Robert B. Russell
Orange, Orange County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(April 1, 1817 - Nov. 29, 1880) Born in New Milford, Conn.; emigrated to San Augustine, Texas, 1835. Joined Texian Army and fought at San Jacinto. Married Lavinia Brownrigg, June 1, 1841; had 6 children. Published San Augustine "Redlander," 1846-50; moved to Sabine Pass, 1850, then Orange, 1854. Served as postmaster of Orange under Confederacy, 1861-65. Entered lumber business about 1870, with steam-operated shingle mill. Prospered until untimely death in mill accident. Recorded - 1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Robert B. Russell's life traces the arc of nineteenth-century Texas itself. A Connecticut-born young man, he came to San Augustine in 1835 and fought at San Jacinto, the 1836 battle that won Texas its independence, before turning to newspaper publishing on the frontier. He later settled in the raw lumber country around Orange, served as its postmaster during the Confederacy, and built a steam-powered shingle mill—only to die in a mill accident in 1880.
Why it matters
His story links the Texas Revolution to the East Texas lumber boom, showing how a single frontier settler could help build a republic and then an industry.
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Related people
- · Robert B. Russell
- · Lavinia Brownrigg
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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