Russell was born September 22, 1827, in
Concord Township, Champaign County, Ohio, to John and Mary Russell, farmers who were originally from
Virginia. He taught school and saved his money to enroll in
Ohio Wesleyan University in 1849, from which he graduated. He returned home to marry Margaret M. Russell, (no relation). In 1854, Russell was elected clerk of courts in his county. He served three terms for a total of nine years. He was then appointed to
Smith's staff, and then appointed by
Rutherford B. Hayes as
Ohio Secretary of State. After his term expired, Russell returned to
Urbana and worked in the office of the Collector of Internal Revenue. Russell was nominated and elected to the
Ohio State Senate in the fall of 1869, but was struck down by stroke and died December 16, 1869, before he could take his seat. Governor Hayes spoke at his funeral in Urbana. Russell joined the
Methodist Episcopal Church at a young age. ==Notes==