NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID
RG6287.AM: Henry Clay Russell, 1843-1902
Papers: 1866-1911
Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska
Size: 0.9 cu.ft.; 2 boxes
BACKGROUND NOTE
Born in Harrison County, Ohio, on November 26, 1843, Henry Clay Russell moved with his parents in 1853 to Washington County, Iowa. He enlisted in the 2nd Iowa Infantry in April of 1861. Russell was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh and again near Brown’s Ferry. He was mustered out in June of 1864 but continued in special service until 1867. Russell returned home and then went to Memphis, Tennessee. After a year, he returned to Iowa and studied law at Iowa City. In 1868 he married Amanda McCall at Crawfordsville, Iowa. Russell served as sergeant-at-arms in the Iowa legislature during the 1870 session, and was admitted to the bar in 1873.
Henry Russell moved to Nebraska in 1876 and settled at Schuyler in Colfax County. He was elected County Judge for Colfax County in 1877 and served two terms. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, serving in the House of Representatives from 1887 to 1889. He served as Commissioner of Public Lands and Buildings from 1894 to 1896. Russell was active in the Grand Army of the Republic, serving several years as commander of the Phil Sheridan Post at Schuyler. In 1887, he was elected Department Commander for the Department of Nebraska.
Henry Clay Russell was a prominent candidate for governor of Nebraska in the spring of 1902. Unfortunately, due to complications from his Civil War injuries, his health declined. Henry Clay Russell died on July 3rd, 1902. He was survived by his wife and three daughters. He was buried in the Schuyler Cemetery.
SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE
This collection consists of various papers relating to Henry Clay Russell’s life and political career. Materials include correspondence, speeches and other writings, newspaper clippings, etc., dating from 1866 to 1911.
Note: The collection is unprocessed. No additional information is available.
Acc. 2025.0068
INVENTORY
Boxes 1-2 (unprocessed)
Subject headings:
Colfax County (Neb.)
Grand Army of the Republic
Politicians
Politics and government
Russell, Amanda (Cowden) McCall, 1841-1918
Russell, Henry Clay, 1843-1902
Schuyler (Neb.)
TMM 06-30-2025
