NOTE

This small collection consists of material by an Andover Russell family that Charlotte Helen Abbott, the great Andover genealogist was unable to link with the large Russell family. John G. Russell, b. 1800, son of John G. Russell Jr. and his wife Diana was working as a shoemaker in Bradford in 1820, when he began an account book. In 1836 he married Hannah Woodbury in Andover. She was presumably his second wife, as his son Augustine K. Russell, also a shoemaker, married Abigail Woodbury in 1845. George and Henry Russell were also sons of John G. Russell. Ella Russell was a niece of Augustine's. J.W. and Frank Russell were probably John G.'s nephews. There is also a letter in the collection from an unidentified nephew.

John G. Russell, judging from the scraps in this collection, was an interesting figure. He was at the same time an official of the West Parish Church and an ardent Spiritualist.

The material has been divided into ten parts, by family members. John G. began an account book in 1820 which was carried on by Augustine until 1868. This, with paper shoe patterns, which have been preserved, shine an interesting light on shoemaking activities in Andover in the nineteenth century. Also of interest is a letter by John G. describing Spiritualism in Andover. There are also a few letters written by John. G. to his son Henry in the Union Army, bills and receipts and a few printed items.

Processed by Mary F. Morgan, November 1982.