 22, 1788. At 28 years of age Robert became the father of Tabitha Adams Russell in Shenandoah Co., VA, June 16, 1790. At 30 years of age Robert became the father of Elizabeth Van Meter Russell in Shenandoah Co., VA, May 7, 1792. At 31 years of age Robert became the father of Thomas Allen Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, February 5, 1794. At 33 years of age Robert became the father of Catherine Branson Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, April 5, 1795. At 36 years of age Robert became the father of Rebecca Williamson Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, May 16, 1798. At 38 years of age Robert became the father of Deborah Montgomery Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, June 17, 1800. At 40 years of age Robert became the father of William Henry Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, October 9, 1802. At 43 years of age Robert became the father of Mary Anne Bowen Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, September 25, 1805. At 45 years of age Robert became the father of Robert Spotswood Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, October 27, 1807. At 47 years of age Robert became the father of Miriam Malvina Russell in "Poplar Hill", Fayette Co., KY, March 20, 1810. Robert was listed as the head of a family on the 1810 Census in Fayette County, Kentucky. In the 1810 Census for Fayette County, Kentucky, Robert Russell had 2 white males under 10, 2 16-26, 1 over 45, 2 white females under 10, 2 10-16, 3 16-26, and 1 26-45.
Robert was listed as the head of a family on the 1820 Census in Fayette County, Kentucky. Robert Spotswood Russell is listed in the 1820 Census for Fayette County, Kentucky with 1 male white 10-15, 1 16-18, 1 over 44, 1 white female under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25, 1 over 44, 1 male black under 14, 2 14-25, 3 26-44, 4 black females under 14, 2 14-25, 2 26-44, and a total of 6 persons engaged in agriculture.
Robert was listed as the head of a family on the 1830 Census in Fayette County, Kentucky. Robert Spotswood Russell was listed in the 1830 Census for Fayette County, Kentucky with 1 white male under 5, 1 30-40, 1 60-70, 1 white female under 5, 1 20-30, 2 30-40, 1 60-70, 1 male slave under 10, 2 24-36, 2 36-55, 5 female slaves under 10, 3 10-24, 1 24-36, and 2 36-55.
Robert was listed as the head of a family on the 1840 Census in Callaway County, Missouri. Robert Spotswood Russell is listed in the 1840 Census for Callaway County, Missouri in Cote Sans Dessein Township with 1 white male 70-80, 2 white females 5-10, 2 10-15, 1 40-50, 1 70-80, 4 male slaves under 10, 3 10-24, 1 55-100, 5 female slaves under 10, 4 10-24, 2 24-36, 1 36-55, and 1 55-100 for a total of 21 slaves. Five persons were engaged in agriculture. Robert S. Russell, age 79, is listed as a pensioner for Revolutionary or Military services. Robert Spotswood Russell moved to Fayette County, KY in 1793 where he took up residence at his estate known as "Poplar Hill" on the Russell Cave Pike. He served in the state legislature, was a Sheriff of Fayette County, and was Brig. General in the state militia. He moved to Callaway County, MO in 1835. His biography from William Russell and His Descendants by Anna Russell des Cognets (Lexington, Ky., 1884) follows: ROBERT SPOTSWOOD RUSSELL, third son of Gen. William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born in Culpeper county, Va., on March 28th, 1762. He was named in affectionate remembrance of ROBERT, the youngest son of Sir Alexander Spotswood, who was killed by Indians in 1755, while in Washington's command. He was eight years of age when his father removed from Culpeper to southwestern Virginia, where he settled on Clinch river. While yet a boy he was actively engaged in defense of the frontier of Virginia against the hordes of Indians that constantly menaced all the settlements. When his father was called to take command of all the troops in western Virginia, he, with his elder brother William, assumed the charge of the family of motherless children. Their services, however, were soon needed in the field, and from feelings of strong patriotism, they both volunteered under Col. William Campbell, who was then about to march in pursuit of a large body of tories. While on the march Robert was detached from the regiment by Col. Campbell, with a guard sufficient to protect the western settlements from the incendiary movements of the tories; which was the cause of his not taking part in the engagement at. King's Mountain. His Indian campaigns were numerous and hazardous. When eighteen years of age, he and his brother William, with a company of twenty or thirty men, went to Tennessee, then a part of North Carolina, and gave protection to the first white men who raised corn on Stone's river above Nashville. Owing to the unsettled condition of the country at that time, and his youth being spent in active military service, his educational advantages, as well as those of his elder brother, were of necessity limited. They were both, however, endowed with fine natural understandings, which, with their practical sense and correct judgment, combined with their experience in their country's service, marked them as no common men. Reared in the storm and trained to self-reliance, they were well prepared to set out as pioneers on the great Wilderness road to plant their homes in Kentucky. He was of an ardent and impulsive nature, and possessed a personal magnetism which made every one his friend. In disposition he was affectionate and demonstrative. Tall and commanding in appearance, he bore strong resemblance to his father; and was remarkable for his great physical strength and activity, which he retained to the end of his life. After the close of the Revolution, he was occupied the greater part of several years in surveying and entering lands for his father in Kentucky and Tenneasee. Early in the year of 1787, he spent some time with his relatives in Culpeper and Shenandoah, and while on that visit, made the acquaintance of the family of Col. Thomas Allen, one of the earliest settlers of the Shenandoah Valley. On the 29th of May, 1787, he was united in marriage with Deborah Montgomery, the eldest daughter of Col. Allen. The paternal grandparents of Deborah were Robert and Deborah Montgomery Allen, who came from Armagh, Ireland, and sattled in tbe Valley, about 1732. Her mother was Abigail Millar, daughter of William and Catherine Du Bois Millar, who were of German descent, and early settlers in the Valley. Col. Allen's residence was in Shenandoah county (now Warren county), and on the Shenandoah river. After the marriage of Robert and Deborah, they lived in or near the town of Front Royal, which was laid out in 1788, and it is found that "Robert S. Russell was one of its trustees," as was also Col. Allen. His settlement in Shenandoah was temporary, as it was his intention to remove to the tract of land given him by his father in Kentucky, which contained one thousand acres, and was known as a part of "Russell's military survey,'' only a small portion of which he had sold. In 1788, he found it necessary to go to Kentucky to look after his interests there, and on his way he tarried a few days with his father's family at Aspenville. The following letter, written to his wife, gives some idea of the danger of such a journey at that period.
ASPENVILLE, October 5th, 1788. MY DEAR WIFE: I write you a few lines to let You know that I am very well, and ready to proceed on my journey. I intend to set out for Kentucky in about four hours from this time. I hope there will be no trouble in the Wilderness. As there are a number of people traveling the road this fall, the Indians are not so troublesome as heretofore. I think constantly of you and my sweet little Abby, and trust that God will protect you both till my return, which I hope will be by the time appointed when I left. Papa and mamma send their best wishes to you and to your honored parents. With my love to you and my little daughter, I remain, your most affectionate, ROBERT S. RUSSELL.
Mrs. DEBORAH M. RUSSELL, Shenandoah, Va.
The reluctance of his wife's relatives to part with her had delayed his removal to Kentucky several years, but in the spring of 1793 he prepared to set out. with his family for his future home. At this time they had three little daughters, and having negroes and stock as well as household goods to remove, the journey was indeed an arduous undertaking. It was, however, accomplished with safety, and upon their arrival on the banks of "Elkhorn," they were warmly greeted and cordially welcomed by his brother's family and by other friends who had preceded them. As soon as practicable they commenced building, and within two years completed a most substantial and comfortable house, built of stone and ornamented with panelings and wood carvings, which still remain in good condition. It was at that time one of the finest houses in the country, the builders having come from Virginia. Many persons came from quite a distance to see it as a specimen of fine workmanship. The site selected for the house was quite elevated, and shaded by a grove of poplars; and they gave it the name of "Poplar Hill." The fine spring which gushed through the limestone at the foot of the hill, was as highly prized as the famous one at Russell's Cave, and its basin in solid rock is the same to-day as then. At "Poplar Hill" their large family of ten children were reared, and from it they all married, branched out, and began life for themselves. Within a radius of a few miles were the homesteads of Mr. Robert C. Harrison at "Elk Hill," Mr. John Breckinridge at "Cabell's Dale," Col. Samuel Meredith at "Winton," Maj. Robert Wilson at "Cedar Grove," and Col. William Russell at "Mount Brilliant," which formed quite a little colony of Virginians. These families afforded a large society of young people, who made it a gay neighborhood. Their social gatherings were frequent, and were enlivened by impromptu dances and other amusements. Many interesting stories have been told of the exploits of the belles and beaux of that day. At all these places upon which large families were reared, very little remains to recall those prosperous and happy days. Time has laid his hand upon all. "Poplar Hill is now owned by Mr. Hart Boswell, who has greatly improved and modernized it, and is kept in fine repair. Gen. Russell cared little for public life. He served as Sheriff of Fayette county, and occasionally as a Representative in the Legislature. He, however took great interest in the military organization of the State, which at that time was regarded as of much importance, and prior to 1810 he was appointed General of the 3d Brigade of Kentucky militia. The following "General Orders," have been found among his papers, and are here given as of interest. They are in the hand-writing of Colonel Daviess, then acting as Aid to Gen. Calmes:
General Orders, 5th Division. The Major General orders that, at the ensuing Regimental Musters, the regiments be paraded at 10 o'clock, or as soon thereafter as possible, and to this end he orders that the field officers be on the ground at half an hour after nine o'clock, and each Major is to receive the Captains of his battalion as they arrive, and conduct them to a place where he may chose to draw up his battalion, when he may order them to ground or stack their arms and be dismissed, till they are ordered to parade and march to the field. The Colonels are ordered to see that no hucksters, or sutlers, or idle people come so near as in any wise to incommode the service. It is the intention of the General, unless circumstances should prevent, to form the officers and non-commissioned officers into a corps in front of the line, and have them exercised in the complete system of field evolutions and maneuvers. The Brigadier Generals will communicate this without delay to the field officers of their respective brigades. By order of the Major General CALMES, JOSEPH HAMILTON DAVIESS, Aid extraordinary to the Major General. September 23d, 1810. N. B. General Robert S. Russell and the officers of his suite are requested to come to General Calmes's house the evening before the muster in Versailles.
General. Russell and Col. Joseph Hamillton Daviess were intimate and warmly attached friends. One of the gold epaulettes which Col. Daviess wore when he was killed, was given as a souvenir to Gen. Russell, who preserved it as a cherished memento. The following letter of Governor Shelby, found among the papers of General Russell, shows that he had still the desire to serve his country in a military capacity.
FRANKFORT, August 12th, 1813. DEAR SIR:--I have been favored by the receipt of your letter of this date, and feel highly gratified by some of the information which it contains; but that the second Regiment of Cavalry should turn out so poorly is indeed strange. I had expected a more patriotic spirit to exist in that corps, which by their organization are selected from the great body of the militia, with more than ordinary privileges. I still hope that they will signalize themselves on this occasion. The Volunteers will not be organized until we arrive at headquarters, unless some event shall require their whole force to concentrate short of that point, and of course it would be improper for me to enter partially into any arrangement. I do not know what General Officers will accompany me, but in any arrangements I shall pay great respect to seniority. When I directed my public address to you, it was under the recollection of your former letters to me, requesting to be employed in the service of your country's cause. All, therefore, that I can say on that score is, that I shall be well pleascd if it suit your convenience to go with me and that I shall be happy in an opportunity at all times to find you co-assistant with the public good and the rights of others, and take pleasure in acknowledging your merits and services to your country. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, · Yr. ob. servant, ISAAC SHELBY. Brigadier General ROBERT S. RUSSELL, Fayette co.
The expedition referred to in this letter was that of Gev. Shelby to the Canada frontier, and whether Gen. Russell accompanied him, or not, cannot be found. After spending forty-three years of his life at Poplar Hill, and at the age of seventy-three years, he again set out as an emigrant. His children felt that their interests demanded that they should go farther west, where good investments could be made. All had either gone or were going, except his eldest son, and the devoted parents felt that they must follow. In the fall of 1835, "Poplar Hill" was sold, and accompanied by three of their children with their families, they once more turned their faces towards the setting sun. It was with full hearts and overflowing eyes that they bade farewell to their beloved home around which clustered so many fond associations and hallowed memories. The trees which they had planted at their first coming, now had branches which sheltered their children and grandchildren. From their advanced years they knew they could not return, and that it was their last adieu. Once upon their way they recovered their cheerfulness, and bore the journey with as little fatigue as their grandchildren who accompanied them. After several weeks they reached Calloway county, Mo., where they found a comfortable home awaiting them. Here they lived, well pleased with the new country yet in its early settlement. From their own doors they frequently saw the wild deer bounding past, and they seemed to live over again their early life in Kentucky. Their children all lived within easy distance of them, and they were happy and contented. Their only grief was that their eldest and dearly loved son remained in Kentucky, but frequent visits from him gladdened their hearts. A few years later the strength of both began to fail, and they deemed it best to give up the cares of house-keeping and divide their remaining days among their children, which they did in 1840. They had both in early life made their profession of Christianity, and their whole lives had been consistent with their faith and declaration; and now that they were full of years, and the "sere and yellow leaf" upon them, they were not afraid, being at peace with all the world and with God. While at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Freeland, Gen. Russell died on the 16th of January, 1842, aged eighty years. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." His aged and afflicted widow seemed as one lost, and could not be comforted. On the 11th of June, 1842, after a few days of sickness, she passed away at the age of seventy-five years. Her remains were buried by the side of her husband in the graveyard at Judge Freeland's, where a plain stone tells that ROBERT S. and DEBORAH M. RUSSELL sleep beneath. Their children were eleven in number.
Two obituaries of Robert Spotswood Russell follow: From the February 12, 1842 issue of the Kentucky Gazette, Lexington, Kentucky.
OBITUARY.
Departed this life on Sunday, the 16th of January, 1842, in Calloway county, Missouri, Gen. ROBERT SPOTSWOOD RUSSELL, near 80 years of age, whose loss is deeply regretted, by an afflicted widow, and numerous offspring of children, as well as by a most numerous circle of relatives, friends and acquaintances – indeed, there was none that knew him but was his friend - he had no enemy. He was born in Culpeper county, Va. on the 28th of March 1762, and in early life emigrated with his father and family to the neighborhood of Abingdon, in the western part of Virginia. Here the subject of these remarks, in connection with his elder brother William, had charge of a large and then motherless family of children – their father, General Wm. Russell, having been called to the command of all of the troops in Western Virginia – who subsequently was transferred to the Continental army, and with his regiment ordered to Charleston, S. C. Here he was made a prisoner of war, with the army there assembled, when captured by the British. These two brothers, under the influence of the same patriotic feeling, volunteered their services under Col. Campbell, then about to march in pursuit of a large body of tories -- On the march, Robert, the younger brother, was detached from the regiment by Col. Campbell, with a sufficient guard to protect the Western settlement from the threatened incendiary movements of the tories – and hence was not in the battle of King’s mountain. His Indian campaigns were numerous and hazardous. When a youth, he, with 20 or 30 others in company, were the first white men that ever raised corn on Stone’s river, above Nashville, Tenn. He married in Shenandoah county, Va., and with his family moved, in 1792, to Kentucky, and settled on a military survey in Fayette county, granted his father for his services as Captain in the British army, under Gov. Braddock, against the French and Indians --- Here he resided for 43 years, rearing a large family, and in the full enjoyment of the confidence and friendship of his fellowmen. During this period, he was 20 years one of the County Court Magistrates, high Sheriff of the county, Commanding General of the 3d Brigade, and whenever a candidate, a Representative in the State Legislature.
In 1835, with all his family and children’s families, (with one exception) he emigrated to Missouri, where he enjoyed uninterrupted good health, until a few days previous to his death. At the age of 30, he embraced religion, and warmly and devoutly, by word and example, sustained the cause of Christianity for 50 years. He died in the full confidence of the promises of his Lord and Savior. His earthly remains now lay in the Far West, and we entertain no doubt his soul rests in Heaven. “Our loss is his eternal gain.” R. Jan. 31st, 1842.
Obituary from The Columbia Patriot, Columbia, Boone County, Missouri, January 22, 1842.
OBITUARY
Departed this life on the 16TH instant, at the residence of his son-in-law, Judge Freeland, in Callaway county, Missouri, Gen’l. ROBERT S. RUSSELL, in the 80th year of his age.
The subject of this notice, although as a mere youth, performed valuable, and distinguished service in our glorious struggle for freedom: He afterwards served several sessions, as a member of the popular branch of the Virginia Legislature. About fifty years ago, he emigrated from his native State of Virginia, and settled near Lexington, Fayette county, Kentucky; where he continued to reside, until the fall of 1835, when, with most of his numerous family, he moved to Missouri.
In Kentucky, Gen. Russell is favorably known, as having filled many important civil, and military stations; and is believed to have enjoyed as large a share of the affection and confidence of the people, as any other citizen in that patriotic State. He died the only surviving child of Gen. Wm. Russell known as a gallant and efficient officer, at the desperate battle of Point Pleasant, and subsequently as the Commandant of one of the Virginia Regiments, during the Revolution.
He left an aged companion, the mother of all of his children, with whom he lived 55 years.
As a husband, father, neighbor, and citizen, it is impossible, that any man could have better sustained these several relationships, as the deep feeling consequent upon his death abundantly testify.
He died as he had long lived, a worthy member of the church of Christ, in the full hope of a blessed immortality. A.
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Tabitha Adams Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA 1764. Tabitha died 1806 at 42 years of age. She married William Campbell ca 1784. William was the son of Patrick Campbell and Miss Steele.
William died 1799 Fayette Co., KY.
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John Coates Russell was born in Culpeper Co., VA 1768. John died November 17, 1822 in Butler Co.,
KY, at 54 years of age. He married twice. He married Sarah Allen. Sarah became the mother
of Jane E. Russell July 30, 1794. Sarah became the mother of Tabitha Adams Russell June 3, 1796. Sarah became the
mother of Mary G. Russell April 12, 1800. Sarah became the mother of Lavinia Green Russell April 14, 1803. Sarah
became the mother of Cynthia Ann Russell August 13, 1811. He married Anne Clay in Chesterfield Co.,
VA, October 26, 1793. Anne was the daughter of Eleazer Clay. Anne died November 3, 1817.
At 26 years of age John became the father of Jane E. Russell July 30, 1794. At 27 years of age John became the father of Tabitha Adams Russell June 3, 1796. At 31 years of age John became the father of Mary G. Russell April 12, 1800. At 34 years of age John became the father of Lavinia Green Russell April 14, 1803. At 43 years of age John became the father of Cynthia Ann Russell August 13, 1811.
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Samuel Russell was born in on Clinch River, VA 1770. Samuel died October 23, 1835 in Muhlenburg Co.,
KY, at 65 years of age. He married Lucy Roberts in unknown, February 13, 1794. Lucy was the
daughter of William Roberts and Jane Johnston. Lucy died 1851 in Muhlenburg Co., KY.
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Celah Russell was born in on Clinch River, VA April 2, 1772. She married Robert
Wilson in Fayette Co., KY, May 1790. Robert was born in Maryland January 28, 1764. Robert was the son of Edward
Wilson and Rebecca Freeland. At 27 years of age Robert became the father of Rebecca Adams Wilson March 9, 1791. At 29
years of age Robert became the father of Russell Frisbie Wilson May 11, 1793. At 31 years of age Robert became the father
of Sarah Frisbie Wilson August 29, 1795. At 34 years of age Robert became the father of Edward Joseph Wilson March 5,
1798. At 36 years of age Robert became the father of Robert Freeland Wilson July 11, 1800. At 39 years of age Robert
became the father of Mary Reynolds Wilson July 25, 1803. At 43 years of age Robert became the father of Celia Russell
Wilson February 24, 1807. At 46 years of age Robert became the father of Tabitha Campbell Wilson March 8, 1810. At 49 years of
age Robert became the father of Chloe Catherine Wilson September 13, 1813.
At 18 years of age Celah became the mother of Rebecca Adams Wilson March 9, 1791. At 21 years of age Celah became the mother of Russell Frisbie Wilson May 11, 1793. At 23 years of age Celah became the mother of Sarah Frisbie Wilson August 29, 1795. At 25 years of age Celah became the mother of Edward Joseph Wilson March 5, 1798. At 28 years of age Celah became the mother of Robert Freeland Wilson July 11, 1800. At 31 years of age Celah became the mother of Mary Reynolds Wilson July 25, 1803. At 34 years of age Celah became the mother of Celia Russell Wilson February 24, 1807. At 37 years of age Celah became the mother of Tabitha Campbell Wilson March 8, 1810. At 41 years of age Celah became the mother of Chloe Catherine Wilson September 13, 1813.
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Henley Russell was born in on Clinch River, VA 1774. Henley died 1839 in Sumner Co., TN, at 65 years
of age. Henley Russell lived for many years at Russellville, KY on land he inherited from his father. He never married.
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Chloe Russell was born in on Clinch River, VA 1776. Chloe died 1850 in Sumner Co., TN, at 74 years
of age. She married Rev. Hubbard Saunders in Virginia, December 2, 1792. Rev. died 1828 in
Sumner Co., TN. Rev. became the father of Nancy A. Saunders September 18, 1793. Rev. became the father of
Elizabeth Henry Saunders September 8, 1795. Rev. became the father of Maria Roberts Saunders June 15, 1797. Rev.
became the father of Sally Edmonds Saunders September 13, 1799. Rev. became the father of Minerva Saunders September 29,
1801. Rev. became the father of Clara Saunders October 23, 1803. Rev. became the father of Addie Saunders August
8, 1805. Rev. became the father of Chloe Russell Saunders January 14, 1807. Rev. became the father of William
Russell Saunders June 8, 1810. Rev. became the father of Tabitha Turner Saunders April 6, 1812. Rev. became the father
of Catherine M. J. Saunders December 26, 1814. Rev. became the father of Thomas Saunders December 16, 1816. Rev.
became the father of Adaline Celia Saunders December 16, 1816. Rev. became the father of Hubbard Henley Saunders May 5,
1819.
At 17 years of age Chloe became the mother of Nancy A. Saunders September 18, 1793. At 19 years of age Chloe became the mother of Elizabeth Henry Saunders September 8, 1795. At 20 years of age Chloe became the mother of Maria Roberts Saunders June 15, 1797. At 23 years of age Chloe became the mother of Sally Edmonds Saunders September 13, 1799. At 25 years of age Chloe became the mother of Minerva Saunders September 29, 1801. At 27 years of age Chloe became the mother of Clara Saunders October 23, 1803. At 29 years of age Chloe became the mother of Addie Saunders August 8, 1805. At 30 years of age Chloe became the mother of Chloe Russell Saunders January 14, 1807. At 33 years of age Chloe became the mother of William Russell Saunders June 8, 1810. At 35 years of age Chloe became the mother of Tabitha Turner Saunders April 6, 1812. At 38 years of age Chloe became the mother of Catherine M. J. Saunders December 26, 1814. At 40 years of age Chloe became the mother of Thomas Saunders December 16, 1816. At 40 years of age Chloe became the mother of Adaline Celia Saunders December 16, 1816. At 42 years of age Chloe became the mother of Hubbard Henley Saunders May 5, 1819.
William Russell and Mrs. Elizabeth Henry Campbell had the following children:
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Henry Winston Russell was born in Aspenville, VA 1784. Henry died 1784 in VA, at less than one year
of age. Died in infancy.
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Elizabeth Henry Russell was born in unknown September 15, 1785. Elizabeth died October 10, 1804 at 19 years
of age. She married Francis Smith January 10, 1804.
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Patrick Henry Russell was born in unknown May 31, 1788. Patrick died 1788 in unknown, at less than
one year of age. Died in infancy.
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Jane Robertson Russell was born in unknown May 31, 1788. She married William
Patton Thompson 1808.
18. William2 Russell (?3) was born in unknown circa 1699. William died 1755 in Culpeper Co., VA, at 56 years of age.
He married Mary Henley in unknown, circa 1730. Mary was born in Creeksea, Essex Co., England. Mary died before 1760 in unknown. Mary became the mother of William Russell in Virginia, circa 1732. Mary became the mother of Henry Russell in unknown, circa 1735. Mary became the mother of Katherine Russell in unknown, circa 1737.
William became the father of William Russell in Virginia, circa 1732. William became the father of Henry Russell in unknown, circa 1735. William became the father of Katherine Russell in unknown, circa 1737.
William Russell and Mary Henley had the following children:
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i.
William1 Russell was born circa 1732.
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ii.
Henry Russell was born in unknown circa 1735. Henry died before 1760 in unknown.
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Katherine Russell was born in unknown circa 1737. She married Mr. Roberts.
21. Mary2 Henley was born in Creeksea, Essex Co., England before April 6, 1722, the first event for which there is a recorded date. Mary died before 1760 in unknown.
She married twice. She married Robert Graydon in London, England, April 6, 1722. Robert was born in Creeksea, Essex Co., England. She married William Russell in unknown, circa 1730. William was born in unknown circa 1699. William was the son of ? Russell and Sarah. William died 1755 in Culpeper Co., VA, at 56 years of age. William became the father of William Russell in Virginia, circa 1732. William became the father of Henry Russell in unknown, circa 1735. William became the father of Katherine Russell in unknown, circa 1737.
Mary became the mother of William Russell in Virginia, circa 1732. Mary became the mother of Henry Russell in unknown, circa 1735. Mary became the mother of Katherine Russell in unknown, circa 1737.
22. ?3 Russell was born circa 1675. ? died circa 1720 in unknown.
He married Sarah. Sarah died circa 1757 in Culpeper Co., VA. Sarah became the mother of Sarah Russell in unknown. Sarah became the mother of Elizabeth Russell in unknown. Sarah became the mother of Mary Russell in unknown. Sarah became the mother of William Russell in unknown, circa 1699. Sarah became the mother of Peter Russell in unknown, circa 1703. Sarah's will was probated in Culpeper Co., VA, 1757.
? became the father of Sarah Russell in unknown. ? became the father of Elizabeth Russell in unknown. ? became the father of Mary Russell in unknown. ? became the father of William Russell in unknown, circa 1699. ? became the father of Peter Russell in unknown, circa 1703.
? Russell and Sarah had the following children:
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i.
Sarah2 Russell was born in unknown on (birth date unknown). Sarah
died in unknown. She married Mr. Read.
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ii.
Elizabeth Russell was born in unknown on (birth date unknown). Elizabeth died in unknown. She married John Roberts, Jr.
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iii.
Mary Russell was born in unknown on (birth date unknown). Mary died in unknown. She married Mr. Wright.
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William Russell was born circa 1699.
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Peter Russell was born in unknown circa 1703. Peter died 1746 in Orange Co., VA, at 43 years of age.
He married Sarah.
27. Sarah3 was born before circa 1699, the first event for which there is a recorded date. Sarah died circa 1757 in Culpeper Co., VA.
She married ? Russell. ? was born circa 1675. ? died circa 1720 in unknown. ? became the father of Sarah Russell in unknown. ? became the father of Elizabeth Russell in unknown. ? became the father of Mary Russell in unknown. ? became the father of William Russell in unknown, circa 1699. ? became the father of Peter Russell in unknown, circa 1703. (See ? Russell for the children resulting from this marriage.)
Sarah became the mother of Sarah Russell in unknown. Sarah became the mother of Elizabeth Russell in unknown. Sarah became the mother of Mary Russell in unknown. Sarah became the mother of William Russell in unknown, circa 1699. Sarah became the mother of Peter Russell in unknown, circa 1703. Sarah's will was probated in Culpeper Co., VA, 1757.
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