Father: Phillip Russell, Jr.
Mother: Rebeckah Russell
Spouse-1: Anna Bonham
m: 29/Aug/1822 - Grayson Co., VA
Child-1: Jestin
2: Rebecca
3: Elizabeth
4: Lewis
5: Charlotte
6: Mahala
7: Stephen
8: John
Wesley
Spouse-2: Lovina Kester - b: 25/Aug/1815 - PA
d: 8/Oct/1899 - Henry Co., IA
m: 24/May/1870 - Henry Co., IA
Biographical Details:
William Russell was born on December 26, 1801, almost certainly in Grayson County, Virginia. His parents were Philip, Jr., and Rebeckah Russell. Evidently, he spent his childhood on his father's farm, which was located in the watershed of Fox and Guffey Creeks probably near the Flat Ridge community. The extent of his education is unknown; however, later census records do indicate that he could read and write. According to the marriage register of Grayson County, William Russell and Anna Bonham were married on August 29, 1822. This was evidently a double wedding, since the same marriage register reveals his sister, Tabitha L. Russell, married Anna's brother, Joseph T. Bonham, on exactly the same day. Subsequent census records indicate that, Jestin, the oldest daughter of William and Anna Bonham Russell was born in Virginia, very likely in Grayson County. In support of this, the name of William Russell appeared on the 1824 Personal Property Tax List for Grayson County in which an assessment was levied on one tithable, i.e., William himself, and two horses. Even so, by 1825 the family had apparently migrated to Whitley County, Kentucky, since their second daughter, Rebecca, was born in Kentucky in March of that year. Moreover, in 1828 there was no recorded tax assessment for either William or Philip Russell in Grayson County; hence, it is possible that this indicates that William's parents, Philip and Rebeckah Russell, accompanied the family to Whitley County, but if so, they remained only for short time, returning to Virginia before 1830. However, such a speculation is not supported by family tradition, which invariably affirms that Philip and Rebeckah lived in Grayson County for their entire lives. In any case, the household of William Russell was included in the population schedule of the 1830 US Census for Whitley County, and at that time consisted of an adult couple, both between twenty and thirty years of age, together with one male and three female children younger than ten years. In addition, William Russell was a witness to a mortgage contracted between John Cox and William F. Bishop in Whitley County on May 11, 1829. Evidently, the Russell family remained in Kentucky until at least 1831, but it appears that they were resident in Indiana by 1833 at the time of the birth of William and Anna's sixth child, Mahala, although the precise locality has not been determined. Subsequently, they moved further westward to Illinois. Indeed, the youngest two sons of William and Anna Bonham Russell were both born in Illinois between 1835 and 1840 and in the 1840 US Census for Putnam County, Illinois, the population schedule entry for the household of William Russell clearly corresponds to the entire family. In addition, the household of William Russell was included in the population schedule of the 1845 Illinois State Census for Putnam County and consisted of the parents and six children. As a matter of chronology, it is known that older daughters, Jestin and Rebecca, had married in Putnam County in 1842 and, therefore, can be expected to have been living with their husbands rather that in their parents' household. Furthermore, these state census records also reveal the extent of the family's economic resources, which consisted almost exclusively of livestock and agricultural produce, viz., five horses, seven head of cattle, nine sheep, twelve hogs, six hundred bushels of wheat, three hundred bushels of corn, fifty bushels of oats, and fifty bushels of potatoes. Of course, this would have been quite typical of that time and place.Source Notes and Citations:Established family tradition affirms that William and Anna Russell moved to Texas for, perhaps, four years between 1845 and 1850. Nevertheless, no civil records have yet been found that directly support this assertion. Even so, the household of J. W. and Jestin Gorbit is included in the population schedule of 1850 US Census for Dallas County, Texas. Similarly, the young married couple, Edward P. and Charlotte Stephens appeared in the population schedule of the 1850 US Census for Lamar County, Texas. Obviously, Jestin Gorbit and Charlotte Stephens can be identified as married daughters of William and Anna Russell, which accords with the presumption that the Russell family did migrate to Texas. (Even so, their two daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth, evidently remained behind in Illinois.) Even so, this chronology is in some conflict with a later account of the family's movements written by Leah Johnson, which indicates that William and Anna Russell moved to Gentry County, Missouri, from Illinois, then to Texas and back to Missouri.1 However, her account also asserts that Jestin and Charlotte "stayed in Texas" and, thus, it seems much more likely that that the Russell family went to Texas directly from Illinois without settling in Missouri first. In any case, it is evident that by 1850 (perhaps in late 1849) William and Anna Bonham Russell, together with their three sons, Lewis, Stephen, and John Wesley, and youngest daughter, Mahala, settled in Gentry County, Missouri. Both the household of Lewis Russell, who had recently married Mary Ann Perkins, and the household William and Anna Russell including the youngest three children, Mahala, Stephen, and John, appear in the population schedule of the 1850 US Census for Gentry County. In contrast, no evidence exists that any of the four older daughters, Jestin, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Charlotte, ever lived in Gentry County contemporaneously with their parents. Indeed, as well as Texas census records previously cited, this assertion is supported by the appearance of the household of Henry and Rebecca Ham (Hamm), which also included Elizabeth Russell, age twenty-two, in the population schedule of the 1850 US Census for Putnam County. (Elizabeth did not marry until 1854.) Moreover, during the 1850's five land patents were granted to William Russell for land parcels in Gentry County. Four of these correspond to a contiguous tract of one hundred and sixty-one acres more or less, situated within the present boundaries of Cooper Township about one and a half miles east of the present town of Stanberry.2 (The odd size of one parcel undoubtedly compensates surveying error.) The remaining land patent is for a forty acre parcel located a little more than two miles west of the previous tract and, consequently, about one mile west of Stanberry.3 In accordance with family tradition, it seems almost certain that the family of William Russell was residing on the larger parcel when the population was enumerated in 1850. Moreover, as implied previously the town of Stanberry did not yet exist and the closest settlement was Mt. Pleasant, a stage coach stop located about two and a half miles to the north or northeast. It seems that William and Anna Bonham Russell remained in Gentry County for five or six years, after which they moved to Henry County, Iowa, a few years before the Civil War. This presumption is supported by a scribbled notation in an original manuscript family register of the William Russell family that states that they "moved near Salem 1855". This is obviously a reference to the town of Salem, Iowa, which is located in Henry County. (This does not seriously conflict with patent grant dates in 1856 and 1858 since, as noted elsewhere, there was generally a considerable interval between entry and issuance of a patent.) In any case, it is certain that the Russell family was resident in Iowa by 1856 because the household of William and Anna Russell was included in the population schedule of the 1856 Iowa State Census for Henry County and, subsequently, also appeared in the population schedule of the 1860 US Census for Henry County. (Likewise, a county directory published for the fiscal year 1859-60 indicated that William was then living in rural Salem Township.) Anna Bonham Russell died in 1868, after which William married Lovina (or Lavina) Kester in 1870. Since they were both quite old at the time of their marriage, they had no children of their own. Evidently, William and Lovina remained in Henry County for the remainder of their lifetimes. This is supported by the appearance of the household of William and Lovina Russell in both the 1870 and 1880 US Censuses for Henry County as well as the 1885 Iowa State Census. (Concomitantly, William Russell was indicated as a current resident of Salem Township in the History of Henry County, Iowa published in 1879.) William Russell died on November 18, 1890, and is buried in the Salem East (Presbyterian) Cemetery. According to his will, at the time of his death he was living on seventy-two acres located in the "Southwest quarter in Section Thirty-six of Congressional Township Seventy of Range Seven", which consistent with a plat map of Henry County published in 1870, is located about two miles due south of the town of Salem.4 He left his entire estate to his widow to provide for her "support and comfort" during her remaining lifetime, but then to be divided equally among his eight children upon her death.5 However, in Lovina's will dated May 30, 1895, she asserted her right of dower to one third of William's estate, which she then bequeathed to her brother, Robert Kester, and his son, W. S. Kester.6 It is not known why she did this, but it is, perhaps, an indication that she was not particularly close to her step-children.
As with the vast majority of American pioneers of the nineteenth century, William Russell was a farmer. Therefore, his migration from Appalachian Virginia and Kentucky to the Middle West and Texas was, no doubt, motivated by a desire to obtain good productive land. Of course, he may also have been motivated by personal curiosity to "see the country". His political and religious sentiments are not definitively known, but it is probable that they were Protestant and "free soil", which may also partially explain his return north to the free states. Indeed, Salem Township was settled by Quakers in the late 1830's and was strongly antislavery in sentiment in the years immediately before the Civil War.7 Unfortunately, it seems that no photograph of William presently exists; however, it may be supposed that he was a typical American citizen of the nineteenth century.
1. In a brief account of the Russell family written by Leah Johnson, great-granddaughter of William and Anna Bonham Russell (date unknown, but probably sometime in the 1950's), she states: William Russell family came from Ill. ... The William Russells went to Texas in meantime & Jestin & Charlotte stayed in Texas; my grand Parents came back to Mo. for awhile but they landed in Henry Co. Ia near Mt. Pleasant. So Mahala, Stephen & John stays in Ia. and married there.
In this account it seems that William Russell and his family first moved to Missouri from Illinois, then to Texas, back to Missouri, and finally to Iowa. However, it seems much more likely that they went to Texas from Illinois, then to Missouri, and finally to Iowa. (Leah Johnson, unpublished MSS.)
back to bio.2a. The United States of America; Certificate No. 8,379; To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas William Russell of Gentry County, Missouri, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Plattsburg whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Russell according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of Public Lands," for the East half of lot number One of the Northwest quarter of Section Four, in township Sixty-two, of range Thirty-two, in the District of lands subject to sale at Plattsburg, Missouri containing Forty acres according to the official plat of the Survey of the said Lands returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tracts have been purchased by the said William Russell; Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the Premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, Have Given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give and Grant, unto the said William Russell and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, to the said William Russell and to his heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony Whereof, I, Millard Fillmore, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one and of the Independence of the United States the Seventy sixth. By The President: Millard Fillmore; By M. P. Fillmore Sec'y. E. S. Terry Recorder of the General Land Office (US Land Patent Certificate No. 8379; Washington, DC, issued 1 Dec 1851.)
b. The United States of America; Certificate No. 8,380; To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas William Russell of Gentry County, Missouri, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Plattsburg whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Russell according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of Public Lands," for the East half of lot number Two of the Northeast quarter of Section Five, in township Sixty-two, of range Thirty-two, in the District of lands subject to sale at Plattsburg, Missouri containing Forty-one acres and Eleven hundredths of an acre according to the official plat of the Survey of the said Lands returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tracts have been purchased by the said William Russell; Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the Premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, Have Given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give and Grant, unto the said William Russell and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, to the said William Russell and to his heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony Whereof, I, Millard Fillmore, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one and of the Independence of the United States the Seventy sixth. By The President: Millard Fillmore; By M. P. Fillmore Sec'y. E. S. Terry Recorder of the General Land Office (US Land Patent Certificate No. 8380; Washington, DC, issued 1 Dec 1851.)c. The United States of America; Certificate No. 12,506; To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas William Russell of Gentry County, Missouri, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Plattsburg whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Russell according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of Public Lands," for the North West Quarter of the South West Quarter of Section Four, in Township Sixty-two, of Range Thirty-two, in the District of Lands subject to sale at Plattsburg, Missouri containing forty acres according to the official plat of the Survey of the said Lands returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tracts have been purchased by the said William Russell; Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, Have Given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give and Grant, unto the said William Russell and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, to the said William Russell and to his heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony Whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four and of the Independence of the United States the Seventy ninth. By The President: Franklin Pierce; By H. E. Baldwin, asst Sec'y. J. N. Granger Recorder of the General Land Office (US Land Patent Certificate No. 12506; Washington, DC, issued 2 Oct 1854.)
d. The United States of America; Certificate No. 14,464; To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas William Russell of Gentry County, Missouri, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Plattsburg whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Russell according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of Public Lands," for the West half of the Lot numbered one of the North West quarter of Section Four, in Township Sixty-two, of Range Thirty-two, in the district of lands subject to sale at Plattsburg, Missouri containing forty acres according to the official plat of the Survey of the said Lands returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tracts have been purchased by the said William Russell; Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, Have Given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give and Grant, unto the said William Russell and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, to the said William Russell and to his heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony Whereof, I, James Buchanan, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty third. By The President: James Buchanan; By T. I. Albright Secretary; J. N. Granger Recorder of the General Land Office (US Land Patent Certificate No. 14464; Washington, DC, issued 1 Dec 1858.)
back to bio.3. The United States of America; Certificate No. 14,501; To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas William Russell of Gentry County, Missouri, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Plattsburg whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Russell according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of Public Lands," for the South East Quarter of the South East Quarter of Section Thirty-six, in Township Sixty-three, of Range Thirty-three, in the District of Lands subject to sale at Plattsburg, Missouri containing Forty acres according to the official plat of the Survey of the said Lands returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tracts have been purchased by the said William Russell; Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, Have Given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give and Grant, unto the said William Russell and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, to the said William Russell and to his heirs and assigns forever. In Testimony Whereof, I, Franklin Pierce, President of the United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Fifty six and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty first. By The President: Franklin Pierce; By A. S. H. White, asst Secretary; J. N. Granger Recorder of the General Land Office (US Land Patent Certificate No. 14501; Washington, DC, issued 1 Oct 1856.)
back to bio.4. Anonymous, Combination Atlas Map of Henry County, Iowa, by Thompson and Everts, Geneva, IL, 1870. (Available electronically at digital.lib.uiowa.edu)
W. Russell: 1) Twp. 70 N; Rng. 7 W; Sec. 36; NE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres. 2) Twp. 70 N; Rng. 7 W; Sec. 36; N½ of SW¼ of SW¼ - 20 acres. 3) Twp. 70 N; Rng. 7 W; Sec. 36; part of the NW¼ of SW¼ - 22 acres more or less.
back to bio.5. "Know all men by these presents that I William Russell of the County of Henry and State of Iowa of sound mind and memory do hereby make publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First I order and direct my Executors as soon after my decease as practicable to pay off and discharge all debts dues and liabilities that may exist against me at my decease.
Second I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Lavina Russell all of my Realty and personally that I may have at my decease including my homestead where I now reside in Henry County, Iowa and all lands belonging to me adjoining said Homestead as shown by deeds now of record, being a part of the South West quarter of section Thirty Six (36) Township Seventy (70) North of Range Seven (7) West containing about seventy two acres more or less in Henry County, Iowa and all my personal property of whatever kind that I may have at my decease. This for her own support and comfort during her life time, and at her death whatever remains of said property is to be equally divided among my eight children as follows to wit Jestin Gorbit, Rebecca Hamm, Lewis Russell, Elizabeth Nixon, Mahala Frazier, Charlotte Stephens (deceased), Stephen Russell, and John Russell.
Third I hereby nominate and appoint Wesley B. Dawson of Henry County, Iowa as my executor.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 3rd day of November A. D. 1890. his mark /s/William X Russell
The above and foregoing instrument was at the date thereof signed sealed published and declared by the said William Russell as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us and who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses. J. B. Carlisle W. R. Dawson" Transcribed from original document by Lila Carpenter and subsequently cited by Shirley Ramos and Patricia Kratz. (Will Bk. B, Henry Co., IA, pg. 329.)
back to bio.6. "Henry County, Iowa
Probate Box 408
Last Will and Testament of Lovina Russell
I Lovina Russell, being of sound mind and memory, and conscious of the certainty of death, and desiring to make just contribution of my property after my death hereby make ordain and disclosure (sic - disclose) this my last will and testament, hereby revoking any and all wills before this made by me.
1st I direct that after my death all my just debts be first paid.
2nd My property consists of a small amount of personal means and effects and the undivided one third interest in the real estate of which my husband William Russell, died seized. My husband died testate and devised the life use in said real estate to me during my lifetime, but such provision was not made in lieu of dower, and I hereby in the executtion of this instrument declare my intention and purpose to claim the undivided one-third interest in fee simple in said real estate, The land being 75 acres in Salem Township, Henry County, Iowa and the same is my property as the widow of Wiliam Russell in addition to the undivided real estate in the whole of the same. My said property as is herein I will devise and bequeath to my brother, Robert Kester, and to his son W. S. Kester they to share equally in the land and to hold the same absolutely.
3rd I nominate and appoint Dr. J. M. Evans as Executor of this, my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto inscribed my name on this 30th day of May A. D. 1895. (/s/Lovina Russell)
Subscribed in our presence by Lovina Russell as her last will and testament; and we in her presence and at her request and in the presence of each other subscribe ourselves as witnesses to her said act this 30th day of May A. D. 1895. /s/W. S. Withrow /s/ W. H. Bliss" Transcribed from original document by Lila Carpenter and subsequently cited by Shirley Ramos and Patricia Kratz. (Probate Box 408, Henry Co., IA.)
back to bio.7. Anonymous, Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Iowa, Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, IL, 1888: pgs. 682-6. (Reprinted by Unigraphic, Inc., Evansville, IN, 1976.)
"Salem Township - THIS township comprises all of Congressional Township 70 north, of range 7 west. It is one of the first settled in Henry County. There are now within its borders two villages, Salem and Hillsboro, while the township is traversed by two railroads. The Friends effected a settlement in the township in the spring of 1837. The following account of their emigration and settlement is from the pen of Henry W. Joy, one of the original emigrants.
In the summer of 1836, several Friends of Cherry Grove Monthly Meeting, Ind., decided to seek a new home in the West, and in the fall of that year they organized a party composed of the following-named members: Reuben Joy and Dr. Gideon Frazier, of Wayne County; Stephen, John and Nathan Hockett, and William Hammer, of Randolph County, Ind. They started on horseback to what was called the Black Hawk Purchase, crossed the Mississippi at Burlington, from thence via Mt. Pleasant to Salem, Henry Co., Iowa, then part of the Territory of Wisconsin. After several days spent in inspecting the county, it was decided to locate the colony at Salem the following spring, on the 10th day of May, 1837, the colony, composed of the following-named Friends and their families: Reuben, Henry W. and Abram P. Joy, Dr. Gideon, Stephen and Thomas Frazier, Lydia Frazier, Thomas Cook and Levi Cammack, nine families in all, started from the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Wayne Co., Ind., for their chosen location on the Black Hawk Purchase. They had seven wagons and considerable stock, and the journey through Indiana and Illinois was a long and tedious one. They landed in the neighborhood of Salem June 17, and there found Isaac Pidgeon, who, with his family, was a member of the Society of Friends. He had been a resident for two years, and continued to make that his home until the time of his death. Two other families of Friends were there, but did not remain. The families mentioned above were the only permanent settlers of the Friends in the township of Salem. There were two other families of squatters, not Friends, residing in the township. One lived in a cabin, the other in a pole smokehouse. A stone house, party finished, and two cabins, covered in, comprised the habitations of the settlement. Four weeks later Stephen Hockett, Sr., Stephen Hockett, Jr., John Hockett and Harrison Hoggatt, with their families, comprised a second party of emigrants, all members but one, and all from the old neighborhood in Indiana, arrived at Salem within two weeks from the arrival of the second party. A third appeared, comprising four families, all Friends: William, Nathan and Isaac Hockett and William Hammer. The last two were from Randolph county, Ind., and from the same Monthly Meeting. From this until winter set in Friends kept coming in small parties of one, two and three families, most from the same Monthly Meeting in Indiana, though there were a few from other places. At first it was necessary to go to Illinois, about seventy-five or eighty miles, for provisions, and many privations had to be endured. About the middle of the eighth month in 1837, a conference of Friends was held at the house of Isaac Pidgeon to arrange for religious meetings. From that autumn meetings were held weekly. For eight or ten months they assembled at the house of Henry W. Joy. The first sermon preached in Salem by an authorized minister was delivered at the house of Henry W. Joy, by Rev. Thomas Frazier, in the fall of 1837, while Mr. Frazier and some members of his family were here prospecting. They made a permanent residence the following spring. A delegation composed of grandfather Stephen Hockett, Reuben and Rachel Joy, Mary Hockett and Stephen Hockett, Jr., and wife, were sent to the Vermillion Monthly Meeting in Illinois in the ninth month of 1838, to provide for the organization of a monthly meeting at Salem.
A committee from the Vermillion Monthly Meeting arrived at Salem on the 1st day of the sixth month, 1838. A preparation meeting was held on the 7th, and the first monthly meeting on the 8th of the tenth month, 1838. Stephen Hockett, Jr., and Henry W. Joy were appointed overseers to look after the welfare of the Society. Henry W. Joy died at his home in Salem, Nov. 25, 1883, aged seventy-five years. He was the last survivor, who was then the head of a family, of the original members of the first monthly meeting. His wife died Nov. 8, 1877. A meeting-house of suitable capacity was built in 1840, and the society rapidly increased in membership.
About 1843 a division occurred through the agitation of the slavery question. As is well known, the Friends were all Abolitionists in principle, but a minority comprising the more ultra ones were disposed to undertake aggressive measures in the interest of the slaves and in violation of existing laws. They established stations where runaway slaves were to be secreted until they could be forwarded to Canada by what was known as the 'underground railroad.' Large numbers of slaves were enticed from their masters and helped to Canada in that manner. A majority of the Friends, while they would not refuse shelter to an escaped slave if applied to, did not believe it right to go about to violate the laws of the land in the manner of the more ultra ones. They claimed to be a law-abiding people and were opposed to the lawless acts of their more hot-headed brethren. The result was the active abolition members withdrew from the meeting and erected a meeting-house of their own, which they occupied a few years and then leased it to the village for school purposes and returned to the original meeting.
The Society erected a brick meeting-house in 1853, which they occupied until 1867, when it was utilized as a part of the Whittier College, and the college Board of Trustees erected a new meeting-house for the Friends, which building served the Society until 1876. At that time the present frame meeting-house was erected. Later, the older and more conservative members became alarmed at what they felt to be a disposition on the part of the younger members to deviate from the old established customs, language and maxims of the Society. The younger and progressive party proved the more numerous, and after the lapse of a few years the conservatives withdrew and erected a new meeting-house, where they met and proceeded to re-organize the Salem Monthly Meeting on the basis of the old principles and maxims of the Society as given by Fox and Penn. Those most prominent in effecting a separation were Peter Hobson, William Savage, C. J. Poulter, Wythe Elliott, David Parkins, Thomas Nicholson, George Stephenson and their families. The re-organized monthly meeting was held June 3, 1879, since which time they have maintained their separate meetings. The Progressive or Fast Friends as they are termed, have maintained the original organization, and being largely in the majority hold the Society property.
Village of Salem - THE village of Salem was laid out in 1839 by Aaron Street, Jr., and Peter Boyer. Among the first to settle at this point were R. W. Joy, R. F. Joy, Peter Boyer, Aaron Street, Jr., Isaac Pidgeon, William Pidgeon, G. W. Henderson, J. H. Pickering, William Leewelling, Henderson Leewelling, Peter Hobson and John W. Frazier. The town rapidly increased in population, and in 1840 was duly incorporated. A post-office was established soon after the first settlement was made, and Aaron Street, Jr., was commissioned Postmaster. John Bell started the first store and Peter Boyer kept the first hotel.
After a few years the village made no special increase in population, and to-day numbers but little over 600 people. During the past few years it has been visited by two or three destructive fires, which has retarded its growth somewhat. With commendable enterprise, the burned places have been generally rebuilt, and those who were able to sustain the loss have prospered. It cannot be denied, however, that the fires in a commercial way have injured the place. The first of the series of fires occurred Dec. 4, 1885, when Whittier College was burned, proving a total loss to the society. The origin of the fire is unknown. The most disastrous fire of the series occurred on the evening of June 26, 1886, and originated in a hardware store in the rear of the post-office, adjoining Union Block on the west. The fire was soon beyond control and spread to the Union block, a large wooden structure, containing five stores on the floor, a dwelling, and large hall, known as Union Hall, above. This block with its stocks of goods was entirely consumed, while a dwelling belonging to Wythe Elliott, and a couple of small buildings, one used as a barber shop, and the other as a junk shop, completed the row burned. The fire crossed the street to the south, and caught the large hotel owned by William Kittle, which, together with most of its contents, was destroyed. Next southward came John Collat's tinware and stove shop and a crockery store. Then W. B. Donaldson, drugs, J. W. Fisher, general store, A. W. Fisher, restaurant, J. C. Reeves, drugs, and J. M. Triplet, general store. The aggregate number of buildings burned was fourteen, while the estimated loss was $50,000. This fire was supposed to be the work of an incendiary, and swept a large part of the business portion of the town, taking the entire west side of the public square, except Dr. Evans' place, and the south side of the block lying north and west of the square.
The next fire was that of the grist and flouring mill of Fullenwilder & Elder, which burned Dec. 12, 1886, the fire being thought accidental. The loss was about $6,000.
Following that of the burning of the gristmill came the fire of July 27, 1887, which originated in a little building situated near the Congregational Church, owned and occupied by Arthur Honnicutt as a meat market and grocery. In addition to Mr. Honnicutt's building there were consumed Collins' confectionery and dwelling-house, the Congregational Church and John Steinmetz' Hotel. This fire was supposed to be of incendiary origin. A little later the fire fiend again showed his hand by the burning of a large and fine dwelling on West Main street, owned by James Leach, and which had been unoccupied for several days. His loss was about $6,000.
Another supposed incendiary fire was started Nov. 21, 1887, in a dwelling occupied by R. Latty, situated in the southern part of town. The fire was extinguished before much damage was done.
Prior to the burning of Whittier College the village had been very free from such experiences, no fire of consequence having occurred for several years. The burnt district was largely rebuilt, and business is fast settling back into its former channels, and the good people of Salem are looking forward to a season of increased business activity and safety. In proportion to its size Salem has suffered more by fire in a given time than any town in Iowa, but her people are bound to stay, and the rapid progress already made in rebuilding speaks well for the future.
The village is represented religiously by the Friends, Congregationalists, Baptists and Methodist Episcopal, the first being the strongest, mention of which has already been made.
The first regular appointment of the Methodist Episcopal Church, that included Salem, was in 1840, when Rev. T. M. Kirkpatrick was appointed to Mt. Pleasant, since which time preaching has been regularly continued, the greater part of the time in connection with Hillsboro. In the Salem and Hillsboro charge there are nearly 300 members.
The Congregational Church of Salem was organized about 1854. Rev. J. C. Cooper was the first pastor. A house of worship was erected soon after the organization of the society. It was a brick structure, the estimated cost of which was $1,500. For a period of thirty-three years this house re-echoed the songs of praise that were therein sung, but on the 27th of July, 1887, it was totally destroyed by fire. At the present writing the church has seventy-nine members, with Rev. D. D. Tibbetts as resident pastor.
The schools of Salem rank high. The first schools were held in private houses in 1839. In 1853 the district rented the Friends' meeting-house, which they used for three years, when a brick school-house was erected, and used till 1864, when a brick dwelling, two and a half stories in height, was purchased and remodeled for a school building, and is used to this day.
A private academy was built in 1845, by Reuben Darling, who in 1854 sold it to Leonard Farr, who continued the school until 1860.
Whittier College is an institution in which the citizens take special pride, a full history of which may be found under the head of 'Educational,' in another part of this work.
The various secret and benevolent societies are here represented by the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the G. A. R.
The earliest records of Salem Lodge No. 17, A. F. & A. M., show that a regular communication was held Jan. 28, 1852, at which the Worshipful Master (not named) presided, and that the following-named brothers filled the positions named: A. H. Pickering, S. W.; G. Mershon, J. W.; L. J. Rogers, Treasurer; Thomas A. Marvin, Secretary; E. Cook, S. D.; Lewis Taylor, J. D.; Lewis Brown, Tyler. Several brothers were admitted by card and initiation that evening. This lodge is therefore thirty-six years old. It has had a successful career, and its membership now numbers thirty-nine, having at present writing, in November, 1887, the following-named officers: J. T. Ingram, W. M.; W. A. Wilmeth, S. W.; D. J. Jones, J. W.; J. B. Ross, Secretary; William Matthews, Treasurer; Dr. J. M. Evans, S. D.; J. R. Matthews, J. D.; Robert Russell, Tyler. The lodge owns the hall in which it meets, which is well furnished, and has been occupied for some years.
Salem Lodge No. 48, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 26, 1853. The charter members were C. V. Arnold, N. G.; J. L. Chambers, V. G.; Richard Spurrier, J. L. Chambers, William Johnson, Samuel Smith, C. M. McDowell and J. S. Bartruff. The lodge has had a very successful career, and while many of its old members are scattered throughout the country it yet numbers sixty-one active members. The lodge owns the hall which it occupies, and has a fine library. In the fall of 1887 the following named were the officers: O. H. Cooke, N. G.; R. H. Dawson, V. G.; N. Cammack, Treasurer; C. A. Stevens, Secretary.
In connection with the lodge there is Salem Chapter No. 66, I. O. O. F., which was organized in 1874, and is also quite prosperous.
Adam Kimpel Post No. 245, G. A. R., was organized Nov. 9, 1883, with twenty charter members. Dr. J. M. Evans being the first commander. The present roster shows a membership of forty, with J. T. Ingram, Commander; George Cramer, Adjutant; L. B. Culver, Quartermaster; Dr. J. M. Evans, Chaplain. The post is strong, and is doing good work.
Monarch Lodge No. 143, K. of P., was instituted July 15, 1884, with nineteen charter members. It has been very successful since its organization, and comprises some excellent material.
The Bank of Salem was organized as a private bank in the spring of 1881. It does a general banking business, and has the confidence of the community in general as regards its stability. George W. Tyner is the President, and W. H. Bliss, Cashier.
The citizens of Salem and vicinity maintain an agricultural society, besides which there is also an Old Settlers' Association, and in both of these organizations they take a lively interest." (Henry County IAGenWeb Archives, 2003.)
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Additional Citations:
8. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Whitley County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 283, (microfilm roll - M19_42; img. 556).9. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for Putnam County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 199, (microfilm roll - M704_68; img. 66).
10. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 196A-196B, (microfilm roll - M432_399; imgs. 380-1).
11. 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 219, (microfilm roll - M653_324; img. 219).
12. 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 312B, (microfilm roll - M593_395; img. 627).
13. 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Iowa, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 402B, (microfilm roll - T9_344; img. 367).
14. 1845 Illinois State Census Population Schedule for Putnam County, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL, (microfilm: record series - 103.007).
15. 1856 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Henry County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pgs. 830-1, (microfilm: roll 1856_56; img. 774).
16. 1885 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Henry County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pg. 117, (microfilm: roll 1021476; img. 486).
17. 1895 Iowa State Census Population Schedule for Henry County, State Historical Society of Iowa Library & Iowa State Archives, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, IA: pg. 474, (microfilm: roll 1020361; img. 440).
18. Register of Marriages, Grayson Co., Independence, VA: Bk. 1, pg. 16, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - City and County Records #18). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
19. Grayson County Personal Property Tax List of 1824, Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA, (microfilm: roll - Personal Property Tax Records #139). (Jeffrey Weaver (tr), New River Notes, www.newrivernotes.com/index.htm, 2015.)
20. Deeds, Whitley Co., Williamsburg, KY: Bk. 1, pg. 240.
21. Watson Bowron (comp), Henry County Directory for 1859-'60, Watson Bowron, Dir. Pub., Burlington, IA, 1860: pg. 106. (Pat Ryan White (tr), Henry County IAGenWeb Archives, 2005.)
22. Anonymous, History of Henry County, Iowa, Western Historical Co., Chicago, IL, 1879: pg. unk. ("Salem - 1879", Henry County IAGenWeb Archives, 2007.)
23. Anonymous,"Marriage Records", unpublished. (Putnam County ILGenWeb Archives, 2015.)
24. Russell-Perkins Family Record, unpublished MSS.
25. Salem East Cemetery, Henry County, Iowa (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2259704&CScn=Salem&CScntry=4&CSst=14&CScnty=590&, continuously updated).
26. 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. 8-13.
27. Henry Hardy Catron, The Kettenring Family in America, 1619 N. 19th St., Springfield, IL, 1956. (Reprinted by Unigraphic, Inc., Evansville, IN)