James Russell (1790–1861) was a Scottish barrister, best known as a law reporter in the English courts.
Life edit
He was the eldest son of James Russell of Stirling; his brother John joined the Scottish bar, and became known as a travel writer. After graduating with distinction at Glasgow University, he was called to the English bar at the Inner Temple in June 1822.[1]
Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood introduced Russell to Lord Eldon, and he was appointed a reporter in the courts of the Lord Chancellor and Master of the Rolls. In 1824 he became sole authorised reporter, ceasing in 1834.[1]
Russell gradually acquired a chancery and bankruptcy practice, and took silk in 1841. He ultimately became leader in the court of Vice-chancellor James Lewis Knight-Bruce, but his eyesight failed.[1]
Russell for some years before his death was blind. He died at Roxeth House, near Harrow, on 6 January 1861, and was buried at Kensal Green.[1]
Works edit
Russell published:[1]
- Reports in Chancery, 1826–8, 4 vols. and 2 parts, vol. v. 1827–30.
- With George James Turner, Reports in Chancery, 1822–4, 1832.
- With James William Mylne, Reports in Chancery, 1829–31, with particular cases in 1832–3, 2 vols., 1832–7.
All these works were reprinted in America. Russell also contributed to the Quarterly Review, and with his brother John for some years edited the Annual Register.[1]
Family edit
Russell married, in April 1839, Maria, eldest daughter of the Rev. Robert Cholmeley, rector of Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, with whom he had three sons and five daughters.[1]
Notes edit
- ^ a b c d e f g Lee, Sidney, ed. (1897). . Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 49. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
- Attribution
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Lee, Sidney, ed. (1897). "Russell, James (1790-1861)". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 49. London: Smith, Elder & Co.