Elizabeth Duvall “Bessie” (Prince) Russe, 1880–1960

Elizabeth Duvall “Bessie” (Prince) Russe was born 26 July 1880 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of Laurence Lemprieree Prince, a Confederate Civil War veteran and a cotton merchant, and Elizabeth B. (Duvall) Prince. This family was prominent in St. Louis, owning several homes. Bessie traveled extensively in the United States and overseas with her father.

The engagement announcement between Elizabeth “Bessie” Prince and Frederick William Russe occurred on 13 February 1909, and the wedding was performed on 1 October 1909 in St. Louis. The ceremony was held at Bessie’s parents’ home with Reverend Dr. D. C. Garrett of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church officiating. Bessie’s sister Mary was the maid of honor.

Frederick William Russe was a chemist and a purchasing agent for a chemical company. His parents were William Henry Russe, a manufacturer of lumber, and Clara B. (Northway) Russe. Both William and Clara were of German descent.

Bessie and Frederick would go on to have five children: Fredrick W. Jr., Elizabeth Duvall “Libby,” Ann Harwood, William Henry, and Laurence Prince.

Frederick passed away on 4 January 1960 of heart failure. Bessie died of influenza on 15 February 1960. Both Bessie and Frederick were seventy-nine years old when they passed, and they are interred at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St Louis.

Written by Shirley Wadell
January 2025

© 2025, St. Louis Genealogical Society