Hon. William Arthur Russell, long active in the politics of the county and state, died at his home at Crescent City early Monday, following a short illness. Though he had never been robust, his health for the past two years had been better than average and his friends were after him to re-enter politics and to make the race for the state senate in the coming primary. On Saturday, Feb 8th, he was taken suddenly ill with pneumonia, and from the outset his condition was regarded as most critical. After little more than a week's illness, death came Monday to close his long and useful life.
The deceased was born in Port Huron, Mich. in 1856, and was a son of the late Rev. John Russell, one of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Church in Michigan and one of the first advocates of the prohibition party. About forty-three years ago "Bill" Russell, as he was generally called by his friends, came to Florida, and for a number of years resided in Monticello and other places in West Florida, where he engaged in the insurance business. Later he moved to Putnam County, and bought a home at Crescent City. In 1883 he was married to Miss Charlotte T. Bates, who, with a son, Thomas B. Russell, survives him.
Mr. Russell many years ago edited a paper at Crescent City, and in 1902 became editor of the Palatka News, with which he was connected for about seventeen years, his partner being M. M. Vickers, highly esteemed resident of this city. In 1919 Mr. Russell disposed of his newspaper interests to G. M. Guerry, who changed the paper from a weekly to a daily, which still continues.
Ever since early manhood, Mr. Russell always evidenced a keen interest in politics, and upon coming to Putnam County he became active in the political life of this section. He was a serious worker in the old Democratic conventions, and ever remained a staunch advocate of the old convention system.
Editor Russell was elected a member of the house of representatives for the 1909 session, but in his race for re-election he was defeated. However, he was again elected to the house for the 1913 session. He was twice elected to the state senate, serving in the sessions of 1919, 1921, 1923 and 1925. Again offering for re-election he was defeated by Hon. W. F. Glynn, the present senator.
As a member of the newspaper fraternity, Editor Russell was recognized as a most able and fluent writer. As a member of the Florida legislature he was an aggressive fighter and a hard worker. Well versed in public affairs, and familiarily acquainted with the political leaders. he exerted a wide influence in the legislative halls. As evidence of the high esteem of his colleagues, he was made president pro tem of the senate.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the family residence; Rev. W. T. Cavell, of the Episcopal Church officiating. The interment was in the Crescent City cemetery.
As a mark of respect to the former legislator, all business houses and offices in Crescent City were closed during the hours of the funeral, as were also the offices of the county court house.
The pallbearers were: Messrs M. M. Vickers, J. A. Shelley, Sheriff P. M. Hagan of Palatka, and D. M. Gautier, Roy Pedgett and Roy Patience of Crescent City.
The profusion of flowers and the large concourse of friends at the funeral, bore evidence of the esteem in which the departed once was held by the entire county. (Palatka Times-Herald, 21 Feb 1930.)
The deceased was born in Port Huron, Mich. in 1856, and was a son of the late Rev. John Russell, one of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Church in Michigan and one of the first advocates of the prohibition party. About forty-three years ago "Bill" Russell, as he was generally called by his friends, came to Florida, and for a number of years resided in Monticello and other places in West Florida, where he engaged in the insurance business. Later he moved to Putnam County, and bought a home at Crescent City. In 1883 he was married to Miss Charlotte T. Bates, who, with a son, Thomas B. Russell, survives him.
Mr. Russell many years ago edited a paper at Crescent City, and in 1902 became editor of the Palatka News, with which he was connected for about seventeen years, his partner being M. M. Vickers, highly esteemed resident of this city. In 1919 Mr. Russell disposed of his newspaper interests to G. M. Guerry, who changed the paper from a weekly to a daily, which still continues.
Ever since early manhood, Mr. Russell always evidenced a keen interest in politics, and upon coming to Putnam County he became active in the political life of this section. He was a serious worker in the old Democratic conventions, and ever remained a staunch advocate of the old convention system.
Editor Russell was elected a member of the house of representatives for the 1909 session, but in his race for re-election he was defeated. However, he was again elected to the house for the 1913 session. He was twice elected to the state senate, serving in the sessions of 1919, 1921, 1923 and 1925. Again offering for re-election he was defeated by Hon. W. F. Glynn, the present senator.
As a member of the newspaper fraternity, Editor Russell was recognized as a most able and fluent writer. As a member of the Florida legislature he was an aggressive fighter and a hard worker. Well versed in public affairs, and familiarily acquainted with the political leaders. he exerted a wide influence in the legislative halls. As evidence of the high esteem of his colleagues, he was made president pro tem of the senate.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the family residence; Rev. W. T. Cavell, of the Episcopal Church officiating. The interment was in the Crescent City cemetery.
As a mark of respect to the former legislator, all business houses and offices in Crescent City were closed during the hours of the funeral, as were also the offices of the county court house.
The pallbearers were: Messrs M. M. Vickers, J. A. Shelley, Sheriff P. M. Hagan of Palatka, and D. M. Gautier, Roy Pedgett and Roy Patience of Crescent City.
The profusion of flowers and the large concourse of friends at the funeral, bore evidence of the esteem in which the departed once was held by the entire county. (Palatka Times-Herald, 21 Feb 1930.)
Hon. William Arthur Russell, long active in the politics of the county and state, died at his home at Crescent City early Monday, following a short illness. Though he had never been robust, his health for the past two years had been better than average and his friends were after him to re-enter politics and to make the race for the state senate in the coming primary. On Saturday, Feb 8th, he was taken suddenly ill with pneumonia, and from the outset his condition was regarded as most critical. After little more than a week's illness, death came Monday to close his long and useful life.
The deceased was born in Port Huron, Mich. in 1856, and was a son of the late Rev. John Russell, one of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Church in Michigan and one of the first advocates of the prohibition party. About forty-three years ago "Bill" Russell, as he was generally called by his friends, came to Florida, and for a number of years resided in Monticello and other places in West Florida, where he engaged in the insurance business. Later he moved to Putnam County, and bought a home at Crescent City. In 1883 he was married to Miss Charlotte T. Bates, who, with a son, Thomas B. Russell, survives him.
Mr. Russell many years ago edited a paper at Crescent City, and in 1902 became editor of the Palatka News, with which he was connected for about seventeen years, his partner being M. M. Vickers, highly esteemed resident of this city. In 1919 Mr. Russell disposed of his newspaper interests to G. M. Guerry, who changed the paper from a weekly to a daily, which still continues.
Ever since early manhood, Mr. Russell always evidenced a keen interest in politics, and upon coming to Putnam County he became active in the political life of this section. He was a serious worker in the old Democratic conventions, and ever remained a staunch advocate of the old convention system.
Editor Russell was elected a member of the house of representatives for the 1909 session, but in his race for re-election he was defeated. However, he was again elected to the house for the 1913 session. He was twice elected to the state senate, serving in the sessions of 1919, 1921, 1923 and 1925. Again offering for re-election he was defeated by Hon. W. F. Glynn, the present senator.
As a member of the newspaper fraternity, Editor Russell was recognized as a most able and fluent writer. As a member of the Florida legislature he was an aggressive fighter and a hard worker. Well versed in public affairs, and familiarily acquainted with the political leaders. he exerted a wide influence in the legislative halls. As evidence of the high esteem of his colleagues, he was made president pro tem of the senate.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the family residence; Rev. W. T. Cavell, of the Episcopal Church officiating. The interment was in the Crescent City cemetery.
As a mark of respect to the former legislator, all business houses and offices in Crescent City were closed during the hours of the funeral, as were also the offices of the county court house.
The pallbearers were: Messrs M. M. Vickers, J. A. Shelley, Sheriff P. M. Hagan of Palatka, and D. M. Gautier, Roy Pedgett and Roy Patience of Crescent City.
The profusion of flowers and the large concourse of friends at the funeral, bore evidence of the esteem in which the departed once was held by the entire county. (Palatka Times-Herald, 21 Feb 1930.)
The deceased was born in Port Huron, Mich. in 1856, and was a son of the late Rev. John Russell, one of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Church in Michigan and one of the first advocates of the prohibition party. About forty-three years ago "Bill" Russell, as he was generally called by his friends, came to Florida, and for a number of years resided in Monticello and other places in West Florida, where he engaged in the insurance business. Later he moved to Putnam County, and bought a home at Crescent City. In 1883 he was married to Miss Charlotte T. Bates, who, with a son, Thomas B. Russell, survives him.
Mr. Russell many years ago edited a paper at Crescent City, and in 1902 became editor of the Palatka News, with which he was connected for about seventeen years, his partner being M. M. Vickers, highly esteemed resident of this city. In 1919 Mr. Russell disposed of his newspaper interests to G. M. Guerry, who changed the paper from a weekly to a daily, which still continues.
Ever since early manhood, Mr. Russell always evidenced a keen interest in politics, and upon coming to Putnam County he became active in the political life of this section. He was a serious worker in the old Democratic conventions, and ever remained a staunch advocate of the old convention system.
Editor Russell was elected a member of the house of representatives for the 1909 session, but in his race for re-election he was defeated. However, he was again elected to the house for the 1913 session. He was twice elected to the state senate, serving in the sessions of 1919, 1921, 1923 and 1925. Again offering for re-election he was defeated by Hon. W. F. Glynn, the present senator.
As a member of the newspaper fraternity, Editor Russell was recognized as a most able and fluent writer. As a member of the Florida legislature he was an aggressive fighter and a hard worker. Well versed in public affairs, and familiarily acquainted with the political leaders. he exerted a wide influence in the legislative halls. As evidence of the high esteem of his colleagues, he was made president pro tem of the senate.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the family residence; Rev. W. T. Cavell, of the Episcopal Church officiating. The interment was in the Crescent City cemetery.
As a mark of respect to the former legislator, all business houses and offices in Crescent City were closed during the hours of the funeral, as were also the offices of the county court house.
The pallbearers were: Messrs M. M. Vickers, J. A. Shelley, Sheriff P. M. Hagan of Palatka, and D. M. Gautier, Roy Pedgett and Roy Patience of Crescent City.
The profusion of flowers and the large concourse of friends at the funeral, bore evidence of the esteem in which the departed once was held by the entire county. (Palatka Times-Herald, 21 Feb 1930.)
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