September 8, 1980. Russell Residents voted for a major tax increase in support of their schools at the polls approving an Enrichment Tax by 183 - 88.
September 8, 1940. Russell Schools opened with a total enrollment of 122 students in the high school and 94 in the elementary grades.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Dickerville Story
A former Dickerville School building purchased by Joseph N. Sanborn about 1870 and moved to this spot for a dwelling. It was moved on pole skids from about sixty-five rods north of Dickerville corner to about fifty rods east. Since it was built of native oak it was very heavy and required eight teams of horses to move it. The building was 18 x 24 or larger. In those days they were concerned that the native trees were being used up too rapidly so the lumber measured 1½ inches thick rather than the standard 2 inches. The house was not boxed but had lath and plaster. The weather boarding was sawed thin like the white pine siding on the older houses of today and was oak. Men in the picture (taken about 1910) are: Bert Sanborn, Reece Davis and Lester Colver. The house was torn down about 1934. Joseph Sanborn died in 1919 and this was his home at that time. The trees surrounding the home are maple and weeping mulberry.
THE DICKERVILLE STORY
Very few people outside of the County Superintendent of Schools office knew where Cedar Grove No. 5 was but nearly everyone could direct you to Dickerville.
In the time era of the Civil War there was an early settler (farmer, blacksmith) whose shop doors opened upon the edge of the road. He would rather trade in the local commodities of that time than work at his custom blacksmithing. Anyone who stopped in his shop or perhaps was only passing by, would be stopped by the settler who would proceed to barter with him for anything. His expression was “try to get a dicker out of them.”
In the time era of the Civil War there was an early settler (farmer, blacksmith) whose shop doors opened upon the edge of the road. He would rather trade in the local commodities of that time than work at his custom blacksmithing. Anyone who stopped in his shop or perhaps was only passing by, would be stopped by the settler who would proceed to barter with him for anything. His expression was “try to get a dicker out of them.”
His shop and possibly his dwelling was approximately thirty rods east of the Cedar Grove No. 5 school corner and must have been sort of a central gathering place for the neighborhood. It is understandable how from his eccentricity that Cedar Grove No. 5 was always known as Dickerville School. Like many schools, the nickname was known and the official name appeared only on teacher contracts, tax levies, pupil certificate awards, etc.
It is quite likely that this farm, (blacksmith’s) name was John Maydole and the blacksmith shop apparently disappeared about that time. Mr. Maydole could well have been the first settler on that tract. We wonder about the name, Dickerville, how much longer will it survive since there are no more visible signs of a building or of Cedar Grove No. 5 on that corner.
NOTE: the above is from the Lucas County History Book of 1978.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
John P. Sellers, Lucas County's Oldest Settler
Lucas Counties Oldest Settler Here for Homecoming
J. P. Sellers of South of Chariton Was Born 84 Years Ago in Cedar Township.
Is Still Hale & Hearty
J. P. Sellers of South of Chariton Was Born 84 Years Ago in Cedar Township.
Is Still Hale & Hearty
From the Russell Union Tribune of Oct. 10, 1935
 |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
An interesting visit with Lucas County's oldest native citizen, J. P. Sellers of Benton Township was our privilege during Homecoming. Mr. Sellers was born in Cedar Township on the farm now operated by his nephew, Mark Sellers, about ½ mile from the original Lucas County home of Wm. McDermitt, the first settler.
Mr. Sellers, a well-preserved old man, will be 84 on his next birthday and the oldest living resident born in Lucas County. Fifty-five years ago he married and moved to the farm in Benton Township upon which he still resides. Mr. Sellers was accompanied to our office by Mr. Bill Woodall, the originator of Lucas County’s Old Settlers Picnic that was held south of Derby. The picnic, which was held each year until the last few years and which he hopes to reestablish as soon as conditions will warrant.
Mr. Woodall lived south of Russell on the Isaac Wiltsey farm known later as the Bob Lewis farm. Thirty-eight years ago and moved to his present location south of Derby which he has made into one of the picture farms of Southern Iowa. Both gentlemen were thoroughly enjoying the renewal of acquaintances at the Russell Homecoming here.
Mr. Sellers, a well-preserved old man, will be 84 on his next birthday and the oldest living resident born in Lucas County. Fifty-five years ago he married and moved to the farm in Benton Township upon which he still resides. Mr. Sellers was accompanied to our office by Mr. Bill Woodall, the originator of Lucas County’s Old Settlers Picnic that was held south of Derby. The picnic, which was held each year until the last few years and which he hopes to reestablish as soon as conditions will warrant.
Mr. Woodall lived south of Russell on the Isaac Wiltsey farm known later as the Bob Lewis farm. Thirty-eight years ago and moved to his present location south of Derby which he has made into one of the picture farms of Southern Iowa. Both gentlemen were thoroughly enjoying the renewal of acquaintances at the Russell Homecoming here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John P. Sellers
Long Life Ended – Had Lived in Lucas County All His Life
Prominent Farmer Dies at Home South of Chariton – Saturday, Rites Are Held Monday
Born in Log Cabin – He Helped Build Otterbein Church in Benton Township.
Long Life Ended – Had Lived in Lucas County All His Life
Prominent Farmer Dies at Home South of Chariton – Saturday, Rites Are Held Monday
Born in Log Cabin – He Helped Build Otterbein Church in Benton Township.
From the Chariton Leader – Feb. 23, 1937
John P. Sellers, 84, prominent Lucas County farmer, died Saturday at his home in Benton Township, south of Chariton. For years he had been recognized as the oldest native resident of Lucas County. Born in a log cabin in Cedar Township, October 16, 1852, he grew to manhood on his father’s homestead.
Following his marriage in 1880 he established the home in Benton Township where he lived until his death.
Funeral services for Mr. Sellers were held Monday afternoon at two o’clock at the Otterbein Church, conducted by Rev. Talbott. Burial was in the Chariton cemetery. At his request the scripture lesson for the rites was read from the ninety-first Psalm, and the text was taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
Before his death John P. Sellers requested that the text for his funeral sermon be taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
Following his marriage in 1880 he established the home in Benton Township where he lived until his death.
Funeral services for Mr. Sellers were held Monday afternoon at two o’clock at the Otterbein Church, conducted by Rev. Talbott. Burial was in the Chariton cemetery. At his request the scripture lesson for the rites was read from the ninety-first Psalm, and the text was taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
Before his death John P. Sellers requested that the text for his funeral sermon be taken from the third and fourth verses of the twenty-fourth Psalm.
The verses are:
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Surviving Mr. Sellers are his wife; three sons, Clifford and Harris Sellers, both of Benton Township and Thomas Sellers of Des Moines; three brothers, including Nathan Sellers of Norfolk, Va., a twin, William Sellers of Des Moines and Thomas Sellers of Lucas County; 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Mr. Sellers became a member of the United Brethren Church in 1885. He helped build the Otterbein Church, not far from his home, and was absent from service only when poor health prohibited attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Sellers celebrated their golden wedding anniversary seven years ago and the observance still holds a prominent part in the history of the community.
Mr. Sellers became a member of the United Brethren Church in 1885. He helped build the Otterbein Church, not far from his home, and was absent from service only when poor health prohibited attendance. Mr. and Mrs. Sellers celebrated their golden wedding anniversary seven years ago and the observance still holds a prominent part in the history of the community.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Citizens Bank Safe
Linda Wycoff of Chariton looks at a large old safe at the Lucas County Historical Society Expo. This safe was once used at the Citizens Bank in Russell. From the mid 1920's to 1983, it was used at the Lucas County Treasurer's Office from the mid 1920's to 1983.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Historic Blue Grass Road Regains its Identity
This article appeared in the Chariton Leader dated April 26, 2011, written by Sandra Knebel, Staff Writer
When the new 911 system was put into effect in Lucas County, the Blue Grass Road lost its name and became a number (#235), but never it's significance. This historic county route was registered with the Iowa State Highway Commission on December 1, 1917, as the Blue Grass Road. It started in Burlington and ended in Council Bluffs, a distance of 310 miles. This east/west route was considered of military importance. On Saturday, April 23, 2011, the Bob Sims family, from Russell, gave back to the road its identity as a historic road by erecting four signs along its route.
When the new 911 system was put into effect in Lucas County, the Blue Grass Road lost its name and became a number (#235), but never it's significance. This historic county route was registered with the Iowa State Highway Commission on December 1, 1917, as the Blue Grass Road. It started in Burlington and ended in Council Bluffs, a distance of 310 miles. This east/west route was considered of military importance. On Saturday, April 23, 2011, the Bob Sims family, from Russell, gave back to the road its identity as a historic road by erecting four signs along its route.
 | |
| Click on picture to enlarge |
The first sign is located near the dirt road that runs a few hundred yards from the Douglass Pioneer Cemetery on 235th Trail. There is one at the corner of 235th Trail as it turns onto 455th Lane. The third is at 455th Lane as it turns into 270th Avenue. The fourth is by the Baptist Church in Russell on Smith Street.
The signs were a gift to Bob Sims from his sister, Mary Lou Bingaman and his children, Steve, Mike, and Toni. Bob and Mary Lou's grandmother bought a farm on the Blue Grass Road in 1947. She never lived on the farm, but her son, Charlie and his wife, Eulice, did. They were Bob and Mary Lou's parents. Mary Lou bought the farm and lives there in the home she built. Bob and his wife Gwen lived on the farm during their early-married years. Both Steve and Toni were born while their parents lived there. Bob had often mentioned to his family that he would like for everyone to remember the original name of the road. So, for a Christmas present, his family presented him with the four signs that were put in place Saturday between Chariton and Russell marking the "Historic Blue Grass Road."
Bob Sims said that without the help of Mary Ruth Pierschbacher, the surprise of the signs and permission to put them up would never have happened. Mary Ruth guided them through the maize of requests and approvals needed to get the signs in compliance with regulations.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation website on historic routes in Iowa, the history of the Blue Grass Road began in April 1913 immediately following passage of the 1913 Road Law. The Iowa Blue Grass Road Association submitted a check of $5 to the Iowa State Highway Commission (ISHC) with the objective of protecting their existing route markers and registering their rout.
The goal of the Iowa Blue Grass Road Association was clearly stated -- "an organization for the purpose of maintaining a model dirt road across the state of Iowa thru the heart of the Blue Grass Belt and giving encouragement to the 'Good Roads' cause in general."
As testament to their dedication, Secretary Frank Nimocks wrote to the ISHC stating that they were extremely interested in being the first to officially register their route, having already received "quasi" approval from democratic Senator Charles H. Thomas, also known as the "father of the Blue Grass Road."
Unfortunately, the road association's application was found to be incomplete. The group had failed to trace their route on the county maps provided by the ISHC. Upon receipt of the check, ISHC Chief Engineer Thomas MacDonald sent the organization a blank registration form in hopes of facilitating a quick resolution. That proved not to be the case. After being asked to adequately fulfill the application requirement, correspondence mysteriously ended for the next three years, preventing the association from becoming the first registered route following passage of the 1913 Road Law.
In Sept. 1916, ISHC Chief Clerk F.W. Parrott received a handwritten letter from Indianola resident S.L. Loper. Loper asked for the name and address of the president and secretary of the Iowa Blue Grass Association, along with information about other aspects of the route. Loper was surprised to learn that the route had never registered with the ISHC due to the association's failure "to give the necessary information as to the location of their route" three years earlier. Parrott acknowledged that the ISHC had not had any correspondence with the association for quite sometime.
In November 1917 a series of letters and correspondence rectified years of silence. On November 8, 1917, Senator Thomas furnished maps of the traced route to the ISHC. A week later, Parrott sent Senator Thomas a new application to register the Blue Grass Road with the appropriate signatures. Thomas identified himself as president and James Bryan as the association's secretary. Finally on December 1, 1917, after nearly four years of effort and inconsistent communication, the ISHC met and approved the Blue Grass Road.
The signs were a gift to Bob Sims from his sister, Mary Lou Bingaman and his children, Steve, Mike, and Toni. Bob and Mary Lou's grandmother bought a farm on the Blue Grass Road in 1947. She never lived on the farm, but her son, Charlie and his wife, Eulice, did. They were Bob and Mary Lou's parents. Mary Lou bought the farm and lives there in the home she built. Bob and his wife Gwen lived on the farm during their early-married years. Both Steve and Toni were born while their parents lived there. Bob had often mentioned to his family that he would like for everyone to remember the original name of the road. So, for a Christmas present, his family presented him with the four signs that were put in place Saturday between Chariton and Russell marking the "Historic Blue Grass Road."
Bob Sims said that without the help of Mary Ruth Pierschbacher, the surprise of the signs and permission to put them up would never have happened. Mary Ruth guided them through the maize of requests and approvals needed to get the signs in compliance with regulations.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation website on historic routes in Iowa, the history of the Blue Grass Road began in April 1913 immediately following passage of the 1913 Road Law. The Iowa Blue Grass Road Association submitted a check of $5 to the Iowa State Highway Commission (ISHC) with the objective of protecting their existing route markers and registering their rout.
The goal of the Iowa Blue Grass Road Association was clearly stated -- "an organization for the purpose of maintaining a model dirt road across the state of Iowa thru the heart of the Blue Grass Belt and giving encouragement to the 'Good Roads' cause in general."
As testament to their dedication, Secretary Frank Nimocks wrote to the ISHC stating that they were extremely interested in being the first to officially register their route, having already received "quasi" approval from democratic Senator Charles H. Thomas, also known as the "father of the Blue Grass Road."
Unfortunately, the road association's application was found to be incomplete. The group had failed to trace their route on the county maps provided by the ISHC. Upon receipt of the check, ISHC Chief Engineer Thomas MacDonald sent the organization a blank registration form in hopes of facilitating a quick resolution. That proved not to be the case. After being asked to adequately fulfill the application requirement, correspondence mysteriously ended for the next three years, preventing the association from becoming the first registered route following passage of the 1913 Road Law.
In Sept. 1916, ISHC Chief Clerk F.W. Parrott received a handwritten letter from Indianola resident S.L. Loper. Loper asked for the name and address of the president and secretary of the Iowa Blue Grass Association, along with information about other aspects of the route. Loper was surprised to learn that the route had never registered with the ISHC due to the association's failure "to give the necessary information as to the location of their route" three years earlier. Parrott acknowledged that the ISHC had not had any correspondence with the association for quite sometime.
In November 1917 a series of letters and correspondence rectified years of silence. On November 8, 1917, Senator Thomas furnished maps of the traced route to the ISHC. A week later, Parrott sent Senator Thomas a new application to register the Blue Grass Road with the appropriate signatures. Thomas identified himself as president and James Bryan as the association's secretary. Finally on December 1, 1917, after nearly four years of effort and inconsistent communication, the ISHC met and approved the Blue Grass Road.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
History of early Methodism in Lucas County
This article was written by Frank Myers in December 2010 for the Lucas County Historical Society Blog. If you would like to read the entire article click on the following link: History of Early Methodism in Lucas County
The recent closing of Bethel United Methodist Church in Cedar Township (to the right) has reduced the number of that denomination's congregations in Lucas County to three, a far cry from the days when there was at least one and in some cases more in every township. Today, only the Chariton, Norwood and Russell churches remain. And of the three, only the Chariton and Russell congregations began as Methodist; Norwood (and Bethel) became United Methodist in 1968 following merger of the Methodist Episcopal and Evangelical United Brethren denominations.
The recent closing of Bethel United Methodist Church in Cedar Township (to the right) has reduced the number of that denomination's congregations in Lucas County to three, a far cry from the days when there was at least one and in some cases more in every township. Today, only the Chariton, Norwood and Russell churches remain. And of the three, only the Chariton and Russell congregations began as Methodist; Norwood (and Bethel) became United Methodist in 1968 following merger of the Methodist Episcopal and Evangelical United Brethren denominations.
Lucas County owes its rich Methodist heritage to the work of a hardy band of circuit-riding preachers who arrived with the first settlers, preaching first at the cabin of the Xury West family at Greenville in Washington Township in 1849 --- the first formal religious services held in the county. As population expanded, dozens of Methodist preaching stations were established in homes, then schools and finally church buildings.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thelma (Hudson) Foster Family
Benjamin and Mary met and married in Chestnut, IL. They later moved to Council Grove, KS, and this is where Thelma’s mother, Myrtle Lorraine was born on June 14, 1888. The couple had nine children, (Effie, Ethel, Myrtle, Faye, Allie, Elizabeth, Katherine, Nor and Charlie), however their first child died in infancy. Benjamin moved his family from IL to Russell in the 1890’s, crossing the Mississippi in a covered wagon.
Thelma’s paternal grandparents were, Isaiah Thomas Hudson (b. 1849 in Nashville, TN - d. 1929 in Russell) and Sarah Ann Dyer (b. 1849 on a farm in Lucas Co. - d. 1933 in Russell).
Isaiah and Sarah were married in Lucas Co., and had five children (Dell, Burton, Harry, Ida & Aura). Thelma’s father, Burton B., was born on Sept. 13, 1883, near the Colyn area south of Russell.
It should be noted that at nine years of age, sand got into Sarah’s ears. The treatment for an earache in those days was to put warm honey in the ear, which Sarah’s mother did. Unfortunately the home remedy caused her to go completely deaf. It is said that although Sarah was unable to hear any of her babies cry, she seemed to simply sense when they needed her.
Burton Hudson married Myrtle Phillips on Sept. 2, 1908, in Chariton, IA. Their union was blessed with three children: Thelma Lucille in 1910; Doris Hilma on Feb. 21, 1914 in Leslie, IA; and Leonard Thomas on July 25, 1916 in Russell. All three graduated from Russell High School; Thelma in 1929; Doris in 1933 and Leonard in 1935.
As a child, when she wasn’t doing field work with a team of horses, Thelma (an avid reader), could usually be found curled-up in the hay mound with a book or on her secret grassy island, lying on her back and making pictures out of clouds.
In 1929, Thelma met Eugene Harold Foster (b. July 24, 1912 in Corydon, IA), while he was selling watermelons in Russell. Gene, as he was called, was the son of George Bert Foster (b. Sept. 5, 1877 in Lucas Co. - d. Sept 27, 1960 in Albia, IA), and Mary Elizabeth Cooper (b. Aug. 16, 1876 in Monroe Co., IA - d. Sept. 21, 1966 in Albia). He was the fifth of seven children - Lester, Lena, Evelyn, Eugene, Richard, and Maxine - a baby sister Wanda died in 1910. At the time of his meeting Thelma, he was living with his parents, north of Russell, in the coal mining town of Tipperary.
Thelma Hudson and Gene Foster traveled by train to Indianola, IA, and were married on Mar. 7, 1931. Gene, who was only seventeen at the time, printed the numbers 21 on a slip of paper and put it in his shoe. When asked by the Justice of the Peace how old he was, he replied that he was “over 21”.
The couple set-up housekeeping in Russell and on Oct. 13, 1931, the first of two daughters, Phyllis Eilene was born. Shirley Louise, also born at home, made her appearance on July 30, 1934. Gene supported his family by doing various odd jobs, including serving as Russell’s night watchman.
In 1938, Thelma’s brother and sister both married. Leonard on July 3rd to Wilma Duer, and Doris wed Lloyd “Red” Foutch on Aug. 6th. Each couple had one child - Dale “Butch” Foutch was born on Mar. 13, 1939, and Sharon Kay Hudson on Sept. 25, 1942.
In 1942, Thelma and Gene moved their family to Rockford, IL. While in IL Gene worked as an electrician until his retirement, in 1974, Thelma worked at J. L. Clark & Co., retiring in 1967.
Phyllis was unhappy in IL and moved back to Russell to live with her maternal grandparents. On Apr. 4, 1950 she married Darrell “Glen” Davis. The Davis’ had three children: Penny Lorraine was born Aug. 18, 1951; Glenda Jean on Apr. 17, 1954; and Michael Phillip on Aug. 26, 1959.
On Aug 28, 1952, the Foster’s younger daughter, Shirley, married Fredrick Connell in Rockford, IL. On Dec. 3, 1953 they had a daughter, Robin Lucelle. Shirley and Fred divorced and on Oct. 29, 1957, after moving back to Russell, Shirley married Duane Muril Elmore. They had one child, Ricky Burton, born July 4, 1958 in Corydon, IA.
On Dec. 1, 1969, Penny Davis married Cary Moser. Dorian Eileen was born on Oct. 29, 1974, and Justin Dale on July 23, 1976. Penny and Cary divorced and she married Tony Hendrickson on Dec. 25, 1977. She and her family live in Burlington, WI.
Glenda Davis married Daniel Jacobs on July 30, 1970. Crystal Ann was born on Apr. 10, 1972, and Daniel Lee on Dec. 29, 1975.
Crystal married Nick Defillipis on Sept. 29, 1990. Kayla Danielle, Thelma’s first great- great grandchild, was born Oct. 29, 1991. Glenda’s family lives in Pocatello, ID.
On Oct. 12, 1974, Robin Elmore and Ron Thompson were married in Chariton, IA. Tracey Danielle was born on Apr. 25, 1975, and Tucker Cullen on Apr. 25, 1978.
Trace was married to Shane Adolphi on Oct. 2, 1999 in Russell. Cullen Warren, the most recent addition to Thelma’s family, was born Jan. 31, 2000, in Ames, IA. Robin’s family resides in Russell.
On July 11, 1975, Ricky Elmore was married to Terry Werts, in Nashua, IA. Kelly Jo was born Dec. 14, 1975; Conrad Duane on Sept. 17, 1977; and Kayla Ann-Louise on July 5, 1981.
Kelly married Dave VanRyswyk on Mar. 4, 2000. A baby, Thelma’s 5th great-great grandchild, is due in July 2000. Rick’s family lives in Russell except for Kelly who lives in Chariton.
Micheal Davis married Teresa Stoor on June 10, 1978. They had a daughter Michelle in 1979.
Michelle married Tim Scroggins. They were blessed with twin daughters, Tiffany and Alicia, in 1995.
Micheal and Teresa divorced and he married Winifred Domagula on Oct. 28, 1993. They live in Las Vegas, NV.
Thelma has endured her share of heartache along the way: Her mother passed away Aug. 2, 1960, and her father on Apr. 15, 1974. She lost her daughter Shirley on Apr. 8, 1977, and her daughter Phyllis on Jan. 7, 1997. Also lost were her brother-in-law “Red” on Aug. 15, 1981; her brother Leonard on Dec. 8, 1982; a nephew “Butch” on Dec. 29,1989; her son-in-law Glen on July 16, 1992; and a sister-in-law Wilma on Mar. 11, 1994. Her husband Gene passed-away on Oct. 2, 1985, at which time she sold her home in IL and moved back to Russell.
Both Thelma and her sister Doris continue to live in their own homes in Russell, and on March 15, 1000, Thelma celebrated her 90th birthday.
Thelma Lucille (Hudson) Foster passed-away July 6, 2001.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Russell Fire of 1929
The two photographs above show the ruins the day after the tragic blaze destroyed nearly the entire south business street.
On Sunday, after the flames were subdued, a bountiful supper was served by the ladies of the Presbyterian Aid in the basement of their church.
In its history, Russell has had its share of tragic fire. The most spectacular of these blazes broke out on March 24, 1929, and destroyed nearly the entire south side of the town's business street. Five buildings were totally destroyed: the R.A. Plotts building occupied by McKinley's Cafe, the J.W. Thomas Harness Shop, a vacant building formerly occupied by Hepenstall's Store, the old bank building housing Stacy's Cafe and another vacant building where the Carpenter Barber Shop was formerly located.
It was about 3:20 on Sunday afternoon that some of the young fellows of the town seated in cars in front of the Stacy Cafe noticed that smoke was emerging from the roof in the rear of the building. The young men immediately ran to the firehouse for the chemical wagon and started the siren. The telephone operator, not having been notified of the fire, assumed pranksters had started the siren at the firehouse and she turned off the alarm from her post. A short time later, when the fire was reported to the operator, the alarm was sounded and plenty of help was soon on the scene. But the local fire engine then failed and since water could not be pumped onto the blaze, volunteers immediately turned to removing contents of the buildings, which were in danger into the street.
Three Lives Are Blotted Out -1898
Every community has its share of tragedies. Nearly seventy years ago a particular incident shocked the quiet town of Russell.
It was August 23, 1898. Only a handful of Russell's senior citizens remember the day. To the early morning riser word was spreading of a grim finding at the Newell residence. William Newell, his wife and daughter Madge were all found dead, an apparent double murder and suicide.
Newell was a local clothing merchant whose business was located in the west part of the building now occupied by Merle Chester. In an ad in Russell's newspaper in 1897, Mr. Newell assured customers he would undersell everybody else on suits, coats, pants or vests. He professed: "No firm offers such elegant goods as the ones I represent."
It was August 23, 1898. Only a handful of Russell's senior citizens remember the day. To the early morning riser word was spreading of a grim finding at the Newell residence. William Newell, his wife and daughter Madge were all found dead, an apparent double murder and suicide.
Newell was a local clothing merchant whose business was located in the west part of the building now occupied by Merle Chester. In an ad in Russell's newspaper in 1897, Mr. Newell assured customers he would undersell everybody else on suits, coats, pants or vests. He professed: "No firm offers such elegant goods as the ones I represent."
Pictured at left is the Newell residence in the west part of Russell as it appears today.
The newspapers gave dramatic accounts typical of journalism of that era. In Des Moines The Iowa State Register was filled with the latest news of our boys in the Spanish-American War. However, space was given for this account of the local tragedy:
The newspapers gave dramatic accounts typical of journalism of that era. In Des Moines The Iowa State Register was filled with the latest news of our boys in the Spanish-American War. However, space was given for this account of the local tragedy:
THREE LIVES ARE BLOTTED OUT
Business Reverses Supposed to Have Deranged His Mind and
Caused the Rash Act Triple Tragedy At Russell
Chariton, Aug. 23 - Special: William Newell, a clothing merchant, of Russell, shot and killed his wife and 8-year-old daughter, Madge, and then shot himself this morning about 2 o'clock. His wife was in bed, apparently asleep, and was shot through the head. The girl, in the other room, was shot through the heart. He was shot in the eye. Worry over financial matters is supposed to have affected his mind and caused the rash act, as he was always the most loveable husband and father. Yesterday he gave a mortgage on his stock to a Keokuk firm for $300, when other creditors began to press him. His son, who was in Omaha, came home today.
Jerry Cadagan, a neighbor, and Mrs. J.F. Sprague, heard the shots and thought that they were fired by someone in the street. This morning R.F.Huston and Pat Ford went by the house, went to the door and knocked, but receiving no answer, went in and found the bodies. The coroner's inquest was held by Dr. J.H. Stanton, of Chariton. The funerals will occur at 12 o'clock Wednesday at Melrose, Iowa, by the I.O.O.F.
This large stone with accompanying smaller stones mark the resting place of the Newell family in the Russell Cemetery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)