California Genealogy and History Archives
Biographies
of
Sacramento County
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SAMUEL
WILSON RUSSELL From
the humble position of freight handler with attendant. duties taxing the
most sturdy physique to the important responsibilities of general
freight and passenger agent represents a rise indicative of the forceful
ability and stalwart determination that form the leading characteristics
of Mr. Russell, whose long association with the Northern Electric
Railway Company has brought him into prominent relations with the people
of Sacramento and at the same time has won for him the confidence of the
officials of the road. Nothing short of positive ability could have made
possible his advancement in railroad circles, and this ability has been
manifested in his tactful associations with the people who are patrons
of the road, as well as in his capable supervision of the company's
interests. Noting
the events of especial importance in the life of Mr. Russell, we find
that he was born at Bovina, Delaware county, N. Y., July 25, 1873, and
is a son of Andrew T. and Mary (McLaury) Russell. After he had completed
the studies of the public schools he was sent to Eastman's Business
college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he carried on a commercial course
for a year. On his return to the home farm near Bovina he assisted in
the care and cultivation of the same, but, not caring for agriculture as
a life occupation, he left home at eighteen and went to Oneonta, N. Y.,
where for two years he man- aged a depot restaurant. Later he acted as
clerk of the Central hotel in the same town. After two years as hotel
clerk he resigned and came to California, where he engaged in the tea
and coffee business, but this he sold at the expiration of sis months
and then left Los Angeles, his former place of business, for San
Francisco, where he secured employment as freight handler on the
Southern Pacific railroad. A service of six months was rewarded by
promotion to the local freight office, where he remained for four years,
meanwhile working in various capacities. Following upon a service of one
year as rate clerk in the general agent's office he was promoted to be
contracting freight agent, and continued as such until October of 1907,
when he resigned from the Southern Pacific employ and entered upon his
present connection with the Northern Electric Railway Company. In
addition, he is also general freight and passenger agent for the
Sacramento and Woodland railroad. While still a resident of the east Mr. Russell formed the acquaintance of Miss Annette Procter Smith, member of an old family of New York state and herself a cultured young lady of Oneonta, that state. They were united in marriage October 12, 1897. Their children are named Procter, Ormonde, Raymond and Helen. The sons are pupils in the Sacramento schools and are bright, intelligent lads, concerning whose future the parents cherish the fondest hopes. The only daughter is a winsome child two years of age. The family attend the Presbyterian church and contribute to missionary and philanthropic undertakings with generous spirit. Out of a busy life, whose days have been filled with responsibilities of a business nature, it has not been possible for Mr. Russell to contribute largely toward civic progress or political affairs, but he is stanch in his allegiance to the Re- publican party and in many ways has proved his devotion to the welfare of Sacramento. For years he has been identified with Masonry in the blue lodge. Among the other organizations which enlist his interest and receive his co-operation may be mentioned the Sutter club and the Woodmen of the World. |
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Source: Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011 |