Lee Maurice Russell was the fortieth Governor of Mississippi, from 1920 to 1924. He was born near Dallas, Lafayette County, Mississippi to William Eton and Louisa Jane (Mackey) Russell. He graduated from Toccopola College in 1897 with a B.S. degree and obtained a Ph.B. in the literary department of the University of Mississippi in 1901. Two years later he received a law degree and began the practice at the law firm of Falkner & Shands, later Falkner & Russell. As a lawyer he enjoyed a large general practice in the courts of the state of Mississippi. He entered politics as a Democrat and was a member of the Mississippi house of representatives from 1908-1912, the state senate from 1912-1916, and was lieutenant governor of the state from 1916-1920. He was elected governor in 1919. During his four year administration, he made more public improvements than any governor prior. He was largely responsible for progress made for the public school system and for the establishment of many trade schools. His leadership oversaw improvements in the department of public health and road work. After leaving the governorship, he engaged in the real estate business at Gulfport, Mississippi. He was a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World. He married Ethelmary Day in Missoula, Montana on June 28, 1905.
Lee Maurice Russell was the fortieth Governor of Mississippi, from 1920 to 1924. He was born near Dallas, Lafayette County, Mississippi to William Eton and Louisa Jane (Mackey) Russell. He graduated from Toccopola College in 1897 with a B.S. degree and obtained a Ph.B. in the literary department of the University of Mississippi in 1901. Two years later he received a law degree and began the practice at the law firm of Falkner & Shands, later Falkner & Russell. As a lawyer he enjoyed a large general practice in the courts of the state of Mississippi. He entered politics as a Democrat and was a member of the Mississippi house of representatives from 1908-1912, the state senate from 1912-1916, and was lieutenant governor of the state from 1916-1920. He was elected governor in 1919. During his four year administration, he made more public improvements than any governor prior. He was largely responsible for progress made for the public school system and for the establishment of many trade schools. His leadership oversaw improvements in the department of public health and road work. After leaving the governorship, he engaged in the real estate business at Gulfport, Mississippi. He was a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World. He married Ethelmary Day in Missoula, Montana on June 28, 1905.
Bio by: Gwen Langley Pittman 188378070
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