Converted to EAD3 : Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Version 3 : Release: 1.1.1 : Release Date: 2019-12-16. Validating against latest version of schema.
Contact information: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/vhp.contact
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2017655244
Collection material in English.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
Arranged in two series: Manuscripts and Artifacts.
Accessioned, 2002.
Duplication of collection materials may be restricted.
Collection is open for research; access restrictions apply. To request collection materials, please contact the Veterans History Project at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/vhp.contact
Clyde Wilbur Russell Collection (AFC/2001/001/580), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Clyde Wilbur Russell was born on April 3, 1888, in Burdette, Missouri, to Ransom Floyd Russell and Mary Elizabeth Minerva Eleanor Jayne Russell. He had eight siblings: Claudia Agnes, Grover Cleveland, Roy Lee, Charlie Drue, Eunice, Dade, and Dell. His family moved from Missouri to Mesa, Washington, in 1902, and he began working on his family’s farm.
Russell enlisted in the United States Army on September 27, 1917, at Colfax, Washington, at the age of 29. He was deployed to France in December 1917, with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). He served as a Private First Class in Company “I” of the 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division during his period in France. Russell did not immediately participate in combat upon his arrival in France, instead training extensively until the summer of 1918. He saw combat in the Battles of Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Russell returned to the United States on April 4, 1919.
After his return to the United States, Russell rejoined his family in Mesa, Washington, and married Ethel Mary Draper in 1922. They had five children: Vera Jean, Zack Tyrus, Dwight Wilbur, Larry Mack, and Gary Clyde. Russell also returned to his career of wheat farming in Washington. He died on November 10, 1973, at the age of 85.
The Clyde Wilbur Russell collection consists of correspondence, military papers, and artifacts relating to the veteran’s service in the United States Army during World War I. Correspondence includes letters to his mother and father, his brother and sister (unidentified), and his brother Roy, written while he served with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in France. Topics covered include training in France, excitement to experience combat, the experience of the Armistice, and the French people.
MS01: Russell's biographical information; includes 2 letter abstracts from his son, Zack, and daughter, Vera Jean. Obituary newspaper clipping for Russell included.
MS02: Russell's original handwritten correspondence and envelopes to his family. The majority are addressed to his mother, Mary Elizabeth Jayne Russell. A small portion are addressed to his brother Roy, and two addressed to an unidentified brother and sister. Topics include frustration towards mail delivery, training in France, veteran's desire to participate in combat, experience of combat, Armistice Day, and visit by General Pershing to review the 26th Division.
MS03: Russell's discharge certificate, enlistment record, and Washington State record of discharge.
MS04: "The Immortal 26th" is a 4" x 6" pamphlet that provides a historical overview of the 26th Infantry Division and its achievements.
AR01: Red Cross cloth drawstring bag (container for submitted letters).