He moved to Indian Territory between 1880 and 1882, settling in the Muscogee Nation (present-day Muskogee County).

He later owned 27,000 head of cattle through his Prairie Stock Farm in Warner.

He founded and funded the first free school for white children in Indian Territory.

[1] Russell was elected to the Oklahoma Senate as a Democrat in 1907 representing the 27th district and served four consecutive terms.

He also worked for Farmer's Union and the Southwest Light and Power Company.