Former Formoso resident will portray Marion Sloan Russell

Five times Marion traveled the Santa Fe Trail before age 21. Marion Sloan Russell enjoyed telling about her adventures on the Santa Fe Trail with her mother and brother. Along the trail she is known as "Maid Marion" as her first trip began as a young girl of 7.

While in Santa Fe, N.M., she meets Kit Carson not realized he would play an important role in her life. At Ft. Union she met her husband, the handsome Lt. Richard Russell and soon many adventures met up with her.

Anna Smith, Carbondale, Kan., will portray Marion Sloan Russell at the Mankato Library at 11a.m.,on Saturday, July 17, in the Community Center meeting room.

Smith is a storyteller who portrays people whose decisions, challenges, success and disappointments rippled across Kansas, the nation and around the globe. 

Smith grew up north of Formoso graduating from Mankato High School with the Class of 1975. Her parents are Bill and (late) Connie Smith. Smith belongs to: Topeka Daughters of American Revolution, The American Legion and VFW Auxiliary and is an honorary member of the Sons of American Revolution Kanza chapter in Manhattan, Kansas.

Smith is a juried member of the Kansas Alliance of Professional Historical Performer and presents her historical correct presentation in Chautauqua style. Her performance is 45 minutes with additional 30 minutes allotted for audience interaction with the historical person as well as the historian, researcher, scriptwriter and actor today.

Smith is a 21 year veteran of the Army retiring in 2001. Smith holds a bachelor of science degree in social science history from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan.