Thomas Jefferson Russell (1851 - 1940)

Born 1 Feb 1851 in Williamson, Illinois

Ancestors

Died 12 Mar 1940 at age 89 in Carterville, Williamson, Illinois, United States

Biography

About 1872, Tom became enamored with Sarah Stocks. Unfortunately, so did John Bulliner. Jealousy built up between the two and when Sarah leaned toward John rather than Tom, the two young men declared each other enemies. So, when the tension built up between some families in the community, it was easy for Tom to pick sides.

On the 28th of March, 1874, Tom was arrested for the murder of David Bulliner and for the assault of his brother Monroe. The evening before, the brothers were ambushed by shooters hiding in the brush as they walked home from church. David died and Monroe was wounded.

As the trial wore on, the Russells, Sisneys, and Hendersons swore that they would break him out if he were convicted. Rumors flew that the Bulliners would assassinate Tom if he were freed. The Sheriff, worried about violence erupting, surrounded the courthouse with 25 armed men to protect all involved as the verdict was read. . . Not Guilty.

James Henderson ran over to Tom, handed him a pistol, then rushed him outside where horses were waiting and they hurriedly left the county. Although Jackson County had also served an arrest warrant to Tom for the murder of David Bulliner, he evaded the posse until the warrant was retracted.

Thomas married Eva Martin on 26 May 1895 at Franklin County, Illinois.

Others named in the "Vendetta": Marhall Crain, "Big Terry" Crain, "Big Jep" Crain, "Black Bill" Crain, Warrenton S. Crain, John Sisney, George Bulliner, Jr., David Bulliner, John Bulliner, Felix "Field" Henderson, James Henderson,

Sources

• *"History of Williamson County, Illinois"] Pg 114-233
• "United States Census, 1860"
• "United States Census, 1870"
• "Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1940"
• "United States Census, 1900"
• "United States Census, 1910"
• "United States Census, 1930"
• "Find A Grave"