George W. Russell (1841-1906)
Class of 2026 – Veteran
George W. Russell, who also went by the name George Williams, was born into slavery near Fulton, Callaway County, Missouri about 1841. He did not know the month or day of his birth, and so he chose Lincoln’s birthday as his own.
During the Civil War, he went south with his master Robert Rankin Russell, the latter serving as a Confederate officer. During the battle of Vicksburg in 1863, Russell was picked up between the lines by Union soldiers. He was captured by Harding A. “Hard” Buckman of Company A of the 32nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). Buckman, as well as many other soldiers in this unit, had direct ties to Alliance, Ohio. Russell was then sworn into service and officially joined Company A of the 32nd OVI. He was an “Under-Cook,” responsible for officers’ meals, a position authorized by the Enrollment Act of March 3, 1863. This act provided a way for African Americans to legitimately serve in Union military units apart from the United States Colored Troops. Duties of Under-Cooks included cooking and distributing rations. They also sometimes served as nurses or stretcher-bearers on the battlefield.
After the war, Russell was brought back to Alliance by Mr. Buckman and a Mr. James Gilmore Hogue. In Alliance he was first employed by Linus Ely, and then by John C. “Jack” Sutton. He worked at a number of jobs over his years in Alliance, but he took most pride in being the trusted custodian of a number of local banks. Russell was honest and loyal and grateful to be in Alliance, delivered from slavery.
George Russell was a proud member of the Fremont Post of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). He served as the flag bearer during parades and ceremonies, and also as the post’s chaplain.
Russell enjoyed playing croquet and taught the game to many local children. He also was well known as a caterer for local events.
George Russell married Annie Thompson in 1874. Annie was a former slave who was born in 1850 and who worked in a hotel in nearby Salem, Ohio. George and Annie were beloved members of the First Presbyterian Church. George was the custodian of the old church on Prospect Street for many years. When he died in 1906, many business offices in Alliance closed in honor of him.