Allen Russell

As printed in 1892

ALLEN RUSSELL, of the firm of Russell & Co., at Massillon, was born in Sutton, Caledonia County, Vt., May 7, 1833. He is the son of Cyrus and Louisa (Stratton) Russell, of whom further mention is made in the sketch of Joseph K. Russell, presented elsewhere in this volume. From his childhood days, it was apparent that this son, the youngest of eleven children in the parental family, possessed the same sturdy enterprise and progressive spirit which characterized his older brothers.

The boyhood of Mr. Russell was varied by few incidents of special importance, and he was employed in the usual manner of farmer lads in quiet county homes. As soon as he was large enough to reach the plow, he commenced to aid in tilling the soil, and his life thereafter was a busy one, with few of the pleasures which the boys of the present generation enjoy, and few of the advantages now within the reach of the poorest child. His father going to Connecticut in 1862, he assumed entire charge of the farm, of which he had for many years before had the supervision. He purchased the old homestead, adding to its acreage until it consisted of one hundred and fifty acres, and was conceded to be one of the most progressive young agriculturists of the State. The first mower ever used in Caledonia County was shipped there in ISGl from IMassillon, and was one of the first manufactured by Russell Bros., at that place. It was purchased by our subject and was regarded with great interest and curiosity by his neighbors. In addition to general farming, he was engaged extensively- in dealing in stock, in which he met with success.

In the spring of 1865, Mr. Russell sold the farm and came West to Massillon, where he entered the employ of his brothers, and was engaged in overseeing the shipment of repairs. In 1870, he became a member of the firm of Russell Sc Company, to which he still belongs. Three years after becoming a partner, he removed to Indianapolis.and there took charge of the branch house of Russell & Company. His home in that city was on Delaware Street, opposite the residence of Benjamin Harrison, afterward President of the United States, with whom Mr. Russell enjoyed a personal acquaintance. Adjoining his residence was the home of Attorney-General Miller, one of the most prominent statesmen of the century.

Having charge of the business of the firm in Illinois and Indiana, Mr. Russell traveled extensively through these States until 1878, when the branch house in Indianapolis was incorporated by a stock company, and he became a Director and stockholder. He then went on the road, adjusting claims and looking after the interests of the firm as well as branch houses in other places. During that time, he traveled extensively over the United States, especially in the West, and became well known as the representative of the company.

In 1889, Mr. Russell removed to Chicago, where he owns and resides in an elegant residence at No. 1837 Michigan Avenue. He was first married in Sutton, Yt., in 18.54, to Miss Lorinda Chase, who was born in Campton, N. II., the daughter of Silas Chase, a blacksmith of that place. After her death, Mr. Russell was a second time married in Sutton, Yt., his wife being Miss Olive C. Cook, and the ceremony which united them was performed in 1858. Mrs. Russell was born in Campton, N. H., where her father, Jacob Cook, was a millwright. Two children have blessed the union: Harley A., who resides in Indianapolis and has charge of the branch house of Russell & Company; and Carrie, who married S. M. Burdette, Assistant Editor of the Chicago Herakl. In her religious preference, Mrs. Russell is a Presbiterian, and holds membership in a church of that denomin.ation in Chicago.

Inventive by nature, Mr. Russell has secured letters patent on several contrivances of value to manufacturers, the most Important of which is the automatic straw-stacker. Possessing an inquiring mind, he is ever on the alert to discover new methods of work, or improve upon the established order of things. The great success which has rewarded his efforts proves the possession of excellent judgment and unusual business talent, for, when he started out for himself, he had no moved capital, but was dependent upon his unaided exertions. His fortune has been acquired by his own industry, integrity and energy, and he is trying to bear his part of that responsibility which falls in great or small degree to every American citizen. His political opinions and thorough belief in Protection bring him into hearty s'pathy with the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. His public spirit has been shown on more than one occasion, and in more than one direction, and he has the highest respect of the business men of Chicago and other cities.

As printed in Portrait biographical record of Stark county, Ohio. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unit (1892). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.