Never Married. Russell ran away at age 16 and shipped out on sailing vessel. He deserted at New York and joined the fur trade. In 1834, he joined Wyeth's second expedition. Russell helped build Ft. Hall and then spent the next eight years trapping and hunting from there. After Wyeth's venture failed he joined two expeditions as camp tender under Joseph Gale. After years of hunting he made up his mind to "go to the mouth of the Columbia and settle in the Willamette or Multnomah Valley". He joined Dr. White's company coming from the east. When helping to build a flour mill in June 1842 a rock said to weigh 60# struck him on the right side of the face, throwing him six feet backward. Bits of rock had penetrated his right eye, destroying it. Russell was referred to as a man who "always remained true to his principles; man of education, refined feelings and exceptional ability". He was on the executive committee to form the Provisional government and was named as one of original trustees of University at Forest Grove. In later years he returned to CA and spent many years near Placerville. In May 1884 he entered Eldorado County hospital with miner's rheumatism. He was buried in the hospital cemetery in unmarked grave.
Never Married. Russell ran away at age 16 and shipped out on sailing vessel. He deserted at New York and joined the fur trade. In 1834, he joined Wyeth's second expedition. Russell helped build Ft. Hall and then spent the next eight years trapping and hunting from there. After Wyeth's venture failed he joined two expeditions as camp tender under Joseph Gale. After years of hunting he made up his mind to "go to the mouth of the Columbia and settle in the Willamette or Multnomah Valley". He joined Dr. White's company coming from the east. When helping to build a flour mill in June 1842 a rock said to weigh 60# struck him on the right side of the face, throwing him six feet backward. Bits of rock had penetrated his right eye, destroying it. Russell was referred to as a man who "always remained true to his principles; man of education, refined feelings and exceptional ability". He was on the executive committee to form the Provisional government and was named as one of original trustees of University at Forest Grove. In later years he returned to CA and spent many years near Placerville. In May 1884 he entered Eldorado County hospital with miner's rheumatism. He was buried in the hospital cemetery in unmarked grave.
