Benjamin E. Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin E. Russell
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Gray Turner |
| Succeeded by | James M. Griggs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 5, 1845 Monticello, Florida |
| Died | December 4, 1909 (aged 64) Bainbridge, Georgia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Occupation | businessman, editor |
Benjamin Edward Russell (October 5, 1845 – December 4, 1909) was an important politician from Georgia. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he was a member of the United States Congress. He was also the cousin of another notable figure, Rienzi Melville Johnston.
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Benjamin Russell: A Life of Service
Benjamin Edward Russell was born in Monticello, Florida, on October 5, 1845. When he was about nine years old, in 1854, his family moved to Decatur County, Georgia. He went to local schools as he grew up.
Early Life and War Service
When the Civil War began, Benjamin Russell was still very young. He joined the Confederate States Army, first as a drummer boy in the First Georgia Regiment. A drummer boy helped keep time for soldiers marching and gave signals during battles.
After that regiment was no longer active, he quickly joined the Eighth Florida Regiment. He served with this group for the last three years of the war. By the end of his service, he had earned the rank of first lieutenant.
A Career in Politics and Publishing
After the Civil War ended, Benjamin Russell started a new path. He went into the printing business. He became the editor of a local newspaper called the Bainbridge Democrat, which was published in Bainbridge, Georgia.
Russell was also very involved in politics:
- In 1877, he was chosen as a delegate to the State constitutional convention. This was a meeting to help write or change the state's constitution.
- He also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1880. This is where the Democratic Party chooses its candidate for president.
- From 1881 to 1882, he was the mayor of Bainbridge.
- He was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives in 1882 and 1883. This meant he helped make laws for the state of Georgia.
- From 1885 to 1890, he worked as the postmaster of Bainbridge. This job involved managing the local post office.
Serving in Congress
Benjamin Russell was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the Fifty-third and Fifty-fourth Congresses. He served as a U.S. Representative from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1897. During this time, he helped represent the people of Georgia in the national government.
He decided not to run for re-election in 1896. After his time in Congress, he went back to publishing the Bainbridge Democrat newspaper.
Benjamin Edward Russell passed away in Bainbridge, Georgia, on December 4, 1909. He was buried in Oak City Cemetery.
