WILLIAM H. RUSSELL (1812-1872)
Russell, a volatile New Englander, engaged in many successful and unsuccessful business ventures before he joined R.M.&W. Ii was he who insisted upon proving the practicability of the Central Route for the Pony Express, and at one time was hailed in the nation as the "Napoleon of the West." Majors, born in Kentucky, engaged early in the freighting business. As a partner in R.M. & W. firm, he took responsibility for all the business on the road. He believed that orderly, sober, God-fearing men made the most efficient employees and would tolerate no other kind. Waddell, born in Virginia, engaged in farming in his early years, operated a dry goods store in Kentucky, later moved to Lexington, Missouri, operated a store and engaged in other successful businesses before finally joining Russell and Majors. WILLIAM BRADFORD WADDELL (1807-1872)
