Origins of the Russells

Beginnings
The Russell family of East Carroll Parish, LA began with Ruben Russell and his wife, Fannie (Morgan) Russell.  Ruben Russell married Fannie on March 13, 1867 in (East) Carroll Parish, LA. They were probably former slaves and Reuben put up $250 to marry Fannie. This is equivalent to paying $3,665.31 in the year 2007. Ellis Butler was listed as security and may have been a relative or a close friend.  They were also found on the 1870 US Census in Carroll Parish, LA.

Reuben Russell was was born between 1810-1812 in Missouri or Kentucky and died before  1900. The birthplace for his parents is unknown. He was widowed by 1880, could not read or write and was a farmer.

Fannie (Morgan) Russell was Jerry’s mother and was born 1825 in Kentucky and died before 1880. She also could not  read or write and was on the 1870 Census with her husband Reuben and son Jerry.  It appears as though  Jerry was the only son of Ruben and Fannie.

In 1870, Jerry, and his parents Reuben and Fannie were living on Hoods Plantation in (East) Carroll Parish. This has been confirmed as Home Place Plantation which is where the Louisiana State Cotton Museum is.


More About Jerry Russell
Jerry married Angeline Van Dyke on April 9, 1871 in East Carroll Parish, LA.  Jerry and Ann were farm laborers, both born in LA, in 1852 and 1851, respectively. Jerry could not read or write, while Ann  could read but could not write. They were married on April 9, 1871 in East Carroll Parish, LA.

Jerry and Ann's children, as of the 1880 Census were:

1. Isaac, born 1872 in Louisiana , male, in school during 1879-1880, died August 27, 1925 in East Carroll Parish, died unknown; married: Florence Williams on July 14, 1892 in East Carroll Parish, LA; also married Susie Morris

2. Shelly, born 1873 in Louisiana, male, died unknown

3. William, born in 1875 in Louisiana , male; died August 9, 1926 in East Carroll Parish, married Alice (Elliot) Hawkins on May 19, 1900 in East Carroll Parish, LA (she died before he did)

4. Sarah, born in 1877 in Louisiana, female, died unknown

5. Charles Edward, born December 1879, Louisiana , male, died June 1957 in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA

More About Angeline/Ann (Van Dyke) Russell’s Parents, Home Life, and Possible Slavery Ties
Viney Van Dyke was the mother of Angeline/Ann (Van Dyke) Russell. She was born in 1815 in Kentucky and died before 1900, Both of her parents were born in Kentucky as well. She was widowed by 1880 and her occupation was listed as "Dependent" but she could read and write. Viney may have been a nickname for Lavenia or Lavania.

In 1870, Angeline, her mother Viney, and sister Manda were living on Oakland Plantation in (East) Carroll Parish. Oakland Plantation is also near Hood Lane Road. Manda was born in 1862 in Louisiana .

More About Charles Edward Russell
Charles Edward Russell married Nancy Ruth Marshall on January 22, 1903 in East Carroll Parish, LA.  Nancy was the daughter of Clora (Evans) Atlas and the stepdaughter of King Atlas, Sr.  For a tree of their children and descendants, please click here.