WI BIO - Winnebago Co - RUSSELL, F. T. & J. B.

History of Northern Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, vol II, pp 
1177-1178

Biography of J. B. RUSSELL - p 1177 (father of F. T.)

J. B. RUSSELL, proprietor of the Russell House [Neenah, Winnebago County, 
Wisconsin], was born 12 August 1822 in Ogdensburg [St. Lawrence County], New 
York, and in May 1851 came to Vinland, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, where he 
was engaged in farming for seventeen years. He then removed to Neenah and 
engaged in mercantile business, which he continued for three years, and for 
two years of that time he also kept an hotel and carried on a livery 
business. Afterward he farmed for two years. In 1875 he built the Russell 
House, which he has since successfully conducted. The hotel is commodious, 
elegant, and admirably kept. While a resident of Vinland J. B. RUSSELL was 
Superintendent of Schools. Since coming to Neenah he has been Alderman and 
Superintendent of the City Schools.

Biography of F. T. RUSSELL - pp 1177-1178 (son of J. B.)

F. T. RUSSELL, superintendent of Patten's Paper Mill, was born 19 August 1847 
in St. Lawrence County, New York. He came West to Wisconsin with his father, 
J. B. RUSSELL, in May 1851, and was reared on a farm in the town of Vinland 
[just north of Oshkosh], Winnebago County [Wisconsin]. F. T. RUSSELL was for 
two years a student at Jefferson Institute, and then engaged in the hotel 
business in Neenah [just north of Vinland], which he followed for about one 
year. After this for two winters he taught school, and spent one summer in 
railroading. Then for a time he was engaged in the [p 1178] Goat Harbor [?] 
improvement. After one summer spent in Chicago he returned to Neenah and 
taught school for five winters, and during the summer engaged in other 
employment. In 1875 he engaged with Mr. A. W. PATTEN as bookkeeper, and 
continued in the office four years, at the same time having charge of the 
paper and stock. He was appointed to his present position [superintendent] 
in 1879.

In November 1868 in Vinland, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, he [F. T. RUSSELL] 
was married to Miss Eletta BROWN, who was born in Vinland. They [F. T. and 
Eletta (BROWN) RUSSELL] have three children: John A., Hugh E., and Lucy J. 
Mr. RUSSELL is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, the K. of H., 
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. F. T. RUSSELL enlisted in August 
1861, served about one year in Company B, First Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, 
and was mustered out in July 1865.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly