C. T. Russell Announcement of death

Maria Francis Ackley

Here is an excerpt from the July 15, 1906 Zion’s Watch Tower, in which CTR provides details not only about his marriage to Maria, but he also fills in some details about his preaching activities and business interests in 1878.

EXCERPT

THIRTEEN BLISSFUL YEARS

From 1871-1879, while engaged in mercantile business, I was also engaged in promulgating “Present Truth.” My earliest efforts were in connection with Bible Classes in Pittsburgh and Allegheny. Later I published a paper in New York State, to whose columns others as well as myself were contributors. During 1877 and 1878 I travelled extensively throughout New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia and Kentucky, leaving my several stores in the hands of trusted representatives, visiting them for supervision occasionally.

In 1878 my associate who had been attending to the paper fell from faith in the redemptive work of Christ, which led to a controversy in the columns of the paper, he denying the ransom and I affirming it, until it became evident that a paper divided against itself could not stand. My associate seized and appropriated to himself the office outfit, type, etc., which I had paid for. This led me to project our present journal, ZION’S WATCH TOWER AND HERALD OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE, as a defense of the great foundation doctrine of the Ransom and in general promulgation of the “meat in due season.” The starting of the paper was delayed until July, 1879, and this left me for several months continuously at Allegheny, where, in addition to the usual meetings, I conducted several series of meetings in the interest of the public in this vicinity.

Considerable numbers were brought in contact with the Truth at this time. Amongst others was a Maria Frances Ackley, who became my wife within three months of her first attendance at these meetings, which was the beginning of our acquaintance. The Truth seemingly appealed to her heart, and she assured me it was what she had been seeking for many years –the solution of perplexities of long standing. For thirteen years she was a most devoted and loyal wife in every sense of the word.

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Maria Frances Russell’s (1850-193 obituary in the St. Petersburg Times, Tuesday March 15, 1938 states, “MRS. MARIA F. RUSSELL Funeral services for Mrs. Maria F. Russell, well-known religious worker who died Saturday night, will be held this morning at 10:30 o’clock at the John S. Rhodes funeral chapel with the Rev. E.R. Barnard officiating. Burial will be in Royal Palm Cemetery.” Upon researching the name “E.R. Barnard” at the St. Petersburg library it was also discovered that he was the Pastor of the “West Central Presb. Church, 2627 1st ave. N. Also discovered was the home in which Maria Russell lived, 516 14th ave. N. She did, in fact, live with her niece Mabel Packard (deceased 1961 or 1962) who kept the same residence till her death and evidently had no children or other relatives known in the area. Also sharing the home residence was Mabel’s husband Richard Packard (deceased in 1950’s) and Emma Russell (1855 - 1929) who was Maria’s fleshly sister and the widow of Joseph L. Russell, C.T. Russells father. The four are buried on a “family” plot at the cemetery mentioned in the obit. The plot was purchased in 1923 by Maria and Emma indicating that they made their way to the St. Peterburg area in, at least, the early 1920’s. A May 1888 Watchtower prints a letter from C.T. Russells father Joseph from “Manitee Co., Fla” which is the St. Petersburg area. Emma Russell, J.L. Russell’s wife, would then naturally have been familiar with this very beautiful Florida area. The home at 516 14th ave. N. does presently value between 500-600,000 dollars and is less than 2000 sq. feet. It is in a beautifully maintained historic area in St. Pete literally within direct sight from the bay area. I hope this information is helpful.