The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-11-02
Mrs. ], b. Russell Ninety Years Old


The nintieth birthday of Mrs. Judith
Badger Russell was celebrated Friday
Oct. 9th. at the home of her daughter
and husband, Mr.. and Mrs. E. E.
Greenwood on Madison Avenue. The
day was passed very delightfully."-, Mrs.
Russell receiving large number OF
friends and neighbors, together with
many gifts, flowers and loving greet
ings from other states and telephone
birthday messages. All these extend
ed cordial good wishes for future
years of health and happiness. A
family dinner party was held in honor
of the birthday at the home OF her
daughter, where she is surrounded
with comfort and tenderly beloved.
Mrs. Russell's son and wife, Mr.. and
Mrs. Cony Russell of Norridgewock
were among the guests This aged
lady has one granddaughter Mrs.
Ruth Greenwood Smith, who with her
husband Charles French Smith re
sides at the Greenwood home and as
sisted in making Mrs. Russells nine
tieth natal day happy occasion.
Mrs. Russell was born in Hartiand,
Maine, October 81. 1892, the oldest OF
three daughters of Francis B. Long
ley and Deborah Blackwell When
she was but four years of age, her IA
Their was drowned. The family then
moved to Madison TO live. Her TWO
sisters died in early womanhood. Mrs.
Russell received her education in the
district schools and Bloomfield Acad-
emv. As was the custom in those
early days, she went to work in the
mill while still young girl, going 10
Newburyport, Mass. There were no
steam railroad trans nearer than Au-
gusta, so she had to travel by stage
TO the Capital city While in New
burvport she united with the Chris
tian church.
On November II, 1849. at the age
of II years, she married Warren Hus-
sell. a young farmer of Madison. Inc
ceremony was performed in Skowhe-
gan by Rev. John b. Weston, pastor
of the Christian church. They at
once began life on the farm on when
they lived their entire married lie
with the exception of the last two
wears of Mr.. Russell's life. The
farm is known as the Russell farm
about three miles above SkoWhegan
on the Russell road. Here were born
to them four children. The Oldest
sons died while small lads, within 8
DAYS of each other one from injuries
received from being kicked by horse
and the other from the then much
dreaded disease, diptheria, thus. leav-
ing the home desolate. About a
wear after the death of these child
rem. another son, Cony Russell, VINO
is a respected citizen OF Norridge-
wock was born, and two years later
little daughter, Eva Russell Green
wood came to gladden. the home.
On November II, 1899 Mr.. and Mrs
Russell observed their golden we'd
ding entertaining fifty relatives
neghbors and friends at dinner
The decorations of this delight
ful party were golden chrysan'
themums and the many witty sayings
and touching remarks are still remem'
bered by many who attended. inns
home was always open to hospitality
and many were cheered over difhcul.
ty and sadness by the generosity ano
good shirt which prevailed in this
household. Two years before the
death of Mr.. Russell, which occurred
July 20, 1902, they came to live VIII
their daughter and husband, Mr.. ano
Mrs. E. f. Greenwood In Skowhegan
For more than twelve years MIS-
Russell has been blind, notwithstand
ing this affliction she is exceedingly
bright and cheerful and very patient
Seldom referring to her affliction,, te
burden others unnecessarily. Al
her other faculties are preserved anc
she Is keenly interested in all events
of town, state and nation. Her mint
is alert and wonderfully stored witt
"reminiscences of many years and th'
great changes brought about In tht
American homes since she was Drlde
from the tallow candle for illumlha
ton. 10 the present day electric ligh
also the devices by which housekeep
ing Is made easier. The modes o.
travel from the springless two wheeiet
vehicle to the present day luxurious
limousine and the planes In the ar
The changes are many In relation
to clothing the family. she spun
wore and made the garments worn
by the family, also made rag carpets
braided and drew rugs in addition to
the regular family duties, tAgetner
with making butter for MARKET ana
raising chickens and turkeys. These
duties fell the lot of farmers wives
in those days.
EXCEPT for her sight, Mrs. Russell Is
I'm excellent health and very active
for one of her years. She is mem
her of the Sunshine Society. During
the war she did a great deal OF Knit
ting for the soldiers, and since, knits
many mittens for the Good viii boys
and girls and is happiest when she is
emnloyed in some philanthropic work