| OLDEST CITIZEN CELEBRATES Stephen Russell Observed Ninetieth Birthday Saturday Stephen W. Russell, for many years a resident of Webster, and the oldest man in town, observed his 90th birthday Saturday, spending the day quietly at his home on Church street. Mr. Russell was born on May 1, 1825, in Warwick R. I., the son of Job and Martha Simmons Russell. The first eight years of his life was spent in Rhode Island, after which the family lived for some years in Connecticut, but for the last 67 years Mr. Russell has lived in Massachusetts, and for 57 years in Webster. His first wife was Miss Ann Broden, who died in 1862. In 1866 he married Mrs. Alice Sargent who died in 1877, and shortly after he married Miss Ann J. Bartlett, who is still living. Two children by his first marriage are Mrs. Joseph Waite of Shrewsbury and Albert S. Russell of Seattle Wash. He also has two grandchildren, Miss Grace Russell and Frank Russell of Seattle. Mr. Russell was a machinist in the employ of the Slater Mills for 20 years and of the Stevens Linen Works for three years. July 28, 1862, he enlisted in the army, and was a soldier in Co. H, 15th Massachusetts regiment. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, where he was received a slight wound in the knee. On the second day of July, 1863, he helped to carry Gen. Ward from the Gettysburg battlefield, mortally wounded, and remained with him until he died. Mr. Russell has a photograph of Gen. Ward, presented him by Mrs. Ward, which he prizes very highly. In the battle of the Wilderness he was again wounded. He was honorably discharged July 28, 1864. Mr. Russell is in possession of the gold headed cane presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of the town, and he is also the holder of the cane presented by Post #61 G. A. R. to its oldest member. As far as can be learned Mr. Russell is the oldest living member of the 15th regiment. Although on account of failing sight he is unable to get about much, his health remains extremely good for one of his years. He rose at 4 o’clock on the morning of his birthday, and during the day entertained many callers who brought flowers and other gifts in honor of the day. |