From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Russell, Sr., John William

(born: 1893  -  died: 1988) 

John William Russell was born in 1893 and died in 1988 and is buried at Woodlawn Hills Cemetery in Lawrenceburg.

Russell served during World War I as a private first class in the 64th (see below) Company B of the 532nd Engineers Battalion (not verified) of the U.S. Army. He enlisted June 12, 1918 and was discharged July 10, 1919. A copy of his discharge is on file at the Anderson County Courthouse in Lawrenceburg, and his name is included on a list of soldiers from that war compiled by Mr. Wyatt  Shely, Anderson County historian.

Contributor

Entries compiled by Anderson County Historical Society's Luther Allen Davenport.

Relation

From Camp Taylor, KY.

June 22, 1918

The Anderson News, Lawrenceburg, KY.

Dear Sirs ---- Before I left home I told you I was going to make a soldier, so I am now one. I left home June 20, 1918 at 8:40 am, arrived at Camp Taylor at 10:30 o'clock, marched about three miles to the receiving station. From there I was assigned to the 64th company. Since that time I have been on the go. Was here just fifteen hours before I got my uniform. We have fine officers in our company. The 1st Lieut. is white and the sgt. and cpl. are colored. I have read everything that was in last week's Anderson News. Will be glad when the time comes for me to get another message from home through your paper. Tell the boys at home that they will be sent for soon, as from one to three thousand are being sent away every day. The colored boys from Lawrenceburg left for Newport News early this morning. The 64th Company is composed of 160 men. When I got my uniform, I got a new pair of shoes, three pairs of socks, two blankets, one shirt, two pair of pants, hat, coat, and leggings.

Yours Truly, John William Russell

64th Company, 16th Bn. 159th Depot Brigade

Kentucky County & Region

Read about Anderson County, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Jefferson County, Kentucky in Wikipedia.

Kentucky Place (Town or City)

Read about Lawrenceburg, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Louisville, Kentucky in Wikipedia.

Outside Kentucky Place Name

Newport News, Virginia

Cite This NKAA Entry:

“Russell, Sr., John William,” Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, accessed October 11, 2026, https://nkaa.uky.edu/nkaa/items/show/300005340.

Last modified: 2025-09-12 17:33:28