Joseph Russell, Esq., a merchant of Sunapee, was born July 8, 1836, son of Jonathan and Phoebe (Hazelton) Russell. His father, Jonathan Russell, a native Manchester, N.H., born July 20, 1801, who was an industrious, hard-working man, spent the most of his life in New London, George’s Mills, and Springfield, N.H. For his first wife he married Hannah Johnson, who died November 8, 1825, in Chester, N.H. They had two children, both now deceased, namely: Robinson, born January 22, 1822; and John, born April 22, 1825. His second wife, in maidenhood Phœbe Hazelton, who was born September 20, 1800, in New London, had four children, as follows: William, born December 4, 1829; Oliver, born October 2, 1831; Jonathan, born October 13, 1833; and Joseph, the subject of this sketch. Of these children William is deceased; Oliver is at present living in Lawrence, Mass.; and Jonathan is in Lawrence, Kan. Afterward he successively married Sarah Hazelton and Anna M. Frothingham. He died March 8, 1884.
Joseph Russell received his early education in the schools of New London. When quite young he began to work on his father’s farm. At the age of twenty years he engaged in general farming on his own account, and was so occupied until 1829. Then he started in trade in Otterville, where he remained about seven years. Subsequently, after staying in Sunapee for a short time, he went back to New London, and engaged in lumbering and farming. In 1882 he again removed to Sunapec, and opened a general store, which he carried on until a short time ago, when he sold out. Now, besides following the business of auctioneer, he is a partner in the firm of Maxson & Co., who conduct a general store. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a Justice of the Peace and Quorum, and he has been Selectman, Supervisor, and Moderator.
In 1856 he married for his first wife Harriett Palmer, who died January 5, 1889. She left one child, Roena A. Russell, born December 24, 1861, who now lives in Dundee, Ill., and is the wife of S. M. Abbott. On February 26, 1890, he married Ella M. Emerson, who was born in Grantham, N.H., January 16, 1862, daughter of John and Mary Emerson. By this union there were two children: Floyd, who died at the age of one year; and Leighton J., born June 10, 1891. In religion Mr. Russell and Mrs. Russell are liberals. He has been quite successful in his business, being a hard worker and very industrious. He is a prominent man in the community, and has the respect of his fellowtownsmen.