A large number of the earliest settlers of the colony of Virginia were cavaliers and younger branches of noble English Houses. They brought with them education, influence, and wealth; and shared largely the tastes, feelings, and principles of their order.
The large extent of rich territory to be obtained by patent or purchase off ,red great inducements to the adventurous youth of the mother country; and the granting of this in large tracts to many, established at a very early period all the elements of a landed aristocracy.
The histories of many of the early colonists were doubtless full of interest, and some of them were of a romantic nature; but we are denied the pleasure of obtaining much relating to their early deeds and exploits, as at that period few records were kept, and comparatively little has been preserved for posterity. In founding their families in America they seem to have overlooked the importance of keeping an account of their times and of the chief events of their histories, for the benefit of future generations; consequently, tradition has largely to be depended on in gathering the history of colonial families. It is a matter of great regret that so little can be obtained of the coming of William Russell from England to the Virginia colony. The only account we have says, "He came over with Sir Alexander Spotswood in 1710." Accepting this as authentic, they arrived "within the capes of Virginia in the Deptford Man of War, Tancred Robinson, commander, on


the 20th of June, 1710. On the 21st of June they proceeded up the river in the Bedford Galley, Capt. Lee, who landed his boat at Jamestown."*
It has always been understood from tradition that he was a member of the family of Russell, in England represented by the Ducal House of Bedford, but of which particular branch of the family is not known. To ascertain this would require extensive research and investigation in England, to make which is found impracticable at the present time.
The Russell family in England is of great antiquity. It was originally of Normandy, where the name was Du Rozel. Wiffin, in his "Memoir of the House of Russell," says, "It derived its distinctive appellation from one of the fiefs which the first chieftain of that name possessed, anterior to the Conquest of England, in Lower Normandy, in the ancient Barony of Briquebec. In 1066 they occupied the castle and territory of Le Rozel, which was a portion of their appanage, as a younger branch of the Bertrands, Barons of Briquebec; a House the head of which took the title of Sire, being accounted second only in rank to the Barons of St. Sauveur, who were styled Vicomtes of La Manche."
Hugh Du Rozel, who appears to have been the first of the name, was born about 1021.
Soon after the Norman Conquest the Du Rozels crossed the channel into England, where they had lands assigned them in Northumberland, and where the name became anglicized into Russell. Robert De Russell, in 1141, led his company of Knights, and greatly distinguished himself in the battle of Lincoln.
The earliest Coat of Arms of the family in England bore a lion, rampant, gules; on a chief, sable, three escallops, argent.
When William Russell left England for Virginia, he was a young lawyer from. the Inns of Court in London. It may be presumed that he was then twenty-five years of age, so the date of his birth may be placed at about 1685.
Before embarking for America he obtained a commission in the British army, for the old account says, "he was an officer in the British army of occupation and defence in Virginia." How long he held his position in the army is not known. Nothing

* "Spotswood Letters," published by the Historical Society of Virginia.


has been found relating to him from the year of his arrival to 1735, except the entering of lands patented, and the purchase and transfer of other lands by him in various sections of the colony.
Tradition also tells us that he was one of 'the party of cavaliers who accompanied' Gov. Spotswood in his expedition across the Appalachian mountains, and that, consequently, he was one of the famous "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe." The very meagre records of that period afford us but little of a definite character.
The old account says further, that he had obtained large grants of land front the British 'government. The records of the Virginia Land Office show where many of those grants were located: In 1712 he purchased from Lord Fairfax several thousand acres, which were located in part not far from Germanna, the settlement made by Gov. Spotswood in what was afterwards Spotsylvania county. Many entries of land are found, aggregating over forty thousand acres. In 1730 he purchased two tracts of land; containing respectively ten thousand and six thousand acres, also in Spotsylvania.
The records show that he had ten thousand acres in Orange county, which was formed from Spotsylvania in 1734. Upon a portion of this tract he established his home, which, upon the formation of Culpeper county from Orange in 1748, was thrown into Culpeper. The present location of that portion of his estate is in the southeastern portion of this county, extending into Orange. "It bordered upon the old Wilderness road, and reached to the Rapidan river." A portion of it is mentioned as being on the "north fork of the Rappahannock." Emptying into the Rapidan were two streams' or creeks, which were known at that time as "Big Russell" and "Little Russell Run."
In 1735 two tracts of land in Frederick county, containing respectively 4,950 and 3,650 acres, were patented to him from the King's office, as also other tracts in Augusta.
Belonging to the Church of England, he was an active member of the old colonial church known as "Buck Run," in St. Mark's Parish. The Rev. Mr. Slaughter, in his "History of St. Mark's Parish," says, "Col. Wm. Green and Col. Wm. Russell were made church wardens for the ensuing year" (1756); also that, "on Nov. 26th, 1756, payments were made by the church to


William Russell, R. D. Parks, Charles Morgan, and others, for providing for certain poor persons."
The old records in the deed-book of Frederick county show that, in 1756, "William Russell, gentleman, sold 140 acres of land, it being a part of a tract of 4,950 acres patented to him in the King's office the 17th December, 1735." Also, that in 1757 he sold 400 acres, it being a part of a tract of 3,650 acres patented from the King's office the 17th December, 1735. These deeds are signed, "W. Russell" and are witnessed by Mark Hardin, Charles Morgan, jun., John Bradford, and Wm. Green.,
From all that can be learned it is supposed that the marriage Of William Russell with Mary, Henley took place about 1730. Great efforts have been made to find something relating to Mary Henley and her family, but without success. Nothing definite can be obtained connecting her with the families of that name yet in Virginia and Tennessee. Their children were William, Henry, and Katherine.
The death of William Russell occurred, after an illness of only a few days, on the 18th of October, 1757, his age being about seventy-two. It is supposed that he was buried in the church-yard of the,"Buck Run" church, at which old place no tombstones remain to assist, with their inscriptions, the search for history of colonial families.
A copy of his will has been obtained, and is here given as an item of interest to his descendants.
"In the name of God, Amen, I, William Russell of Orange county, being in perfect health and sound memory, and knowing the certainty of death, do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament.
Imprimis, I bequeath my soul to God who gave it me, and my body to the earth to be buried by my executrix, in hopes of a sure and perfect resurrection by the merits of our beloved Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Item, I give all the remainder part of my estate, both real and personal, to be equally divided between my loving sons, William Russell and Henry Russell, and my daughter Katherine Russell, and their heirs forever.
Item, I constitute and appoint my loving wife, Mary Russell, executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
Witness my hand and seal this 10th clay of April, 1743.
Signed, sealed, and pronounced before
Joseph Phillips, Wm. Hollady.


Item, I empower my wife to sell any of my lands to pay my debts, either patent lands or entries, or to buy negroes to be divided amongst my said children.
Item, I appoint my sons, William Russell and Henry Russell, joint executors with my loving wife, Mary Russell.
I have erased four lines of the inside bequest.
Witness my hand and seal this 16th day of October, 1757.
Signed, sealed, and pronounced before
William Watts, W. Ball,
John Dixon Wright."
The account of admitting to probate the foregoing will is also given:
"At a court held for the county of Culpeper on Thursday, the 17th of August, 1758, the last Will and Testament of William Russell, gentleman, dec'd; was exhibited into court by William Russell, one of the executors therein named, and proved in the following manner:
Joseph Phillips swore that he saw the decedent write, sign, seal, and declare the writing exhibited in court to be his last Will, before any erasement was made therein, and that he was then in his perfect senses.
William Green, gentleman, swore that the decedent, two days before he died, requested his deponent to write his Will, telling; him that he had an old, Will by him which he wanted altered; but this deponent could not conveniently undertake it until he returned from Fredericksburg, with which he seemed satisfied; but before lie could return the deceased had died.
William Perfect swore that after Col. Green left, the deceased, two days before he died, ordered his son William to erase several lines in his Will, which being done, he acknowledged it to be his Will, and said he had, ordered his lands to be sold to pay his debts, and the rest of his estate to be divided among his children, and that he was then in his perfect senses.
Thomas Wright swore that the deceased, two days before he died, called upon the deponent to take notice that he had erased several lines in his Will, and that he now desired that it should stand as it was; which was to sell his estate to pay his debts, and what remained to be divided among his three children, and that he was then in his perfect senses.
It is ordered that William Watts, William Ball, and John Dixon Wright be summoned to give farther proof; at the next court held for the county aforesaid, on Thursday the 15th day of February, 1759.
This said last Will and Testament of William Russell, deceased, was fully proved by the oaths of William Watts and William Ball witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded.


Mary Russell, widow, and one of the executors therein named, came into court, and refused to take the burthen of the execution thereof, and at the same time renounced all benefit and advantage thereof. And at a court held for the same county, May the 17th, 1759, this said last Will and Testament of William Russell, deceased, was sworn to by William Russell, an executor therein named, and, on his motion, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, having first entered into bond with security, according to law; liberty being reserved for Henry Russell, the other executor in the said Will mentioned, to join in the probate when he shall think fit.
Teste,Roger Dixon, Cl'k."
Mrs. Russell survived her husband many years. It is quite certain that she died in 1784, as several indications lead to this conclusion. Of their children, the history of William, the eldest, will be given last. Henry, the second son of William and Mary Henley Russell, died unmarried. It is believed that he received his education in England.. He studied medicine; but whether he entered upon the practice of his profession is not known. He was for some time in the West Indies, and appears to have spent much time in, travel. He participated with the Virginia troops in what was known as Lord Dunmore's war, and is supposed-to have been slain in some engagement with the Indians. His fate was never known with certainty.
The following deed, of which the writer has the original, is the only document relating to Henry Russell which has been found. It reads thus:
"Thomas Jefferson, Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to all to whom these presents shall come greeting:
KNOW YE that in consideration of military service performed by HENRY RUSSELL in the late war, and by virtue of the King of Great Britain's proclamation of 1763, and Lord Dunmore's warrant, there is granted by the said Commonwealth unto William Russell, heir of the said Henry Russell, a certain tract or parcel of land containing two thousand acres, by survey bearing date the twelfth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, lying and being in the county of______ formerly Fincastle, on a north branch of Kentucky river, about ninety-five miles from the Ohio river, and on the south side thereof, bounded as followeth, to-wit: Beginning at cherry tree, walnut, and honey-locust, corner to Alexander Spotswood Dandridge's' land, and with a line thereof, south twenty degrees west, eight hundred poles, crossing the creek to an elm, buckeye, and ash, by a large lying tree; then, leaving said line, south seventy degrees


east, four hundred poles, crossing two branches to two honey-locusts and white hickory; north twenty degrees east, eight hundred poles, crossing the creek and a branch to a white hickory and two elms on a rise; north seventy degrees west, four hundred poles to the beginning; with its appurtenances, to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances to the said William Russell and his heirs forever.
In Witness whereof the said Thomas Jefferson, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto set his hand, and caused the lesser seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond, on the first day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, and of the Commonwealth the fifth.

Endorsed on this deed is,
"William Russell is entitled to the within mentioned Tract of Land.

The tract of land described in the foregoing deed is situated in Fayette county, Kentucky, six miles from Lexington, on the creek of North Elkhorn, then called the north branch of Kentucky river. It was afterwards equally divided between William and Robert Spotswood, sons of William Russell named in the deed.
Katherine, the only daughter and youngest child of William and Mary Henley Russell, married a Mr. Roberts of Culpeper county. Nothing can be found relating to her or any of her descendants. She was living in Shenandoah county, Va., in 1786, and she is mentioned as still living there in 1793, as also her two sons, John and Henry Roberts. Diligent search has been made for her descendants, but no trace of them can be found in Virginia, and it is supposed there are none living.
William, the eldest son of William and Mary Henley Rus­sell, was born in 1735. He received a classical and scientific education at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va., the oldest seat of learning in the United States except Harvard University. He had decided to adopt the profession of law, and was ready to enter upon his studies to carry out that design when he returned home from college in the spring of 1755.
That intention was interrupted by his marriage, which took place during the summer, and while he was still one year from completing his majority. In consequence of this, he entirely abandoned the study of law, and settled upon a plantation in the


northwestern portion of Culpeper county, on the north branch of Hedgman river, about twelve or fifteen miles from the courthouse.
The maiden name of his wife was Tabitha Adams. She was the daughter of Samuel Adams, of Culpeper county. Her mother's name was Charity Coates. After the death of Mr. Adams, she married Mr. Moore, and their son, William Moore (half brother of Tabitha Adams), was the father of William, Wharton, Thomas, Henley, John, Charles Chilton, and Samuel Moore; also of Mrs. Mary Coates Gray, Mrs. Elizabeth Bright, and Mrs. Nancy Young; all of whom settled in Kentucky and Missouri.
Nothing can be found relating personally to Tabitha Adams* or her family, but her memory has been perpetuated by her name, which is found often repeated in the families of her descendants. It has been found impossible to obtain anything of their family circle at that period. It is, however, shown that William Russell was found early in the field in the defence of the colony.
The Rev. Philip Slaughter found an old document which he inserts in his "History of St. Mark's Parish," from which the following extract is made:
"The names of the following persons appear in a record before me, as having served in a campaign against the French and Indians, about this date (1757) viz: Col.. Robert Slaughter, Lieut. Col. William Russell, Capt. William Brown, Capt. John Strother, Lieut. John Field, Lieut. William Slaughter, Martin Nalle, William Nalle, Charles Yancey, William Lightfoot, Reuben Long, Thomas Slaughter, William Robertson, William Yager, Henry Gaines, Henry Stringfellow, and William Roberts. Nearly all these names have representatives still in Culpeper county, and they are reproduced as items of interest to their descendants."
What special campaign is referred to in the record is not known. It is found also, that "William Russell was Captain of a company of Rangers under Gen. Braddock," which must have been in 1755.
It is shown by the records of Frederick county that in 1763, "William Russell, gentleman, and heir at law of William Russell, deceased, and Tabitha, his wife, sold seventy-three acres of laud, it being part of a tract of 4,950 acres patented to William Russell, dec'd, from the King's office in 1735." Also, that they sold in



1757, 390 acres, it being the remainder of a tract of 3,650 acres patented to William Russell, deceased, in 1735.
In 1765, Captain RI Hell was sent by the British authorities on some mission among th Indians in the section of country about where Chattanooga is situated; and was employed nearly twelve months in executing this trust, during which time he endured great hardships among the Creek Indians. While on this tour he kept a journal, which was long preserved, but has unfortunately been lost.
In 1770 he emigrated with his family to southwestern Virginia, and settled temporarily on New river. His design was to go on to Kentucky, where he had valuable lauds.
In the fall of 1773, with the intention of executing this purpose, he proceeded with his family to Castle Woods, on Clinch

river; but from information received, he considered it too dangerous to pass the Wilderness of the Cumberland with his family at that time; so he halted with them, and sent forward his eldest son, HENRY, with some negroes, to make a settlement preparatory to the removal of his family afterwards.
A party under the guidance of Daniel Boone were then ready to attempt to make their way into Kentucky, and Henry Russell, with his negroes, joined them, the whole expedition numbering about eighty persons. The account of what befell them is taken from Flint's "Life of Boone," which is as follows:
"The expedition of Boone to Kentucky commenced its march on the 26th of September, 1773. They all set forth with confident spirits for the western wilderness, and were joined by forty persons in Powell's Valley, a settlement in advance of that on the Yadkin, towards the western country. The whole made a cavalcade of about eighty persons. The principal ranges of the Alleghany, over which, they must pass, were designated as Powell's, Walden's and Cumberland. These mountains, forming the barrier between the old and new country, stretch from the northeast to the southwest. The aspect of these huge piles was so wild and rugged as to make it natural for those of the party who were unaccustomed to mountains, to express fears of being unable to reach the opposite side.
Their progress was uninterrupted by any adverse circumstance, and every one was in high spirits until the west side of Walden's was reached. They were now destined to experience a most appalling reverse of fortune. On the 10th of October, as the party was advancing along a narrow defile, unapprehensive of danger, they were suddenly terrified by fearful yells. Instantly

aware that Indians surrounded them, the men sprang to the defense of the helpless women and children. But the attack had been so sudden, and the Indians were so superior in point of numbers, that six men fell at the first onset of the savages. A seventh was wounded, and the party would have been overpowered, but for a general and effective discharge of the rifles of the remainder. The Indians took to flight and disappeared. Had the numbers of the travelers allowed it, they felt no inclination to pursue the retreating Indians. Their loss had been too serious to permit the immediate gratification of revenge. Among the slain was the oldest son of Daniel Boone. The horses and domestic animals accompanying the expedition were so scattered by the noise of the affray, that it was impossible again to collect and recover them. The distress and discouragement of the party was so great as to produce an immediate determination to drop the projected attempt of a settlement in Kentucky, and to return to Clinch river which lay forty miles in their rear, where a number of families had already settled. They then proceeded to perform the last melancholy duties to the bodies of their unfortunate companions, with all the observances which circumstances would allow. Their return was then commenced, and the party retraced in deep sadness the steps they had so lately taken in cheerfulness and even joy."
One of the six who were slain in this encounter was Henry Russell, then seventeen years of age. One of his negro men was also killed.
The account of the massacre in Powell's Valley, in Butler's "History of Kentucky", speaks of the "fate of three boys, the eldest hopes of three families, (Henry Russell, Daniel Boone's son, and another), who were moving with Daniel Boone to Kentucky." Butler says, "they had remained behind to collect some stray horses, when they were surprised by the Indians and slain before the rest of the party could come to their assistance."
From some old records it appears that Captain Russell must have been immediately notified of the casualty in Powell's Valley, for he is mentioned as being there, and assisting in burying the dead.
The death of his oldest son was a terrible blow, and caused him to relinquish all idea of emigration to Kentucky. He owned a tract of 2,400 acres of land on Clinch river, which had been granted to him by the King of England, through the government and council of Virginia. Upon this he established his home, near a settlement called Clinch. It was about twelve miles from Castle


Woods Ford on Clinch river, and immediately on the line of travel from Virginia to the Wilderness of Kentucky. That locality is now in Russell county, Virginia.
Captain Russell was soon called into active public service. In 1774, he commanded an expedition against the Shawnees, in southwestern Virginia. He also led his company in the battle of Point Pleasant, on the 10th of October, 1774.* Of this engagement, Collins, in his "History of Kentucky", says:
"This was probably the most severely contested conflict ever maintained with the northwestern Indians; the action continued from sunrise to sunset, and the ground for half a mile along the bank of the Ohio was alternately occupied by each of the parties in the course of the day. So sanguinary was the contest, that blood was found on each of the trees behind which the parties were posted. The Indians, under the celebrated chief, Cornstalk, abandoned the ground under cover of the night. Their loss, according to official report, exceeded that of the Americans, the latter amounting to sixty-three killed and eighty wounded. This report was drawn up by Captain Russell, reported to be the best scholar in camp."
Collins says also:
"The garrison at Kanawha was commanded by Captain Russell, who continued in it until the troops were disbanded in July 1775, by order of Governor Dunmore, who was apprehensive that the post might be held by the rebel authorities."
In 1776, we find Captain Russell promoted to the rank of Colonel, and commanding a regiment of mounted men. He was constantly engaged in repelling the aggressive Indians on the frontiers of Virginia and Tennessee.
Ramsay, in his "History of Tennessee," says:
"Expresses had succeeded in escaping from the besieged fort at Wautauga, and in communicating to the station at Heaton's the dangerous condition in which the siege had involved them. Colonel Russell was requested to give them succor, and five companies were ordered to proceed to Wautauga."
He says further:
"After the attack on Wautauga, a soldier effected his escape and went to Holston, express, for reinforcements. A detachment of one hundred Rangers went instantly forward under the com­mand of Colonel Russell. On their way the Rangers fell in with a party of forty Cherokees, who were busy skinning a beef, at a



deserted plantation fifty miles east of Long Island. Of these, Colonel Russell's men killed five, and took one prisoner who was mortally wounded, and also made prize of twenty rifles belonging to the Indians."
It was during this year that Colonel Russell lost his beloved wife, who died while he was away from home, in the discharge of his soldierly duties. Upon his return to his family he found it a bereaved one. The devoted and affectionate wife and mother was gone, and his house left desolate. It was upon the place near Clinch, that TABITHA ADAMS RUSSELL was buried in 1776, and, though the storms of more than a century have swept over her lone, and perhaps unmarked grave, her name has been venerated, and her memory cherished to the present day.
The Indians were now carrying fire, devastation, and massacre into every settlement, from the remotest cabin on Clinch river to the Seven Mile Ford on the Holston. Colonel Russell considered the locality of his home as now unsafe for his children, and immediately removed with them to a farm which he purchased adjoining the Aspenville tract belonging to Colonel William Campbell, on the middle fork of the Holston, and near the Seven Mile Ford. It was here that they lived during the Revolutionary war. His two eldest sons, William and Robert, remained at home for a short time, but they, too, although mere boys, soon took up arms for defense against the Indians. Upon his eldest daughter, Mary Henley, then but sixteen years of age, devolved the care of the motherless children, as well as the task of rearing her infant sister of six months. In these fearful times it would seem that children became men and women, in bravery and self-reliance, at a very early age.
Among the slaves of Colonel Russell were an old man and his wife, who were faithful and devoted to their master and his family, and to their care and protection he committed his children, while he gave his service to the cause of liberty. Well and faithfully they performed the duties of the trust reposed in them. This family of children, in the absence of their brave were many times menaced by British raiders, but they escaped all harm.
The winter following Colonel Russell received the appointment of Colonel in the regular army, and took command of one of the Virginia regiments. This command he retained to the


close of the war, and he was one of the Colonels on the Virginia line, on Continental establishment, brevetted on that account. He participated in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth; also in the siege of Charleston, where, upon its capture, he was made prisoner of war, and sent on a British prison-ship to one of the West India islands. He was afterwards released on parole, and returned to Virginia, where he was soon exchanged, and again in the field. For information upon these points we are indebted to a communication from Dr. Lyman C. Draper, author of "Annals of Virginia," to Ex-Gov. David Campbell of Virginia, bearing date 1844. He says:
"In regard to the general actions in which Gen. Russell took part during the Revolutionary war, I found nothing in his old letters by which I could tell definitely, except that his regiment formed part of Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg's brigade, which was formed early in 1777, and it was in the opening of that year that Russell joined the army under Washington. Muhlenberg's and Weedon's brigades formed Gen. Green's division at Germantown, the 4th of October following. A letter of Gen. Adam Stephen in Appendix, 5th volume ,Spark's 'Life of Washington,' in speaking of the battle of Germantown, says, 'Colonels Lewis and Russell, of Green's division, behaved gallantly during the action.' Marshall's 'Washington,' vol. 1st, page 169th, says, `Muhlenberg's and Scott's brigades formed Green's division at Germantown'; hence, I consider the proof conclusive that Gen. Russell took part in the battle of Germantown. It is equally clear to my mind, though the evidence is not quite so luminous, that he participated in the battle of Brandywine. With regard to this, I may add that Judge Johnson's 'Life of Green' states, that Muhlenberg's and Weedon's brigades comprised Green's division at Brandywine. The battle of Monmouth occurred on the 28th of June, 1778, Green's division participating, and I can find no evidence to the contrary, but that Muhlenberg's brigade still formed a part of Green's command; and another fact is, that in 1777, 1778, 1779, Col. Russell was in Washington's grand army. I have not a shadow of doubt about 'Russell's being in the battle of Monmouth, and I have gone into this detail, thinking you might be interested to prosecute the enquiry and give the result; and, for another reason, should I not live to finish what I now have in hand, that you may have the benefit of this hasty research, founded entirely upon the key that Russell's regiment was part and parcel of Muhlenberg's brigade, which fact, as already indicated, I find in a letter of Gen. Russell's, dated March, 1778. In December of 1779 the Virginia line, reduced to 700 men, were detached by Gen. Washington, commanded by


Gen. Woodford, to join Gen. Lincoln at Charleston, at which place they arrived April 10th, 1780, and the surrender took place the 12th of May. Col. Russell was, as a matter of course, in Woodford's detachment. None of his letters relating to the Revolution bear (late after 1779, and I cannot tell to what brigade he was attached after he was released from his captivity."
Colonel Russell was with the army at Yorktown, and wit­nessed the surrender of Lord Cornwallis on the 19th of October, 1781. It is much deplored that a full and detailed account of his military services cannot be obtained. Time has waged a fearful war on the memorials of the days "that tried men's souls," and they are everywhere scattered, and many of them destroyed. There are, however abundant evidences that he exhibited great bravery as an officer, and he retired from the service with a most honorable record. Having served through the entire Revolution, he was brevetted to the rank of General, and retired on half-pay for life. For his services he was entitled to large bounties of land, much of which was afterwards located in the Green River section of Kentucky.
Russell county in Virginia was named in his honor; as also, Russellville, Kentucky, which was built upon land originally owned by him. After peace was restored he returned to civil life, and rejoined his family. He was soon elected to the Virginia Senate, of which he was a member many years, and it appears that he was as popular and influential as a citizen, as he had been brave and true to the cause of American Independence.
Regarding his personal traits and appearance, the account we have of him says, "He was a man of very distinguished appearance, being tall and erect in stature. He united to a military bearing, great dignity and manners which were of the courtly order." From all that can be learned of him, he was truly a gentleman of the olden school, "without fear and without reproach."
He had maintained correspondence with his relatives in England till the beginning of the Revolution, at which time they besought him not to take up arms against the British government. While he was a prisoner in British hands, they still wrote, urging him to return to his allegiance to England, but he remained steadfast to the cause of American Freedom.
It is much regretted that all his papers, correspondence, and family records were destroyed in a conflagration several years


after his death. Had these been preserved, the writer would probably have found it unnecessary to go beyond them for information which has been anxiously sought.
After his return home, about 1783, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Henry Campbell, widow of Gen. William Campbell, of King's Mountain fame, who died a few weeks before the siege of Yorktown, in 1781. She was the daughter of John Henry, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland; who married Sarah, a daughter of Isaac Winston. Her paternal grandmother was Jane Robertson, sister of Dr. William Robertson, the historian, and cousin of Lord Brougham.
As the home of Mrs. Campbell and the farm of Gen. Russell were adjacent, it seems probable that their acquaintance had been of many years' standing. He was at this time forty-eight years of age. He had numbered twelve children, two of whom, Katherine and Arthelia, had died, it is believed in Culpeper, previous to 1770. Henry, the oldest son, being also dead, there remained nine at that time. The two elder sons, William and Robert Spotswood, were but little at home, being much in Kentucky and Tennessee, looking after surveys and location of land warrants. The eldest daughter, Mary Henley, had already married Captain Bowen; and the second daughter, Tabitha, very soon married Captain Campbell, so that five children constituted his family at the time of his second marriage. These were John, Samuel, Celah, Henley, and Chloe the youngest, then about seven years of age.
Mrs. Campbell had but one child, Sally Buchanan Campbell, then five years old, having previously lost her only son, Charles Henry Campbell. She is represented as being endowed with great superiority of mind and strength of character. There is much evidence that her attachment for Gen. Russell was of unusual strength and warmth, and that their married life was one of perfect harmony and happiness. He was remarkable for his devotional nature, and as husband and father was fond and in­dulgent.
His letters of that period give the only glimpses of their home-life which can be obtained, and they furnish indications of a spirit of harmony and affection pervading the entire family circle.
After their marriage, they lived for several years at Aspenville;


the home of Mrs. Campbell, near the Seven Mile Ford, Washington county.
Having a large interest in the salt-works, situated about ten miles from Aspenville, they removed to that place in the spring of 1788, in order more successfully to carry on the manufacture of salt. This became their permanent home, and it was here that Gen. Russell passed the remainder of his life. His journeyings to and from Richmond, while he was a member of the Assembly, he frequently makes allusion to in his letters.
It was in 1788, that he became a convert to the Methodist faith, and united himself with the church. An account of his conversion, together with that of his wife, is given by the Rev. T. Ware, in his "Life," and is as follows:
"Our first conference in Holston was held in May, 1788. As the road by which Bishop Asbury was to come was infested with hostile savages, so that it could not be traveled except by considerable companies together, he was detained for a week after the time appointed to commence it. But we were not idle, and the Lord gave us many souls in the place where we were assembled; among whom were Gen. Russell and lady, the latter a sister of the illustrious Patrick Henry. I mention these particularly, because they were the first fruits of our labors at this conference. On the Sabbath we had a crowded audience, and Mr. Trunnel preached an excellent sermon which produced great effect. The sermon was followed by a number of powerful exhortations. When the meeting closed, Mrs. Russell came to me and said, "I thought I was a Christian, but, sir, I am not a Christian; I am the veriest sinner upon earth. I want you and Mr. Mastin to come with Mr. Trunnel to our house and pray for us, and tell us what we must do to be saved." So we went and spent much of the afternoon in prayer, especially for Mrs. Russell, but she did not obtain deliverance. Being much exhausted, the preachers retired to a pleasant grove near at hand to spend a short time.
After we had retired, the General, seeing the agony of soul under which his poor wife was laboring, read to her, by the advice of his pious daughter, Mr. Fletcher's charming address to mourners, as contained in his "Appeal." At length we heard the word "glory" often repeated, accompanied with the clapping of hands. We hastened to the house and found Mrs. Russell praising the Lord, and the General walking the floor and weep-mg bitterly, uttering at the same time this plaintive appeal to the Saviour of sinners: "Oh, Lord, thou didst bless my dear wife while thy poor servant was reading to her, halt thou not also a blessing for me?"
At length he sat down quite exhausted. This scene was in


a high degree interesting to us. To see the old soldier and statesman, the proud opposer of godliness, trembling and earnestly inquiring what he must do to be saved, was an affecting sight. But the work ended not here. The conversion of Mrs. Russell, whose zeal, good sense, and amiableness of character were proverbial, together with the penitential grief so conspicuous in the General, made a deep impression upon the minds of many, and numbers were brought in before the conference closed. The General rested not until he knew his adoption; and he continued a faithful member of the church, and an official member after he became eligible for office, constantly adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour, until the end of his life."
It appears from the account of Mr. Ware, given above, that when Gen. Russell enlisted as a soldier of the cross, he did so with his whole heart and soul. He and his wife also were very zealous in their faith, and consistent in their devotions. Family prayers were held night and morning, and they frequently had preaching at their house. Bishop Asbury was a frequent and favored visitor, and he says in his Journal, "General Russell's was one of the harbors of rest for the weary Methodist preacher."
It is found that within a year or two from that time, all their household, both white and black, were converted and brought into the church.
Gen. Russell had by his second marriage four children. The eldest, Henry Winston Russell, was born in 1784, and died in infancy. Elizabeth Henry Russell was born in 1786. Patrick Henry Russell and Jane Robertson Russell (twins) were born in 1788. The former died when a few weeks old, leaving only the two little daughters, of whom he writes as "Betty Henry" and "Jenny."
Some of the letters of Gen. Russell, written about that time, are here inserted. They will certainly be read with interest by his descendants, having been written nearly a hundred years ago, and all who are mentioned in them having long since passed away.
It must be borne in mind that they are merely family letters, from father to son. He could little foresee that, after a century had passed, they would be eagerly read and treasured by his great-grandchildren.
The following letter, from Gov. Patrick Henry to Robert Spotswood Russell, will be first given, as possessing interest in its relating to the price of land in Kentucky at that time.


Dear Sir:—Your Father has informed me that you have located my 2,000 acres of land on the warrants he had on Green river. I would wish to have it surveyed as soon as possible, but fear the troublesome times will prevent this Fall. However, if it is possible to accomplish it, I shall be much pleased at it. I learn that the agreement was for me to pay £20 per thousand acres; one half of the land as I may choose, locating, &c., &c. This I hereby certify, and will fulfill it on your certificate. I send you two half Joes for the present, and from my money being scarce I send no more.
I shall acknowledge it a great favor if you will exert yourself to have the survey run on good land, and soon, and shall endeavor to return the obligation whenever it may be in my power.
To Robt. S. Russell.

In explanation of the term "half Joe" in the foregoing letter of Mr. Henry, Mr. Richard Brock, Sec. Va. Historical Society, says, "The term `half Joe' was a brief and familiar one in colonial days for half Johannes, a gold coin of Portugal, so named from one of its Royal Johns. The value of the coin in Virginia, prior to the Revolution, was £5 15s. in Virginia currency; consequently the value of the 'half Joe' was £2 7s. 6d."*

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The following is the first in date, of the letters of Gen. Russell to his son Robert:
My Dear Son:—By a letter which your loving mamma got the other day from your brother, Billy Russell, we learned that you were well, and gone to the Cumberland Falls. Since, by a traveller from Kentucky, we learned that you were sick at Mr. Campbell's, who had not moved from Dick's river to Elkhorn, as we understood by your brother Billy's letter. We cannot wholly believe in the account last received, but hope in God that you are perfectly well at this time.
Our loss in your dear little brother, Henry Winston, together with your grandmamma's death, sets hard with us, your parents, as you must imagine, but we rest assured that our loss in them has fixed their eternal gain in unalterable glory. A visit from our dear children in Kentucky this spring, would cheer their parents in affliction, and promote in them some days of happiness. As Johnny must come in immediately to school, I wish much, as does your clear mamma, to see you and Billy with him. Perhaps



you can make it convenient to visit us by the April court, the time of our annual election.
I am expecting here daily Mr. Harry Lines on his way to Kentucky. He has a letter from Mr. Henry (the present. Gover­nor) to you about his land, and I hope you will endeavor to comply with his wishes. The two half Joe, he gave me for you I will send by Mr. Innes, your Attorney General for Kentucky.
I have enclosed to you a memorandum, made for me by Mr. George May, which I trust will enable you to have the land surveyed on Green river, formerly entered by Mr. May for me, which you will have effected according to the location, unless a visible alteration can be made in safety. I think he told me I might join the river if I chose. Mine is the oldest entry thereabouts; consequently the best.
I shall remit all other business now, and rest it at your discretion; and the sooner I can see you when your winter's work is done, the better. Mr. Porter has a horse in care of B. Cooper, that he wishes Johnny to ride in; perhaps he will answer; if not, I trust you to furnish him with one, among you.
We are all well at present. Celah's eye is fast recovering. Our little children go prettily to school, and come on well under a promising and prudent master, who is acquainted with the Latin, and has Sammy closely at his grammar. Let us hear from, you whenever it is possible.
We join in prayers and best wishes for the health and righteous prosperity of all our dear children. May God preserve us all to meet in safety, is the present wish of your ever affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Cumberland.

The allusion in this letter to the death of "your grandmamma" without doubt refers to Gen. Russell's mother, Mrs. Mary Henley Russell. There are no records which give the date of her death, but all indications lead to the conclusion that this reference is to her.
The devotional and rather pious tone of all his letters gives evidence of religious feelings and influences. The Rev. Mr. Ware speaks of him as the "proud opposer of godliness," before his conversion to the Methodist faith, but he could not have used that expression in its fullest sense. Gen. Russell had been reared in the Church of England, as it was in Virginia, and although he may not have been a communicant of the church, he had doubtless received from his parents some religious training. The afflictions through which he had passed, the tragical and shocking


death of his eldest son, the loss of his wife the companion from his youth, together with the dangers which had menaced his fancily during these troubled times, without doubt caused him to feel, and to be ever mindful of a higher power that directs the destinies of man.

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My Very Dear Son:—I forwarded letters, a few days ago, to all my children in Kentucky and Cumberland, by Captain Madi­son (first intended by Mr. Harry Innes), which I hope you will get in safety, but in case a miscarriage might happen, I will mention some things therein containd.
I enclosed to you a note of instruction, given me by Mr. George May, which I hope will enable you to have our land, entered by him, surveyed on the north side of Green river (Indian Camp Creek), and hope you will effect it as soon as it can be clone with safety.
Mr. Henry's letter I still expect will come by him, as he has it, and I intend sending by him the two half Joes mentioned in my last letter, which I have kept, supposing him a safer conveyance.
I want Johnny so very much to go to school, and I as much want to see you and Billy also. A. traveller coining this way tells me that he saw you the north side of Kentucky, just after you started for Cumberland. He wore white, faced with blue, perhaps a Pennsylvanian; and he added that you had just recovered from an illness. I am concerned, fearing the fatigue and cold which you will have to undergo on your journey may seriously affect your health, but I trust in God's mercies to keep you safe through all your toils, and that we may meet again.
I need not say more about our hinds; your prudence must direct you. I am prone to hope that your particular attention and desire will hasten your dispatch through the business, and the sooner I can see you again the sooner we can hasten farther necessary steps regarding it. I have the strong hope of seeing you some time in March.
I have not yet got any kettles ready for the salt-works, owing to the furnace breaking up last fall just as one was cast. They are now about finished, and I expect to send the wagon down this month. Should you be prevented from coming as soon as I expect you, let me know it immediately, and when I may expect you.
Since writing the above, Mr. Innes has arrived. He has the letters I wrote from Richmond, also Mr. Henry's, to which I refer you and your brother Billy.
We are happy to get your last letter dated Gilbert's Creek, and hope by the time this reaches Kentucky you will have returned


from surveying; and according to your letter will expect you as soon as possible again to Holston.
I send by Col. Innes the two half Joes of the Governor's. I also send you four guineas, which will answer your wishes to pay the surveyors you have with you, which you will apply to Mr. Innes for, when he arrives. He will be at Lexington soon after he gets to Kentucky.
We are all well, and join in best wishes for your prosperity and success. Adieu, my very dear son,
Robert S. Russell.

P. S.—Present our best love to Mr. Campbell and dear Tabby, to whom we will write the next opportunity, but cannot now for want of time.

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Dear Son:—Our wagon has at length got between Jacob Anderson's and home, and I expect it to reach here by afternoon with all safe. We are all tolerably well at present. I have had a very acute stroke of pleurisy lately, but through mercy your mamma and myself are both recruiting again. We have just had verbal accounts from Kentucky that your brother Billy is married to Miss Price. It is to us all here very strange and unexpected news. Perhaps the next arrivals may afford more certain information on the subject.
I pray you hasten home as I much need you. Your mamma, brothers, and sisters all join in love and best wishes, hoping to see you by the last of the month. Your loving father, . Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.
I send this by Captain Madison.

By way of explanation it may be stated that his son, Robert, was, at the time the above letter was written, in Shenandoah county, paying his addresses to Miss Deborah Allen; and from the nature of his mission, it may reasonably be presumed that he did not make his appearance at home, as expected by the family, at the end of the month. The sequel proves that he did not, for his marriage with Miss Allen took place in May.

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My Dear Son:—I have only a moment to inform you by Captain Barby,* that we have received Sammy's letter with the



happy intelligence of your marriage with my dear daughter, Deborah, on which happy circumstance your mamma and myself beg to congratulate you both, and present our best wishes to Col. Allen's family, and we pray God to bless you one and all.
I must pray you and our dear daughter to visit us at once, and come prepared to stay till your mamma and myself go down the country to Mr. Henry's and return. It is the most urgent business that compels us to go. We how you will not fail to come. I wish you to see Captain Barby, at Colonel John Slaughter's.
Our best wishes to all. Adieu. Robert S. Russell.

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My Dear Son:—On last evening there arrived here ,a Mr. North from Kentucky, who is a half brother of Col. Todd. By him I forward some letters from your brother Billy's and Mr. Campbell's families to you and your dear wife. The letters were sent in by Mr. Patrick Watson, who brought others to us at the same time, from which we learn that all friends are well in Kentucky. We are all here in usual health, and trust that this maw find you and dear Debby well, as also Col. Allen's family. Mr. North being in haste, and I having a bad candle, must put off the news of this quarter for Johnny's coming, as we still expect he will visit you about Christmas.
The present hurry, and the noise of the family being up, must excuse for their not writing now. I. have had no letter from you since you left here, but hope to hear soon.
I hardly expect Billy in this winter, nor do I expect that we will move to the salt-works till spring.
We all join in much love and best wishes and prayers for you and dear Debby, and all friends.
Your affectionate father, Mr. Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Dear Son:—I write to inform you that we are all well, and that your brother, Johnny, is permitted to attempt his journey once more, which he has so long most earnestly wished to undertake. The cause of his not coming sooner had almost proved a fatal hindrance, but lie will inform you of it.
We received yours and dear Debby's affectionate letter by Captain Hayes, and it was most welcome to all the family.
Your brother Billy informs us that we need not look for him


till June, and he adds that his and Mr. Campbell's families were preparing letters for us all, which have not yet come to hand. We will forward them to you the first opportunity after they arrive.
Your brother Johnny's desire to see you, his sister Debby, and other friends, leads him to attempt his journey rather badly equipped, and the pleasing prospect before him must be a substitute for all other wants.
I have lost all this winter at salt-making, owing to the very inclement season. I have things much better fixed than when you were here last. I have completed a large cistern which is expected to answer a valuable purpose, which your brother can explain to you.
There being no court last month, I failed in getting the power of attorney acknowledged and forwarded by your brother, but shall aim to send it by spring.
I find Virginia and all the continent much puzzled about the new Constitution, as is the case here with us. I think there will be a great majority of my own opinion, which after due reflection is decidedly against it, as it is in its nature most dangerous to the liberties of ,man. I wish it to be amended at all events. The state of your mamma's health prevents me from offering my abilities in opposing it, or rather, advocating its amendment. I wish the consequences may not produce much confusion, and it is to be hoped that all who have the good of posterity at heart, will mature all difference of opinion with the utmost calmness.
Let me hear from you by Johnny, whose return I hope will be by the first of April. With much love to You and dear Debby,
I am your affectionate father, Mr. Robert S. Russell., Shenandoah, Va.

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My dear son:—I now write by your brother Sammy and sister Celah, both of whom, instead of your mamma and myself, are now to set out to visit you, dear Debby, and other friends in that quarter.
The nature of my business here with Mr. Henry, and the urgent necessity of my return to Holston, of which Sammy can inform you, will in your good sense excuse us for deferring our visit to you, but it is our intention that it shall come to pass ere long.
Write me by Sammy and Celah, and will write you again



when I get home, for your satisfaction before they leave you. Poor little Bettie Henry has been sick twice since she came down the country, but we shall try to set out homeward to-morrow.
We all send love to you and dear Debby. Kiss the grand­child for us. Adieu.
Your affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Dear Son:—We have at length arrived all safe at this place, but have been much detained on the way by bad weather and the indisposition of Betty and Jenny. I learn that your brothers at home are well, as also our friends in Kentucky about two weeks ago. I hope that Sammy and Celah have ere now arrived safe at your house, and among their friends in your quarter. As I shall only write to you now,
I must request that you will hurry them in due time to visit all friends with you, so they can be at home by the last week in March or first in April. They must call and rest a few days at Capt. Madison's* on their way home. I hope by them to learn fully what are your intentions respecting Kentucky, and if you have made any provisions towards building there. It is my intention to visit our friends in Shenandoah, but I must get a stage before I travel with my family again. Your mamma and all of us want very much to see clear Debby and the little stranger. Kiss the dear infant for us. We join in love to all.
Adieu my dear son, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Dear Son:—I received your welcome letter at our last court, the 8th inst., and was sorry to learn that your dear little daughter was so much indisposed, which may prevent the visit of dear Debby and yourself to us this fall. We hope in God that her recovery may be so speedy and so certain, that we may still hope for the pleasure of seeing you here. I have to add and entreat you that, if there is any possibility of doing so, you will be here by the second clay of October, on which day your mamma and myself expect the greatest trial with Col. C ______ at the District Court at the Court-House, that ever took place at our

*Capt. Madison was the brother-in-law of Mrs. Russell, having married her sister, Susanna Henry. Their house was on the line of travel to Shenandoah and Culpeper. and was a most agreeable place for the members of the family to stop and visit when on those long and fatiguing journeys.


general court, or may ever occur hereafter.        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        *        I expect that your intimacy with John Barr while at the Salt-Works may enable you to throw some light upon our charges against him, so that, should you come with or without dear Debby, it might favor our undertaking. I am led to hope that moderate traveling and change of air with the dear infant, might greatly help it, as it did our dear little Jenny last winter.
I expect from Billy's letter, which I received the same day I got yours, that he will be here to-night or to-morrow, and expect to detain him till after the District Court. He intends returning by land through the wilderness, and to take with him some cattle and sheep if he can purchase them here. Pray give me an immediate answer whether we may expect you or not.
I expect to set out for the Assembly about the tenth of October, and will endeavor then to decide on coming your way, which I wish to do if possible.
Please make my own, and your mamma's, and the childrens' best wishes to dear Debby, and to Col. Allen's family.
May the Lord in mercy recover your dear baby, and restore it to perfect health and your lasting comfort.
Your affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Dear Son:—Having failed in one or two opportunities which Mr. Williams promised to furnish, I hope this may be forwarded by him, as he sets out to-day or to-morrow to Culpeper. I wrote you about the time of leaving home, informing you that Captain Madison had been appointed guardian of your sister Sally B. Campbell, instead of Arthur Campbell, much to the satisfaction of all your mamma's friends. I left your brother Billy at my house, who, together with your sister Celah, was to set out for Kentucky two days after I left them. I have not heard from your mamma or them since I came here.
I much wanted to call on you and dear Debby on my way down to this place, but feared it impracticable to be attempted. I have a particular desire to see you here before I set out home, and should be very glad if you could ride down about the last of this month, at which time I expect Sammy or Johnny will be here, and Kirk with our wagon to take up supplies for the next year. You would not lose more than ten or twelve days at most, and would afford me much satisfaction. Don't be backward about traveling materials; I can furnish while here, and, should you find it possible, do come about that time.


It is thought that the Assembly will not sit longer than the 15th of December, and whether it rises then or not I intend to start homeward about that time, to escape if possible the severity of cold travelling. The Assembly has done nothing yet. This contagious influenza, which none of us have escaped, has kept so many of the Senate sick, that we have not made a quorum these two weeks. It is nothing more than a violent cold. From careful living mine was light.
Your mamma and myself, God willing, wish to visit you and dear Debby next fall on my way down here, but as I hope to see you before I go home, will say more on that head when together. If opportunity offers, and you cannot come, write me as early as possible.
My affectionate regards to you, dear Debby, and Col. Allen's family. Kiss the little girl for me. I hope she is hearty by this time. May God preserve you all in health and safety is the ar­dent prayer, my dear son, of your
Ever affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Dear Son:—I have just opportunity by Col. Brown to forward you a few lines to la you know that we are all in usual health at present; but we have lost poor Adam, who was killed by the fall of a tree in a late storm.
Your brother Johnny started from this place yesterday for Kentucky, with the expectation of seeing your sister Celah married to Mr. Robert Wilson, of Maryland. Mr. Wilson has purchased a part of Mr. Meredith's land, and has settled upon it, within three miles from Billy Russell's. I have had a letter from him, also one from Billy, on the occasion. I have left it altogether to my children in Kentucky. Billy says he is fond of him.
I will write you again the first opportunity, and you will excuse want of time at present. My best wishes and prayers attend you and dear Debby.
I remain your affectionate parent, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Dear Son:—We were favored with letters from you two


or three weeks past, and rejoiced to find that you and dear Deb­by, with your little ones, were then well.
We are all tolerably well at present, though your mamma is somewhat complaining.
We have lately been favored with accounts from Kentucky by Johnny, who through mercy has just returned home. He brings us accounts of your sister Celah's marriage with Mr. Robt. Wilson, late of Maryland. Her brothers and sisters are well satisfied, and I hope for the best also. Johnny Russell thinks Celah has done very well.
Your brothers and sisters here enjoyed good health this summer, and little Jenny and Betty grow finely. Sally Campbell and Chloe come on a little.
Crops in this section are very promising, but it appears to be a brittle harvest. I expect to cut a little timothy some time hence. Notwithstanding our scarcity of hands, we hire, and make more salt than ever, arriving at last to about five bushels per day when the water is not hurt by rains; and we have made more than six bushels, on which success your mamma lost some little bets.
We have still the desire to visit you and friends in Shenandoah this fall, but cannot decidedly say how it will be. I think the surest way to get us there will be for you and dear Debby to come out here, and we will return all together. If that cannot be convenient, perhaps you can come out yourself and assist us on the journey. I still expect sister Roberts this fall. Can't you come all together? I shall expect you to write me on this point as early as possible. I suppose in September your sister Celah and Mr. Wilson will visit us, and I wish you to meet them here.
I think I will not set out for the Assembly before the middle or last of October.
This will be handed you by Captain Adams, a relative by your mother's side, who will no doubt rest with you Some, days. He is able to advise you of your sister and Capt. Bowen at Cumberland. Capt Adams has lately returned from the Mississippi, and being an intelligent gentleman, can give you a particular account of that country.
Your mamma and all here seem well reconciled to the Salt-Works, and having a fine prospect at Aspenville as well as here, we are in hopes of doing better another year than formerly. We will have no fruit at Aspenville this year, and very little in the country any where.
We want to see you all very much, and trust that we may meet this fall. Your mamma not being well, and having to write by the same opportunity to Capt. Madison, she hopes that dear Debby will excuse her for the present, and she will write by the


next opportunity. We all join in much love to you, dear Debby, and your little ones; also to Col. Allen's and sister Roberts' families, and all other friends. Adieu my dear son.
Your very affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Very Dear Son:—Being the first opportunity since Capt. Adams left here, write to inform you, through the mercies of God, we are all well at present. I suppose I will not write again before we can reasonably expect you here; that is, if you come this fall. I must, God willing, set out to Richmond by the. 10th of October.
Your mamma and myself have just been talking about coming down to see you, and it seems to produce various reflections in contemplating so great a journey, with so many children to undergo so much fatigue. Indeed, it may be a serious matter to you, for five or six horses for you to feed two months would considerably exhaust your stock of forage. We are a tiresome and expensive gang wherever we go to visit. I have no doubt that the desire of our families to accomplish it is mutual, but in every way that we consider it, it is an arduous task, and cannot be positively decided upon till the time .comes.
This will be handed you by Mr. McCarty or Mr. Smith, who will see you before they return, and learn from yourself of your determination. I must make this letter a brief one. I have ten hands now at work about my new furnace-house, and I hope next week to have my works complete, and then be able to make salt pretty fast.
I heard last week from Capt. Bowen and family. The children had not been very well, or the Captain and Molly would have been to see us. No later accounts from Kentucky than by Capt. Adams and Johnny Russell.
We have a great prospect for corn. I never saw so fine a field at this season.

We all join in much love, adding Betty's and Jenny's among the rest of us, to you, dear Debby, and dear little ones.
Your very affectionate father,

Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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The only reply to any of these letters which Las been found is the following:


My DearFather:—Having waited a considerable time for an opportunity to write to you, a favorable one is at last offered by Mr. McCarty. I received yours by him and Capt. Adams, and am very sorry that you begin to doubt about bringing mamma and the children down to see us this fall. But. I still hope that you will come, as my dear Debby and all friends in Shenandoah and Culpeper are anxious that you should come this fall. It would be impracticable for me to bring out my clear Debby and little daughters to Holston this fall, and she is so unwilling for me to go and leave her alone, that I must decline all thought of going this season. If you find that it will be impossible to bring mamma and the children, I hope you will come this way as you go to the Assembly, as it will not be more than two or three days out of your way. If Mr. Wilson and sister Celah come to Holston this fall, I hope they will come down with you, and spend the winter with us.
I intend, God willing, to ride out to Kentucky in the spring, to make a beginning about my mill and other buildings, as my intention is to move to that country as soon as I can possibly dispose of land in Shenandoah, either by selling or renting. If you can spare brother Henley, you will let him come down some time the ensuing fall or winter, and stay with my dear Debby till I come back from Kentucky, which will be some time about harvest.
My duty to mamma and yourself, and love to brothers and sisters. Believe me to be
Your dutiful son, Gen. William Russell, Holston.

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My Dear Son:—I am just informed by Mr. Booth that he can convey you a letter soon after he reaches your county. I have only time to inform you that your mamma and little children are now in Goochland, at Mrs. Wood's,* and all are well. Sally Campbell has been very ill at Amherst since I came down, but she is now recovered.
We intend, God willing, to return home by your house when the Assembly rises; that is, unless the weather sets in too violent. and hard, which we now expect will be before Christmas. Were it possible I could wish you here or at Mrs. Wood's, to assist us along, but expect your business will not allow you to come down. I expect Johnny here every moment. He will return your way



whether we do or not. I will write you more fully if I should not come.
Bad news from the Kentucky campaign, but no official account yet. Your brother Billy did not go on the expedition. Excuse haste. I am, with much love to all friends.
Your affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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My Very Dear Son:—Your brother, Johnny Russell, sets out to-day for Richmond, and he will take your house on his way home. It has now been a long time since we had a letter from you, or that I have had an opportunity of writing to you, so that all of us here are anxious to hear from you, dear Debby, and the little ones. Through much mercy we are all well here; and, by the last accounts, the same at Kentucky.
Your brother Sammy lately went out there, and intends to visit Cumberland.* I got a few lines from him dated at the Crab Orchard, and he promised to write again when he got to Billy's; and from thence expect a full account of the late prosperous expedition commanded by Gen. Scott.
My last letter from your brother Billy mentions his not having heard from you in a great while, and he no longer expects you. this season.
I believe all friends at Cumberland are well, but we have had no letters from there since spring. I hope to hear from you before Johnny's return home. I must entreat you not to detain him long, as I want him much at home. I have hopes of seeing you with him, or to hear of your intention of coming to see us in September or thereabouts, as no doubt about that time some of your brothers and sisters will perhaps visit us from Kentucky. Surely you and dear Debby will visit us once more before you go to Kentucky to live. If it pleases God to spare our lives till I go to the Assembly, I think of taking your mamma and the children with me, to visit you and sister Roberts, and return that way from Richmond, perhaps through Amherst. If it shall be the will of God to spare me longer than the next Assembly, I think to decline the capacity of a legislator, and I hope, looking heavenwards, to retire from public business for the remainder of my life
May God bless you, dear Debby, the children, your parents there, and all other friends; and, dear children, live near to



God, and His grace will enable you to overcome all trials here, and fit you for His eternal mansions of bliss and glory hereafter.
I am, my dear son, with much love,
Your ever affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

---

My Very Dear Son:—I write you by opportunity of Charley Talbert, son of old Mr. Talbert, who is employed to assist with a drove of cattle to Maryland.
Your brother Johnny has at length returned home, and we are all well now, although your mamma and myself were both indisposed while Johnny was away from home.
We all rejoice to hear that dear Debby, yourself, and children are well, and we are further comforted to know that you have opened your doors to preaching, which I hope will greatly stimulate you both to live closer to God. I shall only add that there promises to be a great revival of religion about to take place. Make our love to our brethren who ride in your quarter; perhaps we may see them this winter.
I want, and intend, to bring down your mamma and the children if possible, but when I look around me I find a scarcity of horses. Johnny's journey leaves two short, and Sammy has two more in Kentucky; however, if necessary, we can buy others to supply our present needs.
We expect on the 22d or 23d to see your brother Billy from Kentucky. I understand he intends coming your way. May God preserve us all to meet again, that we may glorify the great Donor of all good together. It is now my greatest comfort and pleasure to see my children traveling heavenward.
Commend me, your mamma, and brothers and sisters, to all friends in your section. I wish much to see you all. May God bless you. Adieu. Your ever affectionate father, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

---

The letter above is the last one of Gen. Russell's which has been preserved. It gives evidence that he was becoming much absorbed with religious thoughts and feelings, and he may have felt instinctively that his life was drawing to its close.


The following one to Bishop Asbury bears the latest date, and was written a little more than three months before his death.

Rev. Sir:—I have reason to bless God that his incessant mercies are still towards me and mine, and that the power of His love hath been largely diffused among my poor undeserving family, during the last summer.
In the month of August, brother W______ being present, while at family prayer, the power of the Lord broke in upon us, and before one o'clock in the morning seven of this family professed to find peace in the Lord, of which number was Sally B. Campbell. The rest were negroes, and two other negroes next morning found that pearl of great price. One of the converts, a very old woman, since died happy in the Lord; and all yet seem to hold fast to the faith. But, you will think with me, it must be uncommon grace from God, to keep safe poor Sally Campbell, amidst so much entanglement with carnal minds, while her condition as a ward, and under control, makes her case the more dangerous.
Sundry persons, white and black, have since found peace under this roof; and hereabouts the work has been so powerful as to prevent preaching; you will hence conclude our laborers have been true and faithful.
That our God may preserve us to meet again, shall be the prayer of your affectionate brother in the Lord Jesus. Adieu. Rev. Bishop Asbury

---

Sally B. Campbell, in whose spiritual welfare Gen. Russell expresses such deep interest in this letter to Bishop Asbury, was his step-daughter. She was born April 22d, 1778, and was at that time fourteen years old. She had been much away from home attending school, and making long visits to her aunt, Mrs. Madison, whose husband was her guardian. How long she remained true to the Methodist faith, is not known to the writer. On the 10th of January, 1793, being not yet fifteen years of age, she married Col. Francis Preston, of Montgomery Co., Va., at the house of Col. Madison, and while her mother was in attendance at the death-bed of Gen. Russell. Col. Preston was a Representative in Congress from 1793 to 1797. While on a visit to Columbia, South Carolina, he died on May 26th, 1835, aged seventy years.
Mrs. Preston passed the most of her life at Aspenville, the


homestead inherited from her father, where she died July 23d, 1846. Her descendants were numerous, and some of them distinguished for talent and ability, among whom was her eldest son, the Hon. William C. Preston, of South Carolina.
As Gen. Russell had so long desired, as expressed in some of his letters, to visit his son Robert, his sister Mrs. Roberts, and other friends in Shenandoah and Culpeper counties, he was at length enabled to carry out his intention. This journey, undertaken in midwinter, was doubtless hastened from the fact that his son Robert and his family were to start in the early spring for their future home in Kentucky.
Quite a lengthy account of Gen. Russell's illness and death, together with some of the circumstances of his leaving home, was written by Rev. Hubbard Saunders, who had just then married his youngest daughter, Chloe, and who, with his wife, accompanied Gen. Russell on this visit to Shenandoah. The chief points of interest in this manuscript will be given.
Gen. and Mrs. Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Saunders, Henley Russell, and the two little daughters, Bettie Henry and Jenny, together with several servants, set out on Thursday,. the 15th of December, 1792. It appears that John and Samuel were left in charge of the salt-works and affairs at home. Mr. Saunders' account says, "His solemnity in parting with those who were left behind is worthy of observation. After leaving his house, he had his family and servants assembled together at the salt-works, which were about a quarter of a mile from the house. He then offered prayer after which, he spoke personally to every one with warmth and feeling, bidding them farewell in a manner peculiarly solemn, and, as it afterwards seemed, as if he felt intuitively that he would see them no more."
They finally started and journeyed on till they arrived at Col. Madison's, where they remained perhaps ten days. Resuming their journey, they reached the house of their son Robert on Tuesday the 1st of January, 1793, to find him with his family absent from home. It must be concluded that he had not been apprised of the date at which they would arrive. They went on to Col. Allen's (the father-in-law of his son Robert), which place was only a short distance farther, and situated on the Shenandoah river. Here they were most warmly and cordially. received. The state of the roads and the tedious and fatiguing mode of


traveling at that period can scarcely be imagined at the present day.
In several of Gen. Russell's letters, he expresses a dread of the exposure attendant upon his journeyings to and from the Assembly in Richmond, during cold and severe weather. This last travel in the depth of winter proved fatal to him. He contracted a severe cold, and on the day after his arrival complained of feeling ill. A physician of Front Royal was immediately summoned, who, upon his arrival found the symptoms of his patient quite serious. He had constant fever, attended with great prostration, and after a few clays another physician, from Winchester, was called in, but his disease did not yield to treatment. After a week had elapsed he expressed his conviction that his illness would prove fatal, and from that time he was wholly absorbed in the contemplation of death, and the promises of God, upon which he securely rested; and very frequently engaged in prayer. His son Robert and family had arrived some time before, as also his sister, Mrs. Roberts, with her daughter and two sons, Henry and John. The account says, "His wife tenderly nursed him through all his illness. Frequently he called for his little Betty and Jenny, and would press them to his lips and breast, and Jacob-like, gave them his blessing. He talked much with all his family, especially his son Henley, who was much overcome with grief. He exhorted them all to live according to God's word, and frequently prayed that the grace of God might rest upon all."
His strength gradually failed, and he finally became unconscious. He died peacefully, about 4 o'clock, on Monday evening, the 14th of January, aged fifty-eight years.
The grief caused by his death was as a dark cloud over-spreading the household, for he was deeply and tenderly loved by all. The season of the year, and condition of the roads rendered it impossible to carry his remains home for interment, and he was buried in the family cemetery at Col. Allen's. As no traces of his grave can be found there at the present time, it is regarded as certain that he was afterwards removed, but to what place cannot now be ascertained. Accounts received on this point are very conflicting; one saying, "he was carried back and buried at the salt-works," while another says, "it is quite certain that he was not buried at the salt-works." The writer has made searching


investigations regarding this, and from all that can be learned, inclines to the belief that, when removed from Col. Allen's, he was buried by his father and mother, in the churchyard at the old "Buck Run" church, in the adjoining county of Culpeper; but of this, some degree of uncertainty must exist.
No towering marble, nor perhaps even a crumbling stone, remains to mark the spot where rests the brave old soldier, but


It was in deep sorrow that his wife and children set out for their home in Holston. John and Samuel, who remained at home, could not have been advised of their father's illness until after his death.
The following letter from Samuel to his brother Robert was received a few days after the sad event:

Dear Brother:—It is with pleasure that I take my pen to inform you that, through the tender mercies of God, I have regained my health, and all acquaintances and friends in this part of the country are well. There is no news, I believe, which is worth your particular attention.
I am still in the same notion of coming down to your house after my father's return home, to go with you out to Kentucky, and give all my assistance towards helping you on your journey. Pray write to me by the first opportunity, and let me know whether you intend certainly to move this spring or not, and at what time, so I may be better able to judge when to leave home. I write a few lines to papa, but don't much expect it will meet him at your house. Brother John is from home at this time, or he would be glad to write to you.
Give my best love to sister Debby, and all the dear little ones.
Your affectionate brother, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

---

(This letter is endorsed, "To be forwarded with speed"; also, "Rec'd, Fincastle, Jan. 14th, 1793.")

The family at North Garden salt-works were now to be broken up and scattered. Gen. Russell's older children were all grown. Chloe, having just married Mr. Sanders, went with her


husband to his home. John and Samuel both soon married and went to Kentucky to live. Henley also went to Kentucky and settled in the Green river section of the State. Mrs. Russell and the two little daughters now constituted the household remaining.
As to the locality of this place, it is now known as Saltville, and it was partially destroyed by the Federal forces under Gen. Stoneman during the late war. It is ten miles from Aspenville, and perhaps twenty from Abingdon, and is situated in a beautiful valley, or rather basin, one mile wide and a mile and a. half long. The house in which they lived is no longer standing, but another one was built by Mrs. Preston on the opposite side of the valley. So clear and strong was Mrs. Russell's voice, and so distinct her enunciation, that it was said she could stand in her front porch and make herself understood on the opposite side of the valley, one mile distant.
Gen. Russell it is presumed left no Will, as there is none on record. The county records of that date show that Mrs. Russell was appointed by the County Court of Washington county, Va., administratrix of his estate, in 1793. On the 6th of May, 1793, Chris. Haines, M. Reagan, Thomas Tate, and David Smith appraised the estate, which is of record. On April 28th, 1795, Mrs.. Russell made a settlement of the estate, which is also of record. She then resigned as administratrix, and Hubbard Saunders qualified as administrator, Mrs. Russell turning over to him £83 5s. 6d., the amount in her hands, and he made a settlement of his account on July 16th, 1816; showing a balance in his hands of £379 15s. 6d.
There is also on record, "An agreement between William, Robert S., John, Samuel, and Henley Russell, Robert Wilson of Kentucky, and Hubbard Saunders of Virginia, on the first part, and Mrs. Elizabeth Henry Russell on the other part, in which the first parties convey to the second party, a tract of land near the Salt-Works, and another tract of land called Sampson Hall, containing 229 acres by patent, in consideration of which Mrs. Russell does hereby relinquish her right of dower, as relict of Gen. Russell, in all his lands in Kentucky and Clinch, and in all his other lands, to the said first parties, except the tracts above named near Aspenville and Salt-Works, which relinquishment is not to be construed so as to affect the interests of Elizabeth


Henry and Jane Robertson Russell, orphans and heirs of Gen. Russell."
It was in the "Office" at the Salt-Works, that Gen. Russell's papers and records were deposited for safe keeping, and where they were all lost by fire.
Elizabeth Henry Russell, on the 10th of January, 1804, married Captain Frank Smith of Washington county. She died October 10th of the same year, and was buried on the "Sugar Loaf," one of the hills surrounding the Salt-Works.
Jane Robertson Russell married Col. William Patton Thompson of Smyth county, where they lived for many years. The date of Mrs. Thompson's death is not known; but it must have occurred some time before that of her mother, as her two daughters lived with their grandmother until her death.
In the latter part of Mrs. Russell's life, she had built a house of her own designing, near the Sulfur Springs in Smyth county, upon a portion of the farm of Col. Thompson. This was near the Salt-Works, and eighteen miles from Abingdon. It was in this house that she had a chapel and an altar, in which religious services were held by the traveling brethren who frequently visited her.
Her house in Abingdon was, after her death, sold to the Methodist Conference, and in it was established a Female School. It is described as being one of the loveliest places in the country. The following extracts from the work of Mrs. Tevis, entitled, "Sixty Years in a School Room," are of much interest. She says:
"About this time (1824) I became acquainted with that excellent, but eccentric old lady, Mrs. Russell, through the medium of Gen. Frank Preston's family. Mrs. Russell's first husband was Colonel Campbell, the hero of King's Mountain. Mrs. Preston was the only child of this marriage, and heiress to a portion of the Salt-Works in Western Virginia, which were for a long time the source of immense revenue to the family. Mrs. Russell was in every way an extraordinary woman. The sister of Patrick Henry, she possessed some of his characteristics. The second husband, General Russell, was quite as distinguished as the first for worth and bravery. Both she and Gen. Russell were faithful members of the Methodist Church. They were converted in the good old-fashioned way, when nobody objected to shouting if it came from an overflowing heart filled with the love of God. The old General walked worthy of his vocation until he was taken home to a better world, leaving his excellent


widow a true type of Wesleyan Methodism. "Madam Russell", as she was generally called, was a "Mother in Israel"; and the Methodist preachers in those days esteemed her next to Bishop Asbury. She lived for a while, in Abingdon, but as the gay society of that place, particularly among her own relatives, was uncongenial to her, she withdrew to a retired spot near the "Camp-ground" in the vicinity of the Sulphur Springs. At this place a wooden house had been erected under her special superintendence and according to her own ideas of consistency. There were two rooms below, large and spacious—the one first entered being her common sitting room. A door from this opened into one much larger, which contained a pulpit and seats for a moderate congregation. When a preacher visited her she said, "Brother, how long will you tarry? There's the pulpit, shall I send out and call together a congregation?" No visitors came to see her and remained an hour without being asked to pray. If they declined, she prayed herself, mentioning every person for whom she prayed by name. She dressed in the style of '76, full skirts, with an overgarment, long, flowing, open in front, and confined at the waist by a girdle, and made of a material called Bath coating. In this girdle were tacked two or three pocket handkerchiefs. The sleeves of her dress came just below the elbows, the lower part of the arm being covered with long half-handed gloves. She wore a kerchief of linen lawn, white as snow, and sometimes an apron of the same material; and on her head a very plain cap, upon which was usually placed a broad brimmed hat, given her by Bishop Asbury in days long gone by, and worn by the old lady with probably the same feeling that Elisha wore Elijah's mantle. She was erect, as in the meridian of life, though she must have been seventy years old when I first saw her. A magnificent looking woman, "she walked every inch a queen," reminding me of one of the old-fashioned pictures of Vandyke.
She never shook the hand of a poor Methodist preacher in parting without leaving in it a liberal donation. She knew the Gospel was free, but she knew also, "the laborer was worthy of his hire."
The celebrated William C. Preston of South Carolina, her eldest grandson, loved her with a devotion highly commendable to himself and agreeable to his grandmother. In his yearly visits to his native home, his carriage was found first at the door of her humble dwelling. He gave evidence on his dying bed that his grandmother's religion had been his guiding star, and his love for her shone as brightly in the evening as in the morning and meridian of his life."
Mrs. Tevis says again:
"My brother being anxious to see Mother Russell, of whose


eccentricities he had heard so much, I readily consented to accompany him to her house. That we might have an hour to spend with this good old lady, and afterwards dine with a relative at the Sulfur Springs, we breakfasted at early dawn, and were on our way in time to greet the rising sun. A brisk drive of a few hours brought us to the humble dwelling of Mother Russell. Her door stood wide open; no livened footman announced her visitors, though she belonged to one of the wealthiest families of the land. We were met upon the threshold by her cordial welcome, and, after the introduction of my brother-in-law, she exclaimed, "What! another brother Tevis? How kind to come eighteen miles just to see a plain old woman." This was heartfelt, and blended with the most refined and polite cordiality. There was a dignity and gravity that would have graced any drawing-room—forbidding alike criticism and familiarity. Brother Joshua was charmed, and the conversation flowed smoothly onward, touching upon various interesting topics. Patrick Henry was thoroughly discussed, and then she talked of Colonel Campbell, General Russell, and other distinguished Revolutionists, of whom she gave many interesting anecdotes unknown to us before; thence by an easy transition she introduced the theme of religion, and from other denominations proceeded to speak of the Methodists. "They are a distinct people, brother; disrobing themselves or all worldly honors, they seek no popular favor, no splendid vestments of purple interwoven with gold, no distinction save that of being the true worshipers of God. How noble is simplicity, brother—simplicity of dress, as well as manners." My brother tried to conceal his linen cambric ruffles, and quietly folded his vest over a diamond breastpin which sparkled in the sunlight, "Formerly," she continued, "the Methodists were few and scattered, but now they have become a great people, and just as far as the human foot has trod the soil, there's the Methodist." An hour had passed; she arose from her seat, and solemnly raising her hands, asked my terrified brother to lead in prayer.
I declined for him, and the old lady prayed herself, mentioning his name first, praying that he might have more courage in the performance of his duty, and that his mouth might be filled with prayer and thanksgiving. Her voice was strong, her prayer solemn and impressive, notwithstanding her peculiar manner of mentioning by name every person for whom she prayed; and we arose from our knees full of reverence for this remarkable woman. I am sure my brother never forgot that visit of one hour spent within the holy atmosphere of this aged Christian's home."
Mrs. M. A. Tomlin, a very old lady, has given to the writer some interesting reminisce noes relating to the last days of Mrs. Russell. She writes in a trembling hand as follows:


"My father purchased of Col. William P. Thompson his farm in Smyth county, near the Sulphur Springs, in 1821. When we moved to it from the Salt-Works, Mrs. Russell was living upon a portion of it, in a house which she had built for her own dwelling, and it was there that she died. I was then a young girl, and when I first saw Mrs. Russell she was looking very feeble, but her mind was bright and vigorous. She had more intelligence and cultivation then as an old lady than any one I have ever met. But she was most celebrated for her great piety. She was the most devoted person I ever saw; her whole soul and time were absorbed in the worship of God. She kept a pulpit in her house, and had preaching as often as she could. She often prayed in the public congregation, and her voice was so distinct that it could be heard throughout the largest audience. She knew more scripture and theology than any other in that day. Her two grand-daughters, the daughters of Mrs. Thompson, were then living with her. She got a fall from a short flight of steps, from. which hurt she never recovered. I was with her for several days and nights during her last illness, and was there when she died. She thought all the time that she was surrounded by heavenly visitants, and at the last said she could see the Saviour and angels around her bed. She died triumphantly. I consider it a high privilege to have known Mrs. Russell, and, if I could see you, would tell you many things about her which I cannot now write."
Mrs. Tomlin, now seventy-seven years of age, still lives upon the place where Mrs. Russell died, and is one of the very few surviving who knew her.
Mrs. Russell died March 18th, 1825, having survived Gen. Russell thirty-two years. Her life-long attachment to her home at the Salt-Works remained to the end, and she desired to be buried there, on the "Sugar Loaf" hill, where was already interred her daughter Elizabeth Henry Smith. In obedience to her request she was there buried; but some years later her daughter, Mrs. Preston, had her remains removed to the cemetery. at Aspenville; together with those of Mrs. Smith.
Aspenville is now owned and occupied by Mr. C. H. C. Preston, a great-grandson of Mrs. Russells.
In the course of investigation necessary to the compilation of this work, the writer has found many families of the same name, but none of whom, after careful inquiry, are found to be at all related to the Russell's whose history and genealogy are given in this work.
In the early part of this century, there lived at Abingdon,


Va., a Mr. Andrew Russell, who, the writer has been informed, was related to Gen. Russell, but after all investigation which it has been possible to make, no relationship can be established. Gen. Gilbert C. Russell, U. S. Army, was a brother of Mr. Andrew Russell. Their father was Andrew Russell, of northern Virginia, born in 1736, and who married Margaret Christian. It is possible that Andrew Russell, sen., and the father of Gen. Russell were kinsmen, but investigation running so far back is not now practicable.
Dr. J. R. Christian was engaged for several years in collecting material for a history of the Russell and Christian families, but did not live to fairly begin the work. He left many notes and manuscripts, some of which have been kindly sent to the writer by his son, James Russell Christian, of Marion, Texas. They do not, however, afford any assistance in connecting by blood the two families, and in the absence of early family records, nothing can be definitely learned upon the subject.
Each and every branch of the descendants of Gen. William Russell has been found; and the writer feels assured that the genealogical part of this work, which follows, is correct and complete.

WILLIAM RUSSELL,	SAMUEL ADAMS,
[born in England about 1685,]	[of Virginia,]
married	married
MARY HENLEY.	CHARITY COATES.
Their children,	Their daughter,
William Russell, born 1735, married	Tabitha Adams, 1755.
Henry Russell, born 1738, died unmarried about 1770. Katherine Russell, born 1740, married Mr. Roberts. Their children were— Henry Roberts, John Roberts, Mary Henley Roberts.

HENRY RUSSELL, born 1756, massacred in Powell's Valley, Oct..10, 1773.
WILLIAM RUSSELL, born 1758, married NANCY PRICE, 1786.
MARY Henley Russell, born 1760, married WILLIAM BOWEN, 1778.
ROBERT SPOTSWOOD RUSSELL, born 1762, married DEBORAH M. ALLEN, 1787.
TABITHA ADAMS RUSSELL, born 1764, married WILLIAM CAMPBELL, 1784.
ARTHELIA RUSSELL, died in childhood.
KATHERINE RUSSELL, died in childhood.
JOHN COATES RUSSELL, born 1769, married ANNE CLAY, 1793.
Samuel Russell, born 1770, married LUCY ROBERTS, 1794.
CELAH RUSSELL, born 1772, married ROBERT WILSON, 1790.
Henley Russell, born 1774, died unmarried, 1844.
CHLOE RUSSELL, born 1776, married HUBBARD SAUNDERS, 1792.


HENRY WINSTON RUSSELL, born 1784, died 1784.
ELIZABETH HENRY RUSSELL, born 1786, married FRANCIS SMITH, 1804.
PATRICK HENRY RUSSELL, born 1788, died 1788.
JANE ROBERTSON RUSSELL, born 1788, married WILLIAM PATTON THOMPSON, 1808.



WILLIAM RUSSELL, second son of Gen. William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born in Culpeper county, Va., March 6th, 1758. While yet a boy he was found in the line of brave defenders of the frontier of southwestern Virginia against the Indians. An outline of his public services is given by Collins, in his "History of Kentucky," from which the following is taken:
"Col. William Russell, in whose honor the county of Russell was named, was born in Culpeper county, Va. In 1774, young Russell, at the early age of sixteen, was engaged with a party under the command of the illustrious Daniel Boone, in repelling the aggressions made upon the settlements by a tribe of southern Indians. During this expedition, his comrades, from his tender age, were compelled to relieve the weight of his rifle, by carrying his portion of baggage and provisions.
In the memorable battle of King's Mountain, the most decisive of the Revolution, young Russell bore a distinguished part. He was a lieutenant in the mounted regiment from and owing to the indisposition of his Captain, led his company in the action. He was, it is believed, the first man to reach the summit of the mountain, and among the first to receive a sword from the vanquished enemy.
As a lieutenant in the mounted regiment, and as aid to Col. Campbell, he engaged in the famous battles of Whitsell's Mills and Guilford Court-House, and in an expedition against the Cherokee Indians. In 1780 he visited Kentucky and middle Tennessee, spending the summer near Nashville, and returning to Virginia in the fall. Soon after the close of the war of Independence, Captain Russell emigrated to Fayette county, Ky. In the several expeditions under Gen. Charles Scott, Col. James Wilkinson, and Gen. Anthony Wayne, against the Indians, in 1791 and 1794, Col. Russell acted a gallant and distinguished part, exhibiting military capacity of a high order. In 1808 President Madison appointed him to the command of a regiment in the regular army. In 1811, after the battle of Tippecanoe,


where his courage and skill were again prominent, Gen. Harrison being transferred to the command of the northwestern army, Col. Russell succeeded him in the important command of the frontiers of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. After Hopkins' campaign, Col. Russell, in conjunction with Gov. Ninian Edwards of Illinois, planned the expedition against the Peoria Indians, which was crowned with complete success.
After peace was restored, Col. Russell retired to his farm. He served Kentucky for many years in her legislative halls. From the age of sixteen to sixty-seven, in the field or in the cabinet, he was literally at his country's service. No man ever showed a more steady and persevering zeal, or a more fervent and devoted patriotism."
Between 1783 and 1786, he was most of the time in Kentucky, looking after his father's lands and making the foundation of his own future home. The military tract of two thousand acres, which his father had inherited from his deceased brother Henry, was given to him and his brother Robert, and equally divided between them. This land is situated upon the stream of "Elkhorn," so called from its tortuous windings, and is six miles from Lexington. Upon the portion owned by him was a large fine spring, flowing from a cave, which has always borne the name of "Russell's Cave."
The spot upon which he built his house was elevated, and very near to the splendid spring and cave, which gave a picturesque and rather romantic view. Here he made his home, and spent the remainder of his life. He called it "Mount Brilliant," to keep in memory the old "Mount Brilliant" place in Virginia, the homestead of the Henry family, where he had often made pleasurable visits.
In the fall of 1786 he had occasion to visit the old fort at Bryan's Station, at which place he met Mr. Samuel Price and \/ family, who had just arrived from Virginia, and who sought temporary safety and shelter within the fort, until they could arrange for a permanent settlement. Mr. Price finding some difficulty in obtaining a place immediately, Col. Russell placed his home and farm at his disposal. Arrangements were at once made for its occupancy by Mr. Price and his family. An attachment was very soon formed between Col. Russell and Nancy, the daughter of Mr. Price. She was born July 19th, 1768. They were married December 25th, 1786. Their married life proved


a most happy one, Mrs. Russell exhibiting great strength of character and energy, as well as ability in rearing their large family of children.
Mount Brilliant was a most attractive place, and was famous in those clays for its generous and elegant hospitality.
The following letters, written by Col. Russell to his brother Robert, are among the old collection in the writer's possession. From their early date, they will doubtless be read with interest by his descendants of the present day.

Dear Brother:—I received your kind letter written since my altered state. I now do myself the pleasure of congratulating you and sister Deborah on the same happy occasion, and hope that you may both live to enjoy a great deal of happiness in this life. When we shall meet together with our dear companions is uncertain, but I hope you with her will settle on the banks of Elkhorn, where we shall not only enjoy each other's company as brothers, but as neighbors also. A great satisfaction arises from our dear girls' coming from the same neighborhood, and being generally acquainted with each other's friends.
Your plantation is in fine order for cultivating any kind of product; and Brown and Orr would be glad to let you have it at any time for a trifle. I long to know whether you intend to settle there or not.
I must beg leave to refer you to Marshall and Fowler, who go in company with Mr. Jewell, for particulars.
Make my respectful compliments to sister Deborah, and tell her I would like much to see her on Elkhorn, but confess I have my doubts whether I ever shall or not.
Believe me with esteem, you affectionate brother, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

---

Dear Brother:—I received your kind letter dated 9th of September, which gave great satisfaction to my dear Nancy and myself. I am sorry to learn from your letter, that you have declined coming to Kentucky for several years. I wish you may ever come.
You write me that you have sold six hundred acres of your Elkhorn tract. I hope you will run it out in such a way as not to injure your tract. Six hundred acres from any side of your tract, I think will hurt your mill-seat. I would recommend to


you to lay it off to them in different places on the survey. You have sold it higher than land can be sold in this country.
Please make my respectful compliments to sister Deborah. I will write to her by the next opportunity that offers. My dear Nancy writes to her by Mr. Watson.
Mr. Thomas Brown gives his compliments to you, and wishes you not to let any one have your land here, after his time is out, without giving him the refusal. I wish you to let him have it again if it suits you. Orr has left his ground and rented it out. Brown is very deserving of the place, as I know he would not wish to injure the tract by cutting too much timber.
I hope you will come out next fall. I wish much to see you for several reasons. I hope you and sister Deborah will omit no opportunity of writing.

Make my respects to Col. Allen and family, and with love to sister Deborah, believe me to be
Affectionately yours,

Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

P. S. My little daughter, Betsy,* grows fast, and her mamma says she is a picture.

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Dear Brother:—Having an opportunity by Mr. Brown, I write you a few lines, merely to say that we are all well, and anxious to hear from you, sister, and the little children. I have received no letter from you for a long time, except the one by uncle Moore. We have had a draft in this district, by order of the President of the United States, for sixty-nine days, to march somewhere in the Indian country, and I am sorry to tell you that uncle Moore is among those drafted. There is no news of particular interest.
Excuse this short letter. I am dear brother, yours,

Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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Dear Brother:—I write to give you a caution about the sale of your lands in this neighborhood, as I have been informed that you have had thoughts latterly of parting with them. It is more than probable that your land will command forty shillings per acre before another twelve months. Capt. Campbell has at length established your mill-seat, though he was obliged to confine



your order within the limits of your own land, which makes your dam lower than lie wanted it. He wishes you, without fail, to get the money which Henry Roberts has in his possession, and send it out to him.
He will fully depend upon you in this matter.
Your aunt Moore is in a bad state of health. Excuse the greatest haste. With love to sister Debby,
I am, dear brother, yours, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.
N. B. The seat of government, I think, will come to Lexington, which will make lands rise in this neighborhood.

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Dear Brother:—ft is with pleasure, I embrace this opportunity of writing to let you know that I am in good health. I shall, however, say but little, as the opportunity for conveying this is a little uncertain. I have no doubt that you have had the particulars of the action before this reaches you.
Todd's brigade is here, this far on their way to Ft. Recovery, as an escort to provisions for the army. They expect to return and join the main army by the 15th inst. It is hard to tell what our road will be from there, though I incline to believe Barbie's brigade will then return in for another escort, and at the same time the army will proceed up to the old village where we shall probably be met by Barbie's brigade on their return. Then I think we shall return to Kentucky. These are my ideas just as they occur, and do not undertake to say that this will certainly be the case.
Should you set out for the settlement before I return, I hope you will not neglect those matters upon which we were consulting, as well on Holston as in Culpeper. I hope you have given notice of the remonstrance in time, that must come forward to our Assembly, relative to the division of the Green river lands. Should you find it desirable when on Holston, you can make a division of the certificates belonging to the estate, and at least come at your own part. I have heard nothing from that neighborhood since I left it.
We have several of our men complaining, among them Mr. Wilson and David McCord. They are not at all dangerously sick, but I think it advisable to let them remain with the army. Tell sister Celah she need not be uneasy about Mr. Wilson, for there is not the smallest appearance of danger.
Remember me to Captain Campbell and the family, also to


sister Debby. Make my regards to uncle Moore and Captain Richardson.
I remain your affectionate brother, Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

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In the summer of 1825, Col. Russell became somewhat indisposed, and being called from his sick room to preside over a public meeting, the exposure increased his illness, and, on the 3d of July, 1825, his brave and generous spirit passed from its earthly tenement. His body lay in state on the 4th of July, the anniversary of that Independence which he had assisted to secure. His ashes rest unostentatiously, like an old soldier, with his family, at his old Kentucky home.
Mrs. Russell survived him, until September 30th, 1830. Soon after her death, in order to facilitate a division of the estate, "Mount Brilliant" was sold and passed from the family.
It is now known as "Russell's Cave"; a post-office is established there, and it is a locality well known throughout the country. The public road passing it and leading into Lexington, has been known as the "Russell road" for nearly a century. There are yet a few still surviving who cherish hallowed memories of this place, as it was in the days of the olden time.
The children of Col. Russell were sixteen in number.—



















MARY Henley Russell, eldest daughter of Gen. William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in 1760. After the death of her mother in 1776, the charge of her father's family devolved upon her, as also the care of her infant sister. Those duties were serious for one so young, she being then only sixteen years of age, but it is known that she discharged her trusts with fidelity and filial affection. The amiability and loveliness of her character have always been of record, and reach us well attested at the present day. She was remarkable for her beauty and intelligence, and, in the language of one of her grandsons, "her splendid life was ordered by a faith such as would adorn an angel."
About 1777 she married Captain William Bowen, then of Western Virginia. Captain Bowen's father was John Bowen, a Quaker from Pennsylvania, who died in 1780, and his mother was Lily McIlhaney.
Captain Bowen was a superior and most estimable man, possessing the finest qualities of head and heart. About 1783 he removed with his family to Tennessee, which was then a part of North Carolina. They settled on Mansco Creek, twelve miles from Nashville, in what was then Cumberland county, from which place they never removed. The old two-storied brick house built by Captain Bowen was the first of its kind in that part of the State, and yet stands, a monument of a century ago. Captain Bowen died in 1804, and Mrs. Bowen in 1815. They were buried where they had so long lived.
They had nine children, the oldest of whom was:




























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 Tennessee.
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 (laughter of Col. Allen. The paternal grandparents of Deborah were Robert and Deborah Montgomery Allen, who came from Armagh, Ireland, and settled in the Valley, about 1732. Her mother was Abigail Millar, daughter of William and Catherine Du Bois Millar, who were of German in descent, and early settlers in the Valley. Col. Allen's residence was in *Shenandoah 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 lie 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.

---

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 any sweet little Abby, 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, 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 carv-in.'s 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 Breckenridge at "Cabal'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 clay. 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 lie 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 arc in the hand-writing of Colonel Daviess, then acting as Aid to Gen. Calmes:

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,
N. B. General Robert S. Russell and the officers of his suite are requested to conic to General Calmes's house the eve­ning before the muster in Versailles.

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General. Russell and Col. Joseph Hamilton Daviess were intimate and warmly attached friends. One of the gold epaulets 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.

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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 em-plowed in the service of your country's cause. All, therefore, that I can say on that score is, that I shall be well pleased 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,
Brigadier General Robert S. Russell, Fayette co.

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The expedition referred to in this letter was that of Gov. 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 clearly 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.

























TABITHA ADAMS RUSSELL CAMPBELL, daughter of Gen. William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born in Culpeper county, Va., 1764. She married Capt. William Campbell, of Washington county, Va., about 1784. Captain Campbell was the son of Patrick Campbell, and his mother was Miss Steele. His grandfather was also Patrick Campbell, a brother of Charles Campbell, who was the father of Gem William Campbell of King's Mountain fame. Soon after their marriage they removed to Cumberland, Tenn., which was then in Davidson county, North Carolina. In 1788 they removed to Fayette county, KV and settled temporarily on "Elkhorn," near the residence of Col. William Russell at Russell's Cave. In 1793 they removed thence to Muhlenburg county, and settled permanently at Caney Station, which was upon a portion of the "Russell survey." Captain Campbell was a man of remarkable parity of character, and of great piety. The following letter written by him was found in the collection of old correspondence, and is probably the only one of his now in existence. It will doubtless be read with interest by his descendants.

Captain Robert S. Russell, Dear Sir:—By Captain Price I have the pleasure of writing you a line to inform you of our welfare. We all enjoy a good state of health, and we thank God for all his mercies.
I have got into business respecting your mill-seat which I did not expect. Mr. Moore had agreed to make a beginning of your work before the year expired, but not thinking of any danger he delayed till the time was out, when George H______ claimed a right he purchased from your brother Col. Russell, which claim crossed the creek above your seat. H______ immediately took out an order before I knew it. I also have taken one, and we have each had a jury on the land, and one trial in


court, when both orders were quashed. I have now a third jury, to meet on yours the first day of February. I expect H______ cannot obtain another order, from the fact that your brother had not made him a deed to the land, and which he now refuses to do on account of his wanting to take such an advantage. I have heard that H______ intends to carry it to the General Court, if he loses it in this county, I wish to hear from you immediately as to whether I shall contend in the Supreme Court if necessary. I have been at a good deal of expense already, but shall not stop at a little more till I shall hear from you. I am very sorry it has happened, but now it cannot be helped. I think you would do well to come out as soon as possible.
Your brother gives me information which is pleasing to me and your dear sister, which is that you have been brought to think seriously of the things of another world as well as the present one—a happy reflection to those who make religion their choice. I pray God that we may all so live in this world that we may meet in the hereafter for all eternity.
Our love to sister Russell and family. Adieu.
Yours, Capt. Robert S. Russell, Shenandoah, Va.

In 1799 Captain Campbell, being then in delicate health, went to Lexington, Ky., to consult a physician, and while there died at the house of his brother-in-law, Col. William Russell, at Russell's Cave, at which place he was buried.
Mrs. Campbell died in 1806. Their children were—












JOHN COATES RUSSELL, son of Gen. William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born in Culpeper county, Va., in 1768. It appears that be remained at home until his father's death in 1793. On the 26th of October, 1793, he was married to Miss Anne Clay, daughter of Rev. Eleazer Clay, a Baptist minister of Chesterfield county, Va., who died in 1835 at the age of ninety years. In 1800, with his family, he removed to Kentucky, and settled upon a portion of "Russell's Green river survey," which he inherited from his father. In 1809 he was a member of the House of Representatives, from Muhlenburg county. At a later period he removed to Butler county, where he lived to the close of his life.
The death of his wife occurred November 3d, 1817. He married secondly Miss Sarah Allen, from which marriage there were no children. He died November 17th, 1822. His children were—










SAMUEL RUSSELL, son of Gen. William and Tabitha Adauts Russell, was born at their home on Clinch river, in 1770. He lived at his father's, until after his death. On February 13th, 1794., he married Miss Lucy Roberts, daughter of Col. William and Jane Johnston Roberts, of Culpeper county, Va. Soon afterwards he removed to Kentucky and settled upon a portion of the Muhlenburg tract of land, inherited from his father, and upon this he lived until his death, which occurred October 23d, 1835. His widow survived him until 1851. She was a remarkable woman in many respects, possessing a wonderful memory which retained the occurrence and date of every event relating to the family genealogy. To great force of character she united a queenly bearing and dignity. Their descendants cherish the memory of such grandparents with great veneration. Their children were—









CELAH RUSSELL, daughter of Gem William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born at her father's home on Clinch river, April 2d, 1772. In the fall of 1789, she made a visit to her brother William, in Fayette county, Kentucky. While there she made the acquaintance of Mr. Robert Wilson, late of Maryland, but then a resident of that neighborhood. His addresses to her were accepted, and in the following May, 1790, they were married at her brother's house. It is found that her brother, John Russell, went from Virginia to Kentucky to be present at the wedding.
An accounts agree in representing her as a model of all womanly virtues, and her marriage proved to be, in after years, a happy and fortunate event. She went as a bride to her husband's home at Cedar Grove, where they lived to the close of their lives.
Their graves are yet to be seen at their old homestead, which has never passed from their descendants, being now owned by a great-grandson.
Mr. Wilson was the son of Edward and Rebbecca Wilson, of Maryland, and was born January 28th, 1764. Some account of his coining from Maryland, and of his early life in Kentucky, is given by the widow of his grandson, Robert Wilson, who with her son owns and lives at Cedar Grove. She says,

"Thirty-eight years ago, Mr. Samuel Hambleton, of Maryland (now dead many years), then the oldest purser in the United States Navy, and who had fought under Commodore Perry, gave me an account of the farewell dinner given to young Wilson, at Rolles' Range, Talbot county, Maryland. The repast. was most

Celah Russell Wilson. 107

bountiful, the heavy mahogany table being loaded with every variety of game, fish, oysters, crabs, and terrapin, flanked by all kinds of edibles. The guests were the elite of the country, gathered together to bid farewell and God-speed to a relative, regarded as taking his life in his hands in starting to the "dark and bloody ground."
The sturdy pioneer, leaving home, kindred, and friends, journeyed to his new home. On arriving at his destination he purchased several hundred acres of land from the "Meredith survey," and built cabins to shelter himself and negroes, thinned out the cane-brakes and forests, put bells on horses and cattle in order to find them, and in a reasonable space of time built a comfortable dwelling-house. He then took as help-meet, Miss Celah Russell, from Virginia, who came to preside over his new home, and he realized that he had made a good start in life. Time wore on; he planted orchards and they bore fruit, he raised corn and made his whisky, and his apples and peaches being fine and abundant, he remembered the cider and peach-le-cure in the cellars of his old guardian, Frisbie Freeland, in Maryland, and he straightway made them for himself, filling his cellar with one, and his garret with the other. Suddenly one day lie discovered his house to be on fire; the peach-le-cure in the garret made the flames lick the sky. The next day there remained but the smouldering ruins of his house, but, with genuine Maryland grit, he gathered up the nails—quite an item in those days—and in the fullness of time, the present dwelling arose, which has seen five generations."
The children of Robert and Celah Russell Wilson were—

1. REBECCA ADAMS WILSON, born March 9th, 1791. She married Dr. Robert D. McLean, of Greenville, Ky. Their children were—

A. ROBERT McLEAN, married first Nancy Jones. Their children were—

a. REBECCA McLEAN, married H. P. Dank, now of Rockport, Ohio county, Ky. Their children are ROBERT W., JAMES E., NANCY J., ELIZABETH, and ELLEN DANK.
b. EDWARD A. McLEAN, is unmarried.
c.GEORGE McLEAN, married Miss Nancy J. Dank. Their children are SALLIE, ROSA E., ROBERT H., and MARGARETTA McLEAN.
d.WILLIAM B. McLEAN, of Nelson, Muhlenburg county, married Miss Margaret S. Kincheloe.
e.NANCY McLEAN, is unmarried.

108 Celah Russell Wilson

He married secondly his cousin, Celia E. Rowland. Their children are—

f. ROWLAND McLEAN.
g. CELIA McLEAN.

B. ALNEY McLEAN, lived at Grand Gulf, Miss. He married Miss Cornelia Herring. Their children were—

a. CORNELIUS McLEAN, killed at Petersburg, Va., in the Confederate service.
b. WILLIAM B. McLEAN, of New Orleans. He married Miss Amanda Louise Magruder, September 28th, 1876.

C. CELIA McLEAN, married her cousin, Robert S. Russell. (Her children are found among the descendants of Samuel Russell.) D. ELIZA D. McLEAN, married John B. Harvey. Their children are—

a. GEORGE WEST HARVEY, of Rocky Springs, Miss., married Mrs. Mary E. Powers (nee Haring). Their children are JOHN HARING, ROBERT ALNEY, and RUSSELL McLEAN HARVEY.
b.JOHN B. HARVEY, of New Carthage, La., married Mrs. Rebecca Adams (nee McClellan). Their children are GEORGE McLEAN, EMMA LOUISE, and JAMES BENJAMIN HARVEY.
c. ROBERT A. HARVEY, married Mrs. E. B. Calthorp (nee Parker). Their children are KATE, SALLIE, CORNELIA, and ELLA HARVEY.

E. EDWARD McLEAN, married Miss Dora Payne, of Mississippi. Their children were—

a. KATE McLEAN, married J. M. Cameron, of Vicksburg, Miss. They have one child, EDWARD RUSSELL CAMERON.
b. DORA E. McLEAN, married James Y. McClellan, of Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.
c. SALLIE McLEAN, of Tallulah, is unmarried.

F. WILLIAM McLEAN, married Miss Mary Ross, of Mississippi. Their children were—

a. MARY W. McLEAN, of Evansville, Indiana.
b.SALLIE R. McLEAN, married M. M. McClain, of Henderson county, Ky. They now live at Evansville, Ind. Their children are CORNELIUS, MARY., ALICE, and FLORENCE McCLAIN.
d. ALICE R. McLEAN, married H. G. Davis, of Madisonville, Kentucky.

Celah Russell Wilson. 109

e. WILLIAM C. McLEAN, of Evansville, Ind.
f. EDWARD J. McLEAN, of Peoria, Ill.
g. LOUISA M. McLEAN, died in infancy

G. SALLIE G. McLEAN, of Tallulah, La., is unmarried.
H. ROBINA McLEAN, married her cousin Nathaniel Rowland. (Their children are given in the Rowland family.)
I. Dr. RUSSELL McLEAN, of Rocky Springs, Miss., is unmarried.
J.GEORGE McLEAN, of Rocky Springs, Miss., married Amelia Russell (no relative).

2. RUSSELL FRISBIE WILSON, born May 11th, 1793, died unmarried.
3. SARAH FRISBIE WILSON, born August 29th, 1795, and died January 11th, 1853. She married first her cousin Robert Wilson. They had one son,

A. ROBERT WILSON, married Miss Frances R. Freeland, of Baltimore. Their children were—

a. EGBERT FREELAND WILSON, died in early manhood.
b. ROBERT WILSON, died in early manhood.
c. RUSSELL WILSON, married Miss Ida Moore. Their children are LILLIAN LEE and RAYMOND HAMILTON WILSON.

Mrs. Wilson married secondly Rev. Basil Hunt. Their daughter,

B. CELIA. HUNT, married Mr. Crane. Their children were,

a.SARAH REBECCA CRANE., of Flemingsburg, Ky.
b.JAMES RUSSELL CRANE, of Flemingsburg, Ky.

4. EDWARD JOSEPH WILSON, born March 5th, 1798, died August 29th, 1878. He married his cousin, Mary Henley Russell. Their children were—

A. MARY ISABELLA WILSON, married Charles Herman Herold, of Louisville, Ky. Their daughter, a. MARY HEROLD,.married Mr. Albert Baker, of Louisville. They have one son, HERMAN HEROLD BAKER.
B. CAROLINE B. WILSON, married Calvin Campbell, of Louisville. Their children were—

a.WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
b.EDWARD CAMPBELL.

C. CATHERINE CAMPBELL, married Mr. Glover. Their daughter is CAROLINE GLOVER.

110 Celah Russell Wilson.

d. CAROLINE CAMPBELL.

C. ELIZA CATHERINE WILSON, married Dr. Payne, of Dayton, Ky. Their son is,

a. CHARLES EDWARD PAYNE.

5. ROBERT FREELAND WILSON, born July 11th, 1800, died unmarried.
6. MARY REYNOLDS WILSON, born July 25th, 1803, died in 1804.
7. CELIA RUSSELL WILSON, born February 24th, 1807, died in 1867. She married Mr. Jeremiah Rowland; of Jessamine county, Ky. Their children were—

A. ROBERT H. ROWLAND, died in infancy.
B. NATHANIEL H. ROWLAND, of Jessamine county, Ky., married his cousin, Robina McLean, of Muhlenburg county. Their children were—

a. REBECCA ROWLAND.
b. ROBERT ROWLAND.
c. NATHANIEL ROWLAND.
d. SALLIE ROWLAND.
e. ROWENA ROW LA ND.
f. ELIZABETH ROWLAND.
g. MARGARET ROWLAND.

C. CELIA E. ROWLAND, married her cousin, Dr. Robert NV. McLean. Their children are—

a. ROWLAND McLEAN.
b. CELIA McLEAN.

D. MARY R. ROWLAND, married Mr. Stephen Walter, of Franklin county, Ky. Their children were—

a. RUSSELL WALTER.
b. MATILDA WALTER.
c. CELIA WALTER.
d. ROWLAND WALTER.

E. MATILDA J. ROWLAND, died in infancy.
F. TABITITA A. ROWLAND, married William H. Cassell, of Canton, Miss. Their children were—

a.MARY CASSELL.
b.CORNELIA CASSELL.
c. RUSSELL CASSELL.
d. EUDORA CASSELL.

Celah Russell Wilson 111

e. WILLIAM CASSELL.
f. FRANK CASSELL.
g. CATHERINE CASSELL.
h. ANNIE CASSELL.
i. ALBERT CASSELL.
j. LULA CASSELL.
k. JOHN CASSELL.
l. JAMES CASSELL.

G. WILLIAM H. ROWLAND, of Canton, Miss., married Miss Sue M. Cassell. They had one son,

a. WILLIAM CASSELL ROWLAND.

H. SALLIE L. ROWLAND, married Moses A. McClure, of Winchester, Ky. Their children were—

a. RUSSELL MCCLURE.
b.JAMES MCCLURE.
c. BERTIE MCCLURE.
d. LOUISE MCCLURE.
e.. TURNER MCCLURE.

I. JERE R. ROWLAND, died in infancy.
J. KATE R. ROWLAND, married Rev. J. D.. Turner, of the Methodist Conference.

8. TABITHA CAMPBELL WILSON, born March 8th, 1810, died about 1840. She married Mr. Richard Keene, of Georgetown, Ky. Their son,

A. ROBERT WILSON KEENE, of Woodford county, married Miss Mary W. Rowland. Their children were—

a.ALLIE T. KEENE, died unmarried.
b.FLORRIE D. KEENE, married Mr. J. S. Arnold, of Jessa­mine county, Ky.
c. LIZZIE ELLA KEENE.

Mr. Keene married secondly Miss Annie V. Bird, cf Shelby county, Ky.

9. CHLOE CATHERINE WILSON, born September 13th, 1813, died about 1845. She married Alexander Shackle-ford, and left no children.

112 Henley Russell

HENLEY RUSSELL

HENLEY RUSSELL, youngest son of Gen. William and Tabitha Adams Russell, was born at their home on Clinch River, in 17/4. In 1795 he emigrated to Kentucky, and settled upon land inherited from his father in Logan county, which included the site of Russellville, where he lived for many years. He served in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of the River Raisin. He was never married. Towards the latter part of his life he resided with his sister, Mrs. Saunders, in Sumner county, Tenn., where he died in 1839, aged sixty-five years.

Chloe Russell Saunders. 113

CHLOE RUSSELL SAUNDERS.

CHLOE RUSSELL, the youngest child of Gen. William and Tabitha. Adams Russell, was born at their home on Clinch River, in 1776. Being only, six months old at the time of her mother's death, she was in the especial charge of her elder sister Mary Henley.
She was eight years old when her father's second marriage took place. On December 2d, 1792, six weeks preceding her father's death, she was united in marriage with Rev. Hubbard Saunders, one of the earliest preachers of the Methodist church.
About 1798 they removed from Virginia to Sumner county, Tenn., where they lived and reared their large family of children. Mr. Saunders died in 1828. The following extract is taken from a letter of Dr. 0. D. Blakey, to the "Russellville Herald." He says:

"I called to pay my respects to the widow of the late Rev. Hubbard Saunders, of Sumner county, Tenn., whose acquaintance I had the pleasure to make in the early spring of 1830. Her husband, who was One of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist church, had died two years before; not though, till, with the assistance of a few neighbors, he had built a fine large brick church, to take the place of the old wooden one called 'Turner's Spring.' At the dedication of this church in the spring of 1830, the pastor asked, 'What name shall we give this house'?' to this question Parson Lindsay, an old local preacher replied, `Turner's Spring.' After a brief pause, a young man, a comparative stranger, having but recently joined the church by letter, arose in his place and proposed the name to be 'Saunders' Chapel.' Parson Lindsay, in a few pointed remarks, urged the name of 'Turner's Spring,' the church so long having borne that name. The young man in reply said, he would not have the name of the spring changed, nor would he have a temple like this called a spring. He thought it due to the memory of that venerable man, through whose contributions and influence the

114 Chloe Russell Saunders.

house had been built, one too who had so long seemed as a lamp to the feet and a light to the pathway of this community, to perpetuate his memory by calling it 'Saunders' Chapel.' The vote was taken, and the young man's motion was carried almost unanimously, and to this day it is called 'Saunders' Chapel.' Mrs. Saunders was the daughter of Gen. William Russell, an officer of the Revolution; and at that time (1830) was far advanced in years, and was a noble specimen of a noble family; the mother of many worthy sons and daughters, all of whom, as far as I am advised, have reflected credit upon their ancestors. Since then a thriving little village, called Saundersville, has sprung up in their neighborhood, so their name is to be perpetrated in the name of a town, as well as a church."
Mrs. Saunders died in 1850, aged seventy-four years. The graves of Mr. and Mrs. Saunders, and those of a large number of their descendants, can be found at their old homestead, where the family .of their youngest son now resides. The large house is still standing, and upon the walls of the old parlor hang the portraits of the venerable grandparents. In describing them one of their great-granddaughters says, "grandfather is a splendid looking old gentleman, and grandmother is lovely. She is dressed in black, with a white kerchief crossed on her breast; in her hand are her Bible and spectacles; and her quiet dignity and repose make her picture most attractive." They are held as precious relics by their descendants.
Their children were—

1. NANCY A. SAUNDERS, born September 18th, 1793. She married her relative Robert Harper, of Sumner county, Tenn., in 1816. Their children were—

A. LUCY- HARPER, married James Vinson, of Louisiana. Their children were—

a.R. WALKER VINSON, of Jefferson, Texas, married Miss Sophia Saunders Gibbs. Their children are MARY G., DOUGLASS, LUCY S., HARPER, and JOHN M. VINSON.
b.RICHARD TUCKER VINSON, of Shreveport, La., married Miss Sallie Hill, a granddaughter of Col. Peace, of Wilson county, Tenn. Their children are ADA and ALLEN VINSON.
c. ALICE B. VINSON, married John T. Green, of Nashville, Tenn. Their children are MINNIE L., VINSON, and MARVIN GREEN.
d. LILLIE VINSON, married John McKee Harper, a cotton

Chloe Russell Saunders. 115

merchant of Jefferson, Texas. Their children are CHARLES ROBERT and LUCY VINSON; HARPER.

B. CHLOE RUSSELL. HARPER, married John Duncan, of Russellville, Ky. They removed to Trinity Mills, Texas, where Mrs. Duncan still lives. Their children are—

a. ROBERT HARPER DUNCAN, of Trinity Mills, Texas.
b. EUGENE DUNCAN, married Miss Maggie Dixon.. Their children are MARY EMMA and EUGENE DIXON DUNCAN.
c. ELLA DUNCAN, married Asa Dupuy Dickinson. Their children are ROBERT C. and ASA. DUPUY DICKINSON.
d. DANIEL DUNSCOMBE DUNCAN.
e. HUBBARD SAUNDERS DUNCAN.

C. SALLY HARPER, died in infancy.
D. MARIA HARPER, married Capt. W. T. Sample, of Trinity Mills, Texas.
E. ANN HARPER, married .James Duncan, of Russellville, Ky. They removed to Texas, where they both died, leaving one son,

a. WILKINS DUNCAN, deceased.

F. CLARA R. HARPER, married Prof. C. W. Callender, of Hendersonville, Tenn. Their children are—

a.WILLIAM CALLENDER.
b.EWING CALLENDER.

G. Col. ROBERT GOODLOE HARPER, married first Miss Sophie Valentine, of Louisiana, December 1st, 1855. They had one daughter,

a. SOPHIE H. HARPER, married Robert E. Cowart, son of Judge R. J. Cowart, of Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Cowart is an attorney-at-law at Dallas, Texas. Their son, ROBERT ERWIN COWART, was born September 21st, 1881. "A bud of great promise." Col. Harper married secondly Miss Thomisella Hardeman, of Franklin, Tenn. Two children of this marriage died in childhood. Col. Harper died in June, 1863.

H. Dr. HUBBARD S. HARPER, died unmarried, aged twenty-five years.
I. ADALINE HARPER, married Col. James Turner, of Gallatin, Tenn. Col. Turner served with distinction in the Confederate army, from the beginning of the war till the surrender in Georgia. He is now an able and distinguished lawyer of Gallatin. Their children are—

116 Chloe Russell Saunders.

a. ROBERT HARPER TURNER.
b. ADALINE TURNER.
c. CLARABEL TURNER.
d.ANNA LEE TURNER, deceased.
e. JAMES TURNER, deceased.

2. ELIZABETH HENRY SAUNDERS, born September 8th, 1795. She married Capt. John A. Walker, of Davidson county, Tenn., about 1817. Their children were—

A. MARY WALKER, married Benjamin Hamblen, of Davidson county, Tenn.
B. CHLOE WALKER, married William Pierce, of Davidson county. Their children are—

a. MARY E. PIERCE, married William Allen, of Nashville, Tennessee.
b.WILLIAM H. PIERCE, of Texas, is unmarried.

C. CATHERINE WALKER, married William Chambers, of Union City, Tenn. Their children are—

a. CHARLES A. CHAMBERS, of Nashville.
b. MARY H. CHAMBERS.
c. SALLIE E. CHAMBERS, married John R. George, of Union City, Tenn.
d. WILLIAM C. CHAMBERS.

3. MARIA ROBERTS SAUNDERS, born June 15th, 1797. She married Dr. James L. Gray, of Tennessee, and later of Mississippi. Their children were—

A.HUBBARD S. GRAY, deceased.
B. WILLIAM GRAY, deceased
C. LEONIDAS GRAY, of Tippah county, Miss.
D.JAMES GRAY, deceased
E. CORNELIA GRAY, deceased.
F. CHLOE GRAY, of Tippah county, Miss.

4. SALLY EDMONDS SAUNDERS, born September 13th, 1799. She married first Peter Byson, of Sumner county, Tenn. Their daughter,

A. CHLOE RUSSELL BvsoN, married Mr. Benjamin W. Mills, of Sumner county, in 1839. Their children are—

a. SALLY A. MILLS, married Dr. H. J. Wells, of Nashville, Tenn., in 1859.
b.DERO F. MILLS, of Hendersonville, Tenn., married Miss Anna E. Shute, in. 1867. Their children are MAGGIE, WILLIE, ANNIE, LEE S., BESSIE, and MARY D. MILLS.

Chloe Russell Saunders. 117

c. JOHN P. MILLS, of Sherman, Texas, married Miss Ellie \V. Wilson, in 1872. Their children are HAYDIC, J. ROWAN, ETHEL, LAWRENCE, and MARY MILLS.
d. MINNIE MILLS, married Mr. R. S. Murray, of Sumner county. Their children are SAMUEL B., MARY, and JOHN DEE MURRAY.
e. BETTIE MILLS, is unmarried.

Mrs. Byson married secondly Mr. Hugh Joyner. Their son,

B. THOMAS H. JOYNER, of Hartsville, Tenn., married Miss Sue Anthony, in 1881.

5.MINERVA SAUNDERS, born September 29th, 1801, died unmarried, in 1844.
6.CLARA SAUNDERS, born October 23d, 1803. She married Samuel D. Read, of Davidson county, Tenn. Their children were—

A. JOHN READ, died in childhood.
B. MILDRED ANN READ, married Madison Martin, of Sumner county. Their children were—

a. SAMUEL A. MARTIN, of Atchison, Kansas, married first Miss Eunice V. Crenshaw, of Gallatin, Tenn., and had one daughter, MAMIE L. MARTIN. He married secondly Miss Bettie Crenshaw, of Gallatin, Tenn.
b. EMMA MARTIN, married Mr. Lorenzo Stowe, of Rome, Smith county, Tenn.
c. CLARA L. MARTIN, of Gallatin, Tenn.
d. MATTIE MARTIN, married Russell H. Word, of Arkansas.

C. CHLOE RUSSELL READ, married John Drake, of Nashville. Their children are—

a. WILLIAM H. DRAKE, of Nashville, married Miss Laura Brolie. Their children are MEDORA and JOHN BRODIE DRAKE.
b. CLARA L. DRAKE, married William Wilkerson, of Nashville, Tenn.
c. SARAH A. DRAKE, married Mr.Belfield Bratton, of Davidson county. Their children are CLARENCE RUSSELL, and HATTIE BRATTON.
d. MARY D. DRAKE.
e. MAUD M. DRAKE.
f. JOSEPH HUBBARD DRAKE.
g. JOHN WARFIELD DRAKE.

D. SARAH E. READ, married Rev. James Warfield, son of

118 Chloe Russell Saunders.

George Hanson Warfield, of Baltimore, Md. They removed to Lexington, Ark., where Mrs. Warfield still resides. Their children were—

b. SAMUEL D. WARFIELD.
c. ELIZABETH WARFIELD.
d. ROBERT PAYNE WARFIELD.
e. CLARA GERTRUDE WARFIELD.
f. GEORGE HANSON WARFIELD.
g. CHARLES MARION WARFIELD.

E. HUBBARD SAUNDERS READ, Of Davidson county, Tenn., is unmarried.

7.ADDIE SAUNDERS, born August 8th, 1805, died in infancy.
8.CHLOE RUSSELL SAUNDERS, born January 14th, 1807. In 1825 she married Alexander Ewing, who settled in Davidson county, Tenn., while it was yet a part of North Carolina. She died in 1839. Their children were—

A. SARAH ANN EWING, married first Boyd McNairy Simms, of Franklin, Tenn. Their children were—

a.ANNIE SIMMS, married Mr. J. W. McFadden, of Nashville. They have one daughter, SALLIE MCFADDEN.
b.MARIANNE H. Simms, married Mr. R. N. Richardson, of Franklin, Tenn.

Mrs. Simms married secondly Joseph W. Carter, a lawyer of Winchester, Tenn. Their children were—

c.WILLIAM E. CARTER.
d.JOSEPH W. CARTER, married Miss Katie R. French, of Nashville. They have one son, JOSEPH W. CARTER.
Mrs. Carter married thirdly Judge John C. Gant, of Nashville.

B. ALEXANDER EWING, died in 1850, aged twenty years.
C. HUBBARD SAUNDERS EWING, lives at the old Ewing homestead inherited from his father, near Franklin, Tenn. In 1859 he married Sallie Hughes, daughter of Dr. Brice W. Hughes, of Franklin. Their children are—

a. SUSIE LEE EWING, married February 5th, 1883, Mr. Wind­er McGavock, only son of Col. John McGavock. They have one daughter, HATTIE MCGAVOCK.
b. ALEXANDER EWING, of Birmingham, Ala.
c. SALLIE EWING.

Chloe Russell Saunders. 119

D. MALVINA EWING, married Mr. Titcomb. Their son, a. ALEXANDER TITCOMB, of Columbia, Tenn., married Miss Smiser. They have one son, ALEXANDER TITCOMB, jr.
E. WILLIAM R. EWING, married Miss Brown. Their son is, a. WHELESS BROWN EWING, of Franklin, Tenn.

9. WILLIAM RUSSELL SAUNDERS, born June 8th, 1810. He married Miss Ann H. Mills, of Sumner county, Tenn. They removed to Starksville, Miss., in 1844, where Mrs. Saunders still lives. Mr. Saunders died near Winona, Miss., August 20th, 1864. Their children were—

A. HURBERT T. SAUNDERS, of Starksville, Miss, married Miss Ella W. Rogers. Their children are—

a.HURBERT T. SAUNDERS.
b.ELIZABETH MCMELLON SAUNDERS.
c. ROBERT PERCIVAL SAUNDERS.

B. CAROLINE ADA SAUNDERS, married Mr. C. B. Turnipseed, of Vaider, Miss. Their children are—

a. ANNIE LOLA. TURNIPSEED.
b. MAGGIE MAY TURNIPSEED.
c. NETTIE ALMA TURNIPSEED.
d. HURBERT HOMER TURNIPSEED.
e. GROSIE ELL TURNIPSEED.

C. WILLIAM RUSSELL SAUNDERS, of Winona, Miss., married Miss Fannie E. Allen.
D. THOMAS MILLS SAUNDERS, of Covington, Hill county, Texas, married Miss Alice de Mumbre. Their children are—

a. DERO DE MUMBRE SAUNDERS.
b.ANNIE MILLS SAUNDERS.
c. WILLIE RUSSELL SAUNDERS.

E. CHLOE BENNETTA SAUNDERS, married Dr. T. L. Wilburn, of Winona, Miss. Their son is,

a. WILLIAM RUSSELL SAUNDERS WILBURN.

F. DERO ASTYANAX SAUNDERS, of Starksville, Miss., married Miss Grosie Ames.
G. JOHN SPOTSWOOD SAUNDERS, of Starksville, Miss., is unmarried.

10. TABITHA TURNER SAUNDERS, born April 6th, 1812. She married W. H. Moore, of Nashville, Tenn., where they both still live. Their children were—

120 Chloe Russell Saunders.

A. FRANCES MOORE, married William Lelyette, of Nashville. Their son is

a. JOHN LELYETTE, of Nashville.

B. ELIZABETH MOORE, married Mr. Stewart, of Williamson county, Tenn.
C. CATHERINE MOORE, married Edward Jones, of Virginia, now of Nashville.
D. TURNER MOORE, of Davidson county, Tenn., married Miss Whitsell, of Nashville.
E. WILLIAM H. MOORE, of Tullahoma, Tenn., married Miss Ethel Porter, daughter of Capt. John L. Porter, of Kentucky, and granddaughter of the late Dr. S. D. Whitsell, of Nashville, Tenn. Their children are—

a.MARGARET AMELIA MOORE.
b.KATE BEATRICE MOORE.
c. FRANK MOORE.

F. ANNA MOORE, married John Whitsell, of Davidson county, Tenn.
G. JAMES MOORE, of Nashville, Tenn.
H. JOHN MOORE, of Nashville, Tenn.
I. ALICE MOORE, of Nashville, Tenn.
J. BENJAMIN MOORE, of Nashville, Tenn.

11. CATHERINE M. J. SAUNDERS, born December 26th, 1814. She married Mr. Payton Randall Bosley, of Davidson county, Tenn. They removed to Red River Parish, La., where Mrs. Bosley died, at Coushatta, in May, 1836. Their children were—

A. JOHN RANDOLPH BOSLEY, of Bossier Point, Bossier Parish, La. His plantation is between Lake Swan and Lake Bistineaux. He was born September 22d, 1832. On May 15th, 1851, he married Mary Jane Jones, daughter of Henry F. Jones and Frances W. Lewis. Mrs. Bosley died July 19th, 1861. Their children were—

a.JOHN RANDOLPH BOSLEY, of Grandview, Texas, born February 18th, 1852. He married Miss Ida Clarendon Smith, of Dallas, Texas, in 1880. Their son, JOHN HOUSTON BOSLEY, was born February 1st, 1881.
b.KATHERINE SAUNDERS BOSLEY, born December 2d, 1853. She married Oren S. Penny, December 2d, 1873, and lives at Coushatta, La. Their children are OREN SAUNDERS PENNY,

Chloe Russell Saunders. 121

born November 15th, 1874; MONTE LEON PENNY, born October 4th, 1876; HARVAR ROBERTSON PENNY, born February 19th, 1879; ARTHUR STEPHENSON PENNY, born November 25th, 1881; and SPISAR MAILHEUX PENNY, born December 19th, 1883.

Mr. Bosley married secondly Josephine Letitia Houston, daughter of James Houston and Elizabeth Carter, May 28th, 1861, who died February 22d, 1881. Their children are—

c. JOSEPH HOUSTON BOSLEY, of Bossier Point, La., born March 22d, 1862.
d. WILHAMENA BOSLEY, born September 19th, 1864.
e. ORA EUGENIA BOSLEY, born May 7th, 1869.
f. SUSIE SAUNDERS BOSLEY, born April 12th, 1871.
g. EVA LEONA BOSLEY. born April 16th, 1874.
h. HENRY RUSSELL BOSLEY, born February 22d, 1878.

B. HUBBARD SAUNDERS,Of Coushatta, La., married Miss Mary Powell, March 30th, 1856, who died November 20th, 1883. Their children were—

a.THOMAS RANDOLPH BOSLEY, born October 25th, 1858, died September 15th, 1881.
b.MARION POWELL BOSLEY, born September 27th, 1863.
c.ANNA BOSLEY, born December 6th, 1865.
d.MILTON H. BOSLEY, born August 12th, 1868.
e.HUBBARD SAUNDERS BOSLEY, born July 8th, 1871.
f. PERCIVAL LEIGH BOSLEY, born March 12th, 1875.
g. WALTER WARREN BOSLEY, born November 27th, 1878.

12. THOMAS SAUNDERS, born December 16th, 1816. He married his cousin Miss E. Letitia Breckinridge, of Missouri, a daughter of William Trigg Breckinridge, of Kentucky. They live near Nashville, Tenn. Their children were—

A. WILLIAM SAUNDERS, married Miss Bondurant. He died in May, 1884.
B. ROSA SAUNDERS.

13. ADALINE CELIA SAUNDERS (twin sister of Thomas), born December 16th, 1816. She married Dr. Alex­ander Graham, of Sumner county, Tenn., who died in 1857. Mrs. Graham lives near Hendersonville, Tenn. Their children were—

A. CHLOE FRANCES GRAHAM, born December 31st, 1857,

122 Chloe Russell Saunders.

married George Whitfield Sumner, son of Duke W. Sumner, of Davidson county, Tenn. Their children are—

a. LOU CARTER SUMNER, married in 1881, Samuel J. Blood­worth, of Edgefield Junction, Tenn. Their son is SAMUEL SUMNER BLOODWORTH.
b. HATTIE SUMNER.
c. GEORGE GRAHAM SUMNER.
d. CHARLES DOUGLASS SUMNER.
e. HUBBARD SAUNDERS SUMNER.
f. ADALINE MARY SUMNER.
g. JAY GOULD SUMNER.

B. SUSAN ALEXANDER GRAHAM, born December 31st, 1845, married Prof. C. S. Douglass, of Gallatin, Tenn. Their children are—

a. ADA DOUGLASS.
b. CLARE DOUGLASS.

14. HUBBARD HENLEY SAUNDERS, born May 5th, 1819. He married Miss Elizabeth Bondurant, of Davidson county, Tenn., June 22d, 1848. He inherited the old homestead where he lived until his death, which occurred October 23d, 1879. Their children were—

A. WILLIAM SAUNDERS, Saundersville, Tenn.
B. JACOB T. SAUNDERS, of Saundersville, married Miss Weaver, of Stewart county, Tenn. Their children are—

a. HUBBARD THOMAS SAUNDERS.
b. JEFFERSON WEAVER SAUNDERS.

C. EDWARD SAUNDERS, of Sumner county, Tenn.
D. JOSEPH SAUNDERS, of Sumner county, Tenn.
E. ELIZABETH SAUNDERS, of Sumner county, Tenn.

Henry Winston Russell. 123

HENRY WINSTON RUSSELL.

HENRY WINSTON RUSSELL, son of Gen. William and Elizabeth Henry Russell, was born at Aspenville, in 1784, and died in infancy.

ELIZABETH HENRY RUSSELL SMITH.

ELIZABETH HENRY RUSSELL, daughter of Gen. William and Elizabeth Henry Russell, was born at Aspenville, September 15th, 1785. She married Capt. Francis Smith, of Washington county, Va., January 10th, 1804. She died October 10th, 1804, aged nineteen years. The inscription upon the stone which marks her grave is,

"MEMORIA-MEMENTO
HAEC AD TE PERTINENT."

PATRICK FEYRY RUSSELL.

PATRICK HENRY RUSSELL, son of Gem William and Elizabeth Henry Russell, was born May 31st, 1788, and died in infancy.

JANE ROBERTSON RUSSLL

124 Jane Robertson Russell

JANE ROBERTSON RUSSELL, daughter of Gen. William and Elizabeth Henry Russell, was born May 31st, 1788. She married Col. William Patton Thompson, of Washington county, Va., who was a son of Col. James Thompson, who married Catherine Shelby, of Kentucky. The date of Mrs. Thompson's death is not known. They had several sons, who died in early life, whose names have not been obtained. The only son who lived to manhood was,

1.JOHN HENRY THOMPSON, who became a Methodist preacher, and died in Western Virginia.

Their daughters were—

2.ELIZABETH HENRY THOMPSON, married William Williams, of Asheville, North Carolina. She died in St. Louis, Mo., in 1857, leaving no children.
3.MARY ANN PATTON THOMPSON, married Dr. David R. McAnally, the able and distinguished editor of the Methodist "Advocate," published in St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. McAnally died in St. Louis, in April 1861. Their children were—

A. CHARLES MCANALLY, a minister of the Methodist Conference in Illinois, who married Miss Bowie, of Vicksburg, Miss. Their children are—

a.CHARLES MCANALLY.
b.MARGARET MCANALLY.
c. JULIA MCANALLY.

B. DAVID RUSSELL MCANALLY, a Professor in the State University, at Columbia, Mo.
C. MARY ANN PATTON MCANALLY, married Mr. Francis Marion Carter, of Farmington, Mo. Their children are—

a.AMY MARION CARTER.
b.DAVID RUSSELL CARTER.
c. WILLIAM PRESTON CARTER.

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