Wiley M. Russell was born in Dickson County, Tenn., March 20, 1830, being the son of Lemuel S. and Nancy (Myatt) Russell. The father was born in Virginia, and came to Tennessee when quite small. The mother was a native of South Carolina. Our subject engaged in farming at the age of twenty-one years, and continued at that occupation for twelve years. He then engaged in distilling for about three years, after which time he worked some at the mechanic’s trade, and then returned to his former occupation­farming­at which he is now engaged. He was married, December 4, 1850, to Serena P. Frasier. The result of this union is six children: Mary A., John D., Lauson H., James L., Silvesta and Sarah J. His wife dying in 1866 he was again married December 15, 1866, to Sarah M. Sugg. They have six children: John, James, Lula W., Nellie R., Alford R. and Florence. Our subject was in the Confederate Army, being a member of the Forty-ninth Tennessee Regiment. In 1863 he returned home, having been discharged on account of his age. Upon his return home he was elected magistrate of Dickson County. He also served one term as constable. He is a Democrat.