Francis Russell

Francis Russell was born in Cabell County, West Virginia, on December 5, 1814.  His parents were John and Patience Russel, the former who died in 1817.  Francis Russel was married in this township, on February 28, 1836, to Lois Morrison, who was born in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, on November 12, 1817. 

Their children were: 

• Lorenzo D., born February 25, 1838, died in August 1870;
• Richard, September 28, 1839, died May __, 1863;
• Andrew, December 23, 1841, resides at Getaway; he was in the war of 1861, a lieutenant in Company H, 2nd Virginia Mounted Infantry; he enlisted in 1862 and served to the close of his term; he was in the engagements of Cross Keys, Slaughter Mountain, Kelley’s Ford, Bull Run, Cloyd Mountain, Droop Mountain, White Sulphur Springs, Allegheny Mountain, and others; he was promoted April 22, 1864.
• Emeline (Waldeck), March 25, 1844, resides at Getaway;
• Mary A. (Betts), September 28, 1846, resides at Getaway;
• James, October 3, 1849, resides in Sumner County, Kansas;
• Thomas, July 10, 1854, resides in Portsmouth, Ohio;
• Sarah (Tomlinson), on March 2, 1857, resides at Getaway. 

  The parents of Mrs. Russell were Richard Morrison, born in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in 1796, and died in 1876, and Mary (Brindley) Morrison, born in 1793 and died in 1853; they were married in 1814 and emigrated to Lawrence county in 1821, settling in Union township, about one mile up Symmes creek from Getaway; they remained at that place a short time when they moved to Getaway; from there they removed to Rome township, where his death occurred; her death took place in Getaway.  The post office at Getaway was named after Francis Russell, he was the first postmaster; it is still called Russell’s Place post office. 

Mr. Russell died on September 28, 1866; his wife still survives him and lives on the old homestead.  Mr. Russell was treasurer of Union township for many years and held the office at his death; he was also a trustee of Union township at different times; he was engaged in the milling business.  Address, Russell’s Place, Lawrence County, Ohio.