Person:Russel Saunders (2)

Census: 1860 Milton, Rock Co., Wisconsin Census: 1870 Milton, Rock Co., Wisconsin Census: 1880 Milton, Rock Co., Wisconsin Census: 1900 Milton, Rock Co., Wisconsin Census: 1910 Milton, Rock Co., Wisconsin Census: 2 Feb 1920 Milton, Rock Co., Wisconsin

Cause of death: Chronic nephritis, chronic bronchial asthma

Russel was born on a farm on the SW corner of section 23, Milton Township, less than a mile north of Milton, Rock Co.,Wisconsin in 1860. He married Mary B. Gallup in 1886 and had just one child, Alban Francis, in 1898. Russel's father Gardner passed away in 1895. Russel and his family apparently stayed on his father's farm in Section 23 until it was sold in 1909 when his mother passed away (Oct 1909). At that time the family moved closer to Milton to a farm on the south edge of town, in Section 34 (northeast quarter). Two months after his mother died, his wife Mary died (Dec 1909). Russel later (Oct 1913) married Elizabeth Jackson and continued living on the farm.

According to a Milton Township plat map 1912-1925 Russell also owned a 119 acre farm on the SE corner of section 22, just west across the road from his father's former farm and cider mill.The cider mill location was then owned by Calvin Crandall. The farm in section 22 also extended south across the section line and included another 15.5 acres on the NE corner of section 27.

Apparently Mary Gallup had a son, LeRoy Freemont, from an earlier marriage, who was later adopted by Russel.

Nov 16, 1926 Probate records show monies paid to: Charles Gallup, Charlie Heritage, Harriet Heydon (Niece), LeRoy F. Saunders (Rochelle, Illinois), Alban F. Saunders (Minneapolis).

Mary Gallup had a nephew named Charles Floyd Gallup, perhaps that is he. Charlie Heritage is Russel's brother-in-law - Mary Saunders' husband. Harriet Heydon must be Emma (Gallup) Heydon's daughter.

"Janesville Gazette", Oct 15, 1926 Milton -- R. A. Saunders, 66, died in his home here shortly before midnight, Thursday. He was born on a farm six miles north of Milton, Jan. 22, 1860. In 1909, he moved to the village. Mr. Saunders married Miss Mary Gallup of Harmony, and she died Dec. 31, 1909. In 1913, he married Miss Elizabeth Jackson. Besides his widow, he leaves a son, Alban, of Minneapolis, an adopted son, Roy, of Pana, Ill., and a sister, Mrs. Alvina Clark, of Pendleton, Ore. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p. m., in the home, with the Rev. Anton Hatlestad officiating. Burial will be in Milton Cemetery. Mr. Saunders was well known as a musician, and played in bandsand orchastras in many parts of the state.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 The Journal - Telephone
   October 21, 1926.

   Russell Henry Saunders, a lifelong resident of Milton, died at his home Thursday, Oct., 14, at 11:30 p. m. after a long illness. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2 p. m. at the home by the Rev. Anton Hatlestad, assisted by the Rev. M. A. Drew. The music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Archie Templeton of Lima. Interment was in Milton cemetery, the Rev. T. W. North of Edgerton assisting in the rights at the grave. Pallbearers, members of the Milton band, in uniform, were: George O. Sayre, George R. Boss, Ross Coon, and J. A. Hughes.
   Russell Henry Saunders was born Jan. 22, 1860, six miles north of Milton, the son of Gardner and Sarah Crosby Saunders. He attended the Milton Schools and Milton College. On Nov. 24, 1886, he was married to Miss Mary Gallup, who died Dec. 31, 1909. One son, Alban, was born to them. On Oct. 16, 1913, Mr. Saunders was married to Miss Elizabeth Jackson, who survives him together with his son Alban of Minneapolis; one adopted son Leroy, of Chana, Ill., and one sister, Mrs. Alvina Clark. One brother Charles, with whom he was closely associated in musical activities, died in young manhood.
   As a musician, Mr. Saunders left a deep imprint on the village and community. He started innumerable children on the way to a knowledge and appreciation of music by training them in the use of band and orchestra instruments. He was a member of the Bower City band of Janesville in its early days; a member of John Smith's orchestra and other well known organizations of Janesville and southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, serving at one time in a Chicago band. He had been a member of the Milton Fireman's band for years.
   Mr. Saunders love for his home was one of his outstanding traits. Reluctant to leave his fireside for a milder winter climate, as a health measure, he chose to remain among his neighbors. His patience through seasons of suffering left an indelible impress on those about him and his thoughtfulness for those attending him in his last illness was characteristic of his life.
   Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Will Jackson, Rockwell, Ia., Alban Saunders of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Saunders of Chana, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson of Evansville, Miss Harriet Heydon of Beloit, Miss Ellen Jackson and John Naatz of Janesville, Mr. and Mrs. N. Talcott of Fort Atkinson and Rev. and Mrs. T. W. North of Edgerton.