Legislator Details

Image of Orlando Dennis Russell
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com, 9/23/2025

Orlando Dennis Russell
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 70

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 3/15/1840
City: Nottawa Township, MI
County: Saint Joseph County, MI
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 8/25/1935
City: Sturgis, MI
County: Saint Joseph County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 7/31/1935
City: Sturgis, MI
County: Saint Joseph County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Oak Lawn Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Louisa Schoch, dau. of Samuel Schoch, 1/28/1864; children: 2, Dorian M. and 1 other died in infancy

Number of Children: 2

Background

Religion:
Military Service: United States Army
Occupation: farmer, produce buyer, businessman
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
Sturgis schools; attended Michigan Agricultural College [later Michigan State University] for 2 years

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Joseph and Lucinda (Knox) Russell. In 1861, he joined Company G, First Michigan Infantry, and went to Washington. His first battle was that of Bull Run, and owing to illness he was brought back to Washington and was never afterward able to rejoin his regiment. He moved to Sturgis, MI, around 1888. He sold agricultural implements there until 1896 when he began selling farm produce. He served as councilman 2 terms and supervisor 8 terms. Member of the Grand Army of the Republic [GAR} and the commander of his post at Sturgis. After returning home, he moved to Nottawa Township and farmed for a time before returning to Sturgis.

Notable Facts:

Sessions Served:

Forty-Sixth Legislature, 1911-1912
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Drainage , Industrial Home for Girls , Michigan Asylum for Insane
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Sturgis
County of Residence Saint Joseph
District: St. Joseph
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/8/1910
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1911
Date Left Office: 12/31/1912

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Widow/Widower
Notes:

Bibliography:

Manual 1911 p.789; Michiganology; USCen 1880; Cutler 2:805-06
View Bibliographical Sources