Russell Dashiell, Jr. grew up on the Eastern Shore, with family here since 1654. He had ancestors on both sides of the War between the States. He has been on the Board of Preservation Maryland that helps preserve Maryland historical sites, as well as on the Board of the Maryland Historical Society. He is currently a member of both the Talbot and Wicomico Historical Societies. He enjoys his role as a living history volunteer for the National Park Service at the Antietam and Monocacy National Battlefield Parks and has made a lifetime study of the period of the American Civil War. Graduated with a BA with honors in History from Univ of VA in 1971, and graduated from the Univ of MD Law School with a JD awarded in 1974. He has practiced law in MD in most counties of the Eastern Shore ever since.
