Biographical Sketch of
Isaac Russell
Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 716 - 717 Isaac Russell, deceased, was one of the prominent citizens and honored pioneers of Marquette County. He was born in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt., Aug. 27, 1808, and died at his home in the town of Buffalo, in the month of February, 1877, respected by all who knew him. There are but few of the early settlers of Wisconsin left to relate the history of the progress and advancement which was made by them in those early times, and it thus becomes the duty as well as the pleasure of the historian to perpetuate their memory. Mr. Russell ever identified himself with such enterprises as were calculated to benefit the public, and never refused his aid and support when solicited for any worthy cause. He remained in his native State until attaining his majority and his primary education was supplemented by a course in Reading Academy. When his school life was over, he engaged in teaching in the Green Mountain State, and afterward went to New York, following the same profession in Rochester and Nunda for several years. He came to Wisconsin during its Territorial days, and made his first location in Racine County, whence he removed to Ripon, Fond du Lac County, becoming connected with the well known Phalanx community, at that place. It was while a resident of Ripon, that Mr. Russell was united in marriage with Mrs. Palmerton, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 23d of March, 1848. In her maidenhood, Mrs. Russell was Mary Anna Clark. She was born in Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1826, and when a child removed with her parents to Cleveland, Ohio, where her father died in 1840, having survived his wife several years. After the death of her father, Mrs. Russell and her sister returned to her native State, where she remained until 1842, when she became a resident of Darien, Walworth Co., Wis. In that county, on the 25th of October, 1843, she became the wife of Sanford Palmerton, who died on the 14th of April of the following year. In the fall of 1847, she went to Ripon, where she became acquainted with, and married Mr. Russell. In the autumn succeeding their marriage, they came to Marquette County, and settled on section 3, in the town of Buffalo, on land which Mr. Russell had purchased of the Fox River Company. He was a man of great energy and perseverance, and it was not long before his wild land was converted into a highly improved farm containing 240 acres. He was not only a practical farmer, but also entertained progressive ideas, and in consequence was quite successful in is undertakings. His loss was sincerely mourned by all who knew him, for the community felt that one of the best citizens had been taken away. In his business transactions, his course was marked with the strictest honesty and integrity, and it was often said of him that his word was as good as his bond. He was charitable and benevolent, ever ready to extend a helping hand, and by his courteous and gentlemanly demeanor made friends wherever he went. He was liberal and progressive in his views on religious matters, and politically, was a warm advocate of Republican principles. He left an adopted daughter to share with Mrs. Russell her great loss. The wife is now living on the old homestead left by her husband, with her daughter, Mrs. Graham and her family. Mrs. Graham, who was formerly Miss Addie M.Lewis, is the adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell. She was born in Montello, Nov. 14, 1855, and on the 29th of March, 1877, became the wife of James R. Graham, whose birth occurred Nov. 20, 1851. Two children grace their union: Frank R. was born April 6, 1878, and Gertrude G., Sept. 19, 1880. Mr. Graham displays much ability in the management of the fine farm which he has now purchased, and which is situated on section 3, in the town of Buffalo. He ranks among the leading farmers of the community, and is accounted one of the enterprising citizens as well. The members of his household rank high in the social world, and he deserves a representation in this volume.
Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages
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