Samuel R. Russel facts for kids
Samuel Rex Russel (born June 10, 1839 – died July 14, 1898) was an American soldier. He served in the American Civil War. He started as a Corporal and later became a Captain. He was part of the Pennsylvania Infantry regiments.
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Early Life of Samuel Russel
Samuel R. Russel was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. His parents were Andrew Russel and Susan Nice Rex. He went to public schools in Pottsville. Later, he attended a special academy in Burlington, New Jersey.
Samuel Russel in the Civil War
The Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Southern rebels fired on Fort Sumter. President Abraham Lincoln asked for 75,000 volunteers to join the army. They would serve for three months to help stop the rebellion.
At that time, Samuel Russel lived in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He was a volunteer fireman with the Good Intent Fire Company. On April 17, 1861, Samuel Russel and other groups answered Lincoln's call. These groups included:
- The Washington Artillerists of Pottsville
- The National Light Infantry of Pottsville
- The Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading
- The Logan Guards of Lewistown
- The Allen Infantry of Allentown
These five groups became known as the First Defenders. They were among the very first soldiers to protect the capital, Washington D.C. After 90 days, the men returned home. Samuel Russel was discharged on July 24, 1861.
Samuel Russel rejoined the U.S. Army on September 23, 1861. He became a second lieutenant in Company C of the 96th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was later promoted to Captain of Company H in the same regiment.
Making a Cannon
Samuel Russel and other soldiers were asked to find a cannon. When they could not find one, they decided to make their own. They melted brass and molded it into a cannon. Many of these soldiers were former firemen. Because of this, they named their group The Good Intent Light Artillery Company.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Samuel Russel tried investing in the oil business. He put money into the December Oil Company. Unfortunately, this investment did not go well. Samuel Russel lost a lot of his money.
After this, he worked for over ten years as a railroad mail agent. This job involved handling mail on trains. Later, he got a job with the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint makes coins for the country. Samuel Russel was still working there when he passed away.
Samuel Russel was married to Anna M. Doherty. They had six children together.
