Biography of Addison W. Russell, Napoleon Township, Jackson, County, Michigan

Copyright © 1998 by Sandy Phillips. This copy contributed for use in 
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   Addison W. Russell  the son of Addison and Harriet E. [McMaster] Russell of
Napoleon Twp., Jackson Co., was orphaned when just a week ago.  The orphaned
child, whose natal day was December 23, 1843, was taken to the home of his
paternal grandfather, Tartullus Russell, and lived there until four years old.
He then became a part of the household of his aunt, Mrs. Heaton Phillips, in
Napoleon Twp., and during the next few years attended the common school.  When
about ten years old he began to work his own way, still living in Jackson
County two years, after which he work in Michigan and Illinois for varying
periods, returning to this state just as the war broke out.  He enlisted at
Jackson on September 6, 1861 as a private in Co. C. of the 9th regiment of
Michigan Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland under the
command of Gen. Thomas, serving until Sept. 15, 1865.  For some time the
regiment was bodyguard to their commander. At Murfeesboro Mr. Russell was
captured by the forces of Forrest and Morgan and after having been marched
forty-two miles was paroled and returned to Camp Chase.  Thence he came home,
reporting  to Gov. Blair and after being in the North six-weeks rejoined the
forces at Camp Chase and again went into service.  He took part in all the
battles between Stone River and Chickamauga and went on to Atlanta, after
which he fought in the engagements of the return march, including Spring Hill,
Franklin, and Nashville.  He had veteranized in the winter of 1863-64 and was
finally discharged in September 1865.  His weight was at times reducted to a
hundred pounds.  On three occassions he was hit was a bullet, once in the
breast when his life was saved by the ball stricking a Testament that was in
his posket, once on the head, and again by a spent ball on the left thigh
while he was helping a wounded comrade.
   In Napoleon Twp. Jackson Co., February 24, 1868, Mr. Russell and Miss Nancy
Gurnsey became husband and wife.  The bride was born in Franklin, Washtenaw
Co., Mr. and Mrs. Russell had seven children; Curtis G., Lewis I., Hannah L.,
Gracie A., Wesley J., Addison S., and Harriet E.  Mr Russell served as School
Director and Senior Vice-Commander of the Grand Army Post of Assyria.  He
belonged to the Farmers Alliance and was a Republican in politics.  Hhhe was
an intelligent and honorable man, and there was no other reason, his neighbors
would respect him for his valorous conduct in the army. 
Addison Wesley Russell died Aug. 28, 1908 in Battle Creek.  His wife, Nancy
Russell died Mar. 18, 1917.  His aunt Rachel Phillips who raised him was my
husbands g grandmother.  

The source was the
Barry & Eaton Biographical Sketch-1891 I found that Willard Library.
   Addison was raised by my husband's g grandmother and he and several of his
children and decendants lived in the Assyria area for many years.  
   Rachel Phillips-Elliott resetted in Asssyria when she was widowed and lived
next to Addison and is buried at Assyria Cemetery where most of the Russell's
and Phillips' family is buried.


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