Father: William Russell
Mother: Anna Bonham

Spouse: Lydia W. Hockett - b: 3/Sep/1841 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
  d: 19/Mar/1931 - Redfield, Dallas Co., IA - bur: East Linn Cem.
  m: 23/Sep/1860 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA

Child-1: Eugene - b: 11/Jun/1861 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                            d: 7/Oct/1862 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA - bur: Salem South (Friends) Cem.
          2: Adalate (Addie) - b: 27/Oct/1862 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                                         d: 20/Dec/1923 - Des Moines, Polk Co., IA - bur: East Linn Cem., Dallas Co.
                                        m: Wayne Parker - 12/Apr/1882 - Dallas Co., IA
          3: Elbert - b: 16/Apr/1864 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                          d: 9/Apr/1942 - Pomona, Los Angeles Co., CA
                         m: Rowena Harden Richardson - 5/Jul/1899 - Adel, Dallas Co., IA
          4: Joseph H. - b: 18/Apr/1866 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                                d: 30/Jun/1956 - Dexter, Dallas Co., IA - bur: East Linn Cem.
                               m: Jennie Wyckoff - 28/Sep/1890 - Dallas Co., IA
          5: Edgar (Eddie) - b: 4/Jan/1871 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                                      d: 12/Mar/1952 - Redfield, Dallas Co., IA - bur: East Linn Cem.
                                     m: Almera B. Tate - 8/Dec/1895 - Redfield, Dallas Co., IA
          6: Effie - b: 22/Oct/1874 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                        d: 15/Mar/1964 - Redfield, Dallas Co., IA - bur: East Linn Cem.
                       m: Dorance Brown Clark - 24/Dec/1899 - Dallas Co., IA
          7: Henry - b: 5/Jan/1877 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                          d: 2/Feb/1959 - bur:  East Linn Cem., Dallas Co., IA
                         m: Jennie Hatten - May/1920 - div - m: Winnie Keefer - 1934
          8: Sarah (Sadie) - b: 29/Sep/1878 - Salem Twp., Henry Co., IA
                                      d: 18/Sep/1953 - bur:  East Linn Cem., Dallas Co., IA
                                     m: William Marshall - 18/Feb/1900 - m: John A. Reynolds - 3/Mar/1919
          9: Lizzie - b: 3/Nov/1882 - Redfield, Dallas Co., IA
                         d: 5/Jan/1968 - Perry, Dallas Co., IA - bur: East Linn Cem.
                        m: Charles Clarence Hill - 3/Jul/1903 - Dallas Co., IA
        10: Ralph - b: 13/Sep/1885 - Redfield, Dallas Co., IA
                          d: 23/Jul/1948 - bur:  East Linn Cem., Dallas Co., IA
                         m: Grace May Cave - 26/Feb/1908 - Linden, Dallas Co., IA

Biographical Details:

Evidently, Stephen Russell was the first child of William and Anna Bonham Russell born after they settled in Illinois  Indeed, it is asserted in his obituary that he was born in Bureau County, Illinois, on September 2, 1835.¹  However, this cannot be entirely correct since Bureau County did not exist in 1835 and was not organized from the northern part of Putnam County until February 28, 1837.  Therefore, it seems clear that he was born in Putnam County, although it would seem probable to have been in that portion which later became Bureau County.  As a matter of history, when it was formed in 1825, Putnam County included a large portion of northeastern Illinois.  (Indeed, it included all of the territory that later became metropolitan Chicago.)  However, subsequently the area of Putnam County was steadily reduced by the formation of new counties, so that by 1839 it was only a small remnant that still exists at present.  Of course, as a child and adolescent Stephen moved with his family from Illinois to Texas and Missouri before they finally settled in Henry County, Iowa, reportedly in the year 1855.  Stephen Russell and Lydia Hockett were married on September 23, 1860, almost certainly in Henry County.  Members of the Hockett family were early Quaker settlers of Salem Township and Lydia was the only daughter of William and Sarah Hockett.  According to her obituary, she identified as a Friend throughout her life; however, it does not appear that Stephen ever embraced Quakerism or became a member of a Friends meeting.  The household of Stephen Russell was included in the population schedules of the 1870 and 1880 US Censuses for Henry County.  Moreover, a plat map of Henry County published in 1870, indicates that Stephen Russell owned about thirty acres in Section Fourteen in Salem Township, i.e., about a mile and a half northwest of the town of Salem, evidently near his in-laws.²  Subsequently, according to the History of Henry County, Iowa published in 1879, Stephen Russell was a farmer living in Section Eleven   Of course, Sections Eleven and Fourteen adjoin and it may be supposed that Stephen Russell and his family lived at first in Section Eleven and then moved to Section Fourteen.  Even so, in 1880, Stephen and Lydia Hockett Russell, together with their children, migrated to Dallas County, Iowa, and settled between five and six miles north of the village of Redfield.³  Therefore, they must have moved after June of 1880 when they were enumerated in the population schedule, but before the new year.  Accordingly, it would seem likely that they came to Dallas County in the fall of 1880 after the growing season, but before winter.  This is further supported by the population schedule of the 1885 Iowa State Census for Dallas County, which indicates that the family was resident in Linn Township.  The motivation for this relocation is not known; however, as a farmer, Stephen likely wished to obtain better land in the prodigiously fertile region of central Iowa.  Subsequent federal census records of 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 and state census records of 1905, 1915, and 1925 clearly indicate that Stephen and Lydia Hockett Russell remained in Dallas County for the rest of their lives.  Apparently, they moved off of the farm into the town of Redfield about 1912.  Stephen Russell died in Redfield on October 26, 1920.  Lydia Hockett Russell survived until March 19, 1931, and in her last years lived in the household of her son-in-law and daughter, John A. and Sarah Reynolds.^4,5

1. "Stephen Russell, son of William and Anne Russell, was born in Bureau County, Illinois, Sept 2, 1835, and died at his home in Redfield, Iowa, Oct 26, 1920, at the age of 85 years, 1 month, and 24 days.  He was married to Lydia Hockett Sept 2, 1860.  To this union was born ten children.  The eldest, Eugene, dying in infancy.
     While a small boy Mr. Russell moved with his parents to Texas, where they lived four years, moving from there to Gentry County, Mo.  In his early manhood he came to Iowa living nearly 25 years near Salem in Henry county, Iowa.  In 1880 with his family he came to Dallas county where he lived on a farm north of Redfield 32 years.  Eight years ago on account of declining years he gave up farming and moved to Redfield.
     For the past five years he has been confined to the house on account of poor health, but much of this time he has been able to sit by the window where his neighbors, even little children, watched to see a smile and a wave of his hand in friendly greeting.
     He was always interested in the welfare of others as well as his own family.  During these years of suffering he was tenderly cared for by his wife and children.  Besides his wife, who has walked by his side for more than 60 years, he leaves to mourn his death 9 children, Mrs Adda Parker, Elbert of Pomona, Calf., Joseph, Edgar, Mrs. Effie Clark, Henry of Colgan, N. D., Mrs. Sarah Reynolds, Mrs. Lizzie Hill, and Ralph.  He leaves 18 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, also an aged brother in Kansas and other relatives and friends who will miss Grandpa Russell."  (obituary: Newspaper unknown, Dallas Co., IA; cited by Ramos and Kratz)
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2. Anonymous, Combination Atlas Map of Henry County, Iowa, by Thompson and Everts, Geneva, IL, 1870.  (Available electronically at digital.lib.uiowa.edu)
     S. Russell: 1) Twp. 70 N; Rng. 7 W; Sec. 14; N part of NE¼ of SW¼ - 30 acres more or less.
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3a. Anonymous, Atlas and Plat Book of Dallas County, Iowa, The Kean map Co., Des Moines, IA, 1929.   (Available electronically at digital.lib.uiowa.edu)
     Stephen Russell: 1) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 11; NE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.   2) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 11; SE¼ of NW¼ - 40 acres.  3) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 11; N½ of NW¼ less 20 acre strip off the N side- 60 acres.
     Dorrance B. Clark: 1) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 10; N½ of NE¼ - 80 acres.   2) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 10; SW¼ of NE¼ - 40 acres.

b. Anonymous, Plat Book of Dallas County, Iowa, W. W. Hixson & Co., Rockford, IL, 1930.   (Available electronically at digital.lib.uiowa.edu)
     Ralph & Grace Russell: 1) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 11; NE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.   2) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 11; SE¼ of NW¼ - 40 acres.
     Dorrance B. Clark: 1) Twp. 79 N; Rng. 29 W; Sec. 10; W½ of NE¼ - 80 acres.
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4. "Lydia Hockett, only daughter of William and Sarah Hockett, was born September 3, 1841 in Henry County, Iowa, where she grew to womanhood and was married September 2, 1860 to Stephen Russell.
     They moved to Dallas County to a farm six miles north of Redfield in 1880, where they lived until declining years made it necessary to leave the farm and they moved to Redfield.  She and her companion lived together happily for a little more than sixty years.
     Through sunshine and shadows they were truly companions, until October 26, 1920, when Mr. Russell was carried home.  Since then she has made her home with her daughter Sarah and her husband, where she was near her children who were all with her during the last days.
     She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom are living.  One son Eugene died in infancy.  One daughter, Mrs. Adalate Parker, died December 20, 1923.
     The other children are: Elbert of Pomona, Calif, Joseph, Edgar, Mrs. Effie Clark, Henry, Mrs. Sarah Reynolds, Mrs. Lizzie Hill and Ralph of Redfield.
     She leaves (?)9 grandchildren and 54 great grandchildren, and many other relatives who will sadly miss her.
     She was a birthright member of the 'Friends' and always lived in that faith.  She was quite feeble for a number of years so she did not often leave home but was always so cheerful and happy, and loved so much to sing the old hymns.  It was always a pleasure to her children and neighbors to come to her home.
     She was a quiet woman, not saying much about her religion, but quietly each day living so close to her Savior, that one could even feel her faith.
     For the last four weeks she had been confined to her bed, and all was done that doctors and loving hands could do but she slipped quietly into a better world March 19, 1931, at the age of 89 years, 6 months, and 16 days....."  (obituary: Newspaper unknown)
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5. Of the ten known children of Stephern and Lydia Russell, nine evidently survived to adulthood.  Addie married Wayne Parker in Dallas County.  Eleven children are attributed to them, viz., Amy, Ethel, Fred, Russell, Nellie, William, Minnie, Winnie, Frank, Evan, and Vinton.  Amy died at thirteen years of age and Winnie and Minnie were twins.

a. (1900 US Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 200A, (microfilm: roll T623_427; img. 557); 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 112B, (microfilm: roll T624_399; img. 713); 1920 US Census Population Schedule for Van Buren County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 271A, (microfilm: roll T625_515; img. 1118); & 1930 US Census Population Schedule for Van Buren County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 243A, (microfilm: roll T626_685; img. 491).)

b. (1885 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pg. 419, (microfilm: roll 1021458; img. 385); 1895 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pg. 380, (microfilm: roll 1020195; img. 364); 1905 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Linn Twp., Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: cards 277-88, (microfilm: roll 1430363); & 1915 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Union Twp., Van Buren County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: cards W69-73, (microfilm: roll 1462847).)
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Additional Citations:

5. 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 312B, (microfilm roll - M593_395; img. 627).

6. 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 407A, (microfilm roll - T9_344; img. 376).

7. 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 121A, (microfilm: roll T623_427; img. 397).

8. 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 123B, (microfilm: roll T624_399; img. 733).

9. 1920 US Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 210B, (microfilm: roll T625_486; img. 425).

10. 1930 US Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 123B, (microfilm: roll T626_651; img. 248).

11. 1885 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pg. 418, (microfilm: roll 1021458; img. 385).

12. 1895 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pg. 358, (microfilm: roll 1020195; img. 346).

13. 1905 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Linn Twp., Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: cards 127-8, (microfilm: roll 1430363).

14. 1915 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Redfield, Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: cards 580-1, (microfilm: roll 1437608).

15. 1925 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Minburn-Spring Valley Twps., Dallas County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA (microfilm: roll 1429292; imgs. 784-5).

16. Anonymous, History of Henry County, Iowa, Western Historical Co., Chicago, IL, 1879: pg. unk.  ("Salem - 1879", Henry County IAGenWeb Archives, 2007.)

17. Russell-Perkins Family Record, unpublished MSS.

18. East Linn Cemetery, Dallas County, Iowa (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=94632&CScn=East+Linn&CScntry=4&CSst=14&CScnty=571&, continuously updated).

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19. World War I Draft Registration Cards, National Personnel Records Center, National Archives-Southeast Region, Morrow, GA, (microfilm: roll IA-1642995; img. 2860 & roll ND-1819409; img. 851).

20. Salem South Cemetery, Henry County, Iowa (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1565173&CScn=Salem&CScntry=4&CSst=14&CScnty=590&, continuously updated).

21. Shirley Campbell Ramos and Patricia Campbell Kratz, Descendants of Phillip and Rebecca Russell, Gregath Publishing Company, P. O. B. 505, Wyandotte, OK, 74370, 1997: pgs. 185-96.

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