Ilion High School - Class of 1873

Source pdf file is here Illion NY Sentinel 1944-1946 (1) - 0091.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Last Member of First Class Passes Away at Home Here

Miss Ella M. Russell, whose death occurred last Thursday morning, at her home, 61 Second St., at the age at the age of 89, was one of the oldest residents of Ilion, and the last surviving member of what is now Ilion High School in its first graduating class in 1873.

The Morgan Street school from which she graduated, was built in 1865 and stood where the Municipal Building does now, but it was not until 1872 that the school received a charter from the State of New York enabling it to grant diplomas.

Consequently, the class of 1873 was the first one to graduate with a formal diploma.

There were six girls in that first class which has now passed into memory. They were Elizabeth Hoefler Draper, Lisette Jones Sherman, Ella Russell, Hattie Russell, Nellie Seamans and Stella Richardson Stowell.

Ella Russell was born at Peach Grove, (Fairfax Co., Va., on March 25, 1855, the daughter of Albert W. and Mary Hatch Russell.

When a small child, she came north with her family soon after the start of the Civil War. After spending some time in Wellsville, N. Y., and at Parts Hill with relatives, they settled in Ilion, where Mr. Russell was employed by E. Remington and Sons as superintendent of the erection of many of the Arms buildings.

Her only sister was Miss Harriet E. Russell, who passed away eight years ago. Her two brothers were Samuel F. and George R., both of whom preceded her in death.

She was the oldest member of the Methodist church, having joined seventy-five years ago. She was a member of the Travelers Club.

Possessing a fine contralto voice in her younger days, she was a participant in many musical affairs of the village, and sang in the Methodist choir.

She is survived by two nieces, Miss Rae M. Russell, this village, and Miss Helen A. Russell. West Chester, Pa.; two nephews, Harold R. Russell, Rochester, and the Rev. Joseph J. Russell, Holbrock. Mass.; also three grand nieces. Miss Edith E Russell, New York City; Miss Betty Fogg, Auburn, Maine; and Miss Betty Russell, Rochester; and one grand-nephew, Robert Fogg, to the U. S. Army.

The services were held at the Applegate Funeral Home Saturday, at 2 o'clock; with the Rev. Earnest O. Love, former pastor of the Methodist church and the Rev. Leonard D. Peale. the present pastor, officiating. Clifford J. Williams sang "Jesus is Tenderly Calling". Internment was in the Armory Hill Cemetery.