The Uncles
Russell had quite a lot of uncles but only a few of them he had a personal relationship with. These were the men that he looked up to and influenced him growing up.
Uncle Allen
Uncle Allen was Lucy's brother. When Russell and his family moved to Belleville they moved into Uncle Allen's house. So soon after his father's death,and at such as a young age, Russell looked up to Uncle Allen as a father figure. He taught Russell that it his is responsibly to be a good citizen and man.
Uncle Charlie
Uncle Charlie was also Lucy's brother, who lived with them and Uncle Allen. Charlie was what some would call "lazy", because he did not work. Marked by a terrifying innocent of being mistaken for a notorious murder, Charlie refused to leave the house. He was very smart and read constantly, he was very well informed of politics and things of that nature. Russell looked up to him for his knowledge, and from Charlie he began to form his ideals in politics and how to decide to became Democrat or Republican.
Uncle Harold
Uncle Harold was Aunt Sister's husband. Aunt Sister was Ida Rebecca's only daughter,and being the only sister she got the nickname of "Sister". Harold came into Russell's life when they moved to Baltimore, at the time when he was entering the teenage years. Harold was notorious for his tall tales, which was accredit to his imagination. Uncle Harold inspired Russell's imagination and storytelling skills.He taught him that a good story captivated the audience with emotion. This would help Russell in his writing career.