The San Francisco call., 1905-03-20

Henry B. Russ, a pioneer of this
State, and one of the foremost citi-
zens of this city, died early yesterday
morning at the German Hospital OF
appendicitis. He leaves a widow. Anna
Russ. and several sons and daughters
Mrs. John L. Hoffman and Mrs. George
Habenicht. Henry S., Edward F..
Lunde B. and Inyo A. Russ.
Henry B. Russ was best known
through his connections with the
Olympic Club, being one of the found
ers of the institution in 1862. and he
had been linked with the organiza-
ton ever since.
He filed offices from the president
down, and had for more than thirty
years faithfully performed the duties
of treasurer for the club. Being born
athlete, his efforts were always for the
betterment of the physique of the ris-
ing generation.
Russ was born at Mount Hope, New
York, September 25, 1910. He was the
youngest son of the honorable old pion-
eer, /. c. Christian Russ. He came tc
the Golden State with his father In
1S47 Henry Russ was one of the frs,
boys to attend the public schools of this
James Denman and other famous edu-
Gators.
At the age of Is he engaged in the
mercantile business, and through his
energy and adaptability ne met with
much success In 1866 he married Miss
Hammersmith, native of Indiana
Later he engaged in partnership with
his wife's brother, j. E. Hammersmith
at the Russ House, dealing in fancy
goods, toys. notions, etc.
The Republican party nominated hin
for Supervisor of the Tenth Ward IL
1881, and he was elected to Office. Thi.
was the only public office he ever held
though he was sought again by the
Republican party to accept the nomi
nation for Auditor, but he refused 1t
his principal object being that he de-
sired to devote his attention to aiding
the Olympic Club.
In 1868 he made an extensive toul
of Europe. On his return he devoted
his attention to the administration O
the Russ estate, which included tn,
Russ House on Montgomery street.
In 1875 his first wife died in Los An
geles and in 1879 he married Miss Ann;
Sievers, who survives him.
He lived with his family at IA Colum
bia Square. He was a member of man,
lodges and was always held in tn,
highest tSleeIu ny lHOSe VINO knew MIN
The funeral will take place Tuesda,
afternoon at 1:30 from the Masoni,
Temple. The interment will be held a
Cypress Lawn Cemetery.
The following was issued by William
Greer Harrison, president Of the Olym
pic Club:
IN MEMORIAM
Henry 3. Russ has answered the last cal
and sleeps with his fathers No man In thi
community has better stood the test of tim
as applied to character than Henry b. Russ
For some forty-four years he has been in tn
/ eyes of the public: each succeeding year ha
been a testimony to his high character. hi
integrity and his sense OF honor. For owe
forty years he has been associated with tn
Olympic Club filling all the posts OF homo
connected with that institution: as president
as secretary and treasurer he won and he'll
the affection and esteem of the entire club
He was familiariy and lovingly known in tn
club the watch dog OF the treasury
title in which he took especial delight.
His domestic relations delightful an
TO all the entertainments in the club wher
ladies were admitted he invariably brought hi
family. His devotion to the club and its bes
interests was such to be rarely found In tn
person Of any officer of any club. He love
the club and the club loved him. His vacan
chair at the board will not be filled for man
a long day and we who knew him best an
quite understood him will never cease unit
we are like him called to mourn his absence
WILLIAM GREER HARRISON.