Brig Osceola
Sacramento Bee, August 23, 1898
Another Pioneer Passes Away
Francis Hanford Russel, one of the most prominent pioneers of Sacramento, died at his home on H Street in this city yesterday.
Mr. Russel was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1825, the youngest of eleven children, five of whom were boys.
His early boyhood was spent in a country store of his native state. Arriving at the age of 21, he left the home of childhood, and in company with some young men of his acquaintance, among them were Sam Crist and Henry Good, came to California (on the brig Osceola).
Being successful in his mining venture, he returned to the east in 1854, and coming back again in 1860, brought with him a wife, who was the daughter of George Danner, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Upon his return, he became identified in the drug business under a partnership and firm name of Russel and Kirk.
In 1863, he disposed of his interest in the drug concern and went to Nevada where he engaged in mining. Later on he returned to Yuba County and became County reasurer.
Subsequently he took up his final residence in Sacramento, and in 1885 was elected to the office of Public Administrator.
At the time of his death, Mr. Russel was engaged in farming in Yuba County.
During his lifetime he took a very active part in the affairs of the local Society of California Pioneers, and many of his leisure moments were spent in and around the Society's building on Seventh Street.
Mr. Russel has been a familiar figure on the streets of Sacramento for many years, and the friends and acquaintances who will mourn his loss are many. The children of Mr. Russel are Mrs. J.D. Griffith and Mrs. J.Y. Williams, Mary J. and Ben U. Russel, all of the city.
Provided by John Russel Wheat, September 29, 1999