Arthur Russell was born to George B. Pool and Mary Farrow on 29 December, 1870, their fourth child. Nothing is known of his life until 1887, when a somber announcement appeared in the Laurens Advertiser:
On Saturday last, Russel Pool, a 15 year old son of Mr. George Pool of this place, while handling a shot gun, accidentally let it fall and the contents of both barrels were discharged into his right side and thigh. Fears are entertained for his recovery.
Then, on March 23, 1887, The Laurens Advertiser reported that:
Russel, a 15 years old son of Mr. George B. Pool, of this place, who accidentally shot himself some days ago, after the most intense suffering died on Tuesday last.
Mr. Pool has been particularly unfortunate by casualties to members of his family in the past few months.1 The friends and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community.2
Arthur Russell was buried at Langston Baptist Church, Laurens County, SC. His tombstone reads:
In loving remembrance of
Arthur Russell
son of
Geo B & Mary F Poole
Born Dec. 29, 1870 and died
from the accidental
discharge of a gun in
his own hands
March 15, 1885
Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep
From which none ever makes
to weep
A calm and undisturbed repose
Unbroken by the last of foes
1. See A Family Tragedy.
2. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn93067760/1887-03-23/ed-1/seq-3/