The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Center Township, page 534
Robertson C. Russell was born in Guilford County, N.C., Sept. 15, 1811. In his twentieth year he came to Indiana on a prospecting tour and about two years later settled in Danville, Hendricks County, in 1832. He being a carpenter followed that trade till 1842, when he turned his attention to farming. He purchased his present farm in 1837, and has resided on it and pursued farming since 1844. He came to Danville with limited means but by perseverance and economy he is now the owner of a large property in Danville and in Center Township. In 1835 he was married to Alice Bonfield, a native of Clark County, Ky., and a daughter of Mereen and Susan (Hardesty) Bonfield, who came to this county in 1833. They have two children living--Martha, wife of Simeon Templin, of Center Township, and John C., a farmer in Center Township. One child, Susan, died in August, 1846, aged over one year. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church over fifty years. He was one of the first Board of Trustees and helped build the first church in Danville. Besides serving as Trustee eight years he has served several years as Steward. He has also filled the office of School Trustee for Center Township. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party but was originally a Whig.