Am looking for any information on my grandfather's family. Know nothing of his background except he was born in Illinois in 1875. His name was Theophilus Vandever Russell. Was married to Maggie Frances Phillips. Lived in Arkansas and Missouri. Passed away in 1959 in Puxico, Mo. Would so much appreciate any information at all. Thank you.

Since you have his exact birth date and exact death date from previous posts to various boards,
Have you tried to see if he applied for social security?
He may not appear in the Social Security death index but may have applied between late 1930's through 1959 death.
Application is called an SS 5. Would give parents names(mother's maiden)and exact location of his birth. Social Security currently charges $27-$29
here's a link to a description of SS 5,etc.
http://genealogy.about.com/od/online_records/a/ss5_request.h...
once exact location of birth is known, check with the county clerk's office for a corrected birth certificate in that county. May have affadavits of relatives attached.
hope this helps
Kathy