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.
 
 





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