Charles Russell's Funeral Procession, unknown photographer, late 19th century - early 20th century. Gilcrease Museum/The University of Tulsa, TU2009.39.275.34a-b. © Gilcrease Museum
Tom Kirwin, signed by his wife
“Tom has crossed the ‘Great Divide’ and is looking at the sunset with Charlie.”—Mrs. Tom Kirwin, for Tom
Mrs. Kirwin signed on behalf of her husband Tom, a Great Falls gambler, barkeep, and cigar store owner and long-time friend of Charlie’s.
Frank B. Brown
“I have known Charlie M. Russell for Forty years. He was like good Liquor he improved with age.”—Frank B. Brown, Great Falls, Montana, Oct-8-1932
Brown worked as vice president in the Great Falls Meat Company. After Russell’s death, Brown served as funeral marshal for the memorial event that drew thousands to the streets of Great Falls on October 27, 1926. In honor of the artist’s request that his casket be moved by horse-drawn hearse, the Meat Company provided a team of black horses.
