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William Russell (governor)
Encyclopedia
William Eustis Russell was a U.S.
political figure. He served as the 37th Governor of Massachusetts
between 1891 and 1894, becoming the state's youngest ever elected Governor at age 34.
to Charles Theodore Russell
and Sarah Elizabeth (Ballister) Russell. On his father's side, he was descended from Thomas Hastings
who came from the East Anglia region of England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony
in 1634. Russell is the great grandfather of writer Thomas E. Ricks and Libertarian
Carla Howell
.
, the Russell family Alma Mater, in 1877. In 1879, he received his law degree
from the Boston University School of Law
, where he won the Lawrence prize for the best legal essay. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1880 and began the practice of law with his father's Boston firm, Russell & Russell, of which two of his brothers were also members. He also became an active member of the Democratic Party
. He was elected to the common council of Cambridge in 1881, and to the board of aldermen in 1883 and 1884.
for Cambridge City Hall
, a Manual Training School (now Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
), and Cambridge's library
. Russell's son, Richard Manning Russell
, was later also Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts
.
Russell's efficient administration as mayor, particularly in the enforcement of the local-option law, and his effective campaign speeches during the Presidential campaign of 1884
made him a prominent figure in state politics. He twice ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Massachusetts
in 1888 and 1889, defeated by Oliver Ames
and John Quincy Adams Brackett
.
. His administration was marked by impartiality and lack of partisanship. As Governor, several laws were passed on his recommendation, including a measure to regulate the lobby, and a law abolishing the property qualification for governor and the poll tax
. Russell's administration also saw the beginning of an inheritance tax
. He advocated and signed a series of pro-labor
laws and established the Trustees of Reservations to preserve open spaces
. At the close of his service, he resumed the practice of law.
During the 1892 presidential campaign
, there was talk of Russell being the Vice Presidential nominee if Senator John M. Palmer were to receive the Democratic Presidential nomination. In early February 1892, Palmer and Patrick A. Collins, a former Democratic Massachusetts Congressman, agreed make Palmer the Democratic Presidential candidate and Massachusetts Governor William Russell, Collin’s personal and political friend, the Vice Presidential candidate. Collins argued that Palmer, a Western
Senator of Kentucky
stock, would be acceptable to the Southern Democrats
. Objections to Palmer’s advanced age would be met by pointing out that Russell, the youngest governor in the nation, would become President in the event of his death. Russell’s nomination would command the support of New England
Democrats.
In 1894, he was appointed a member of the board of Indian commissioners. In 1896, he was one of the most active opponents of the adoption of the free silver platform at the Democratic National Convention
, and distinguished himself by a remarkable speech pleading for a return to the original principles of the Democracy; he was prominently mentioned as a candidate for the presidency by those who favored the gold standard.
, Canada
.
James Mulcahy designed the building. It still serves as a Boston Public
elementary school
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
political figure. He served as the 37th Governor of Massachusetts
Governor of Massachusetts
The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the executive magistrate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States. The current governor is Democrat Deval Patrick.-Constitutional role:...
between 1891 and 1894, becoming the state's youngest ever elected Governor at age 34.
Family
Russell was born in Cambridge, MassachusettsCambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Greater Boston area. It was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, an important center of the Puritan theology embraced by the town's founders. Cambridge is home to two of the world's most prominent...
to Charles Theodore Russell
Charles Theodore Russell
Charles Theodore Russell was a Massachusetts politician who served in both branches of the Massachusetts legislature and as the Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Russell was the father of Cambridge Mayor and Massachusetts Governor William E. Russell.-Notes:...
and Sarah Elizabeth (Ballister) Russell. On his father's side, he was descended from Thomas Hastings
Thomas Hastings (colonist)
Thomas Hastings was a prominent English immigrant to New England, one of the approximately 20,000 immigrants who came as part of the Great Migration. A Deacon of the church, among his many public offices he served on the Committee of Colony Assessments in 1640 and as Deputy for Watertown to the...
who came from the East Anglia region of England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony
Massachusetts Bay Colony
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was an English settlement on the east coast of North America in the 17th century, in New England, situated around the present-day cities of Salem and Boston. The territory administered by the colony included much of present-day central New England, including portions...
in 1634. Russell is the great grandfather of writer Thomas E. Ricks and Libertarian
Libertarian Party of Massachusetts
The Libertarian Party of Massachusetts is the Massachusetts affiliate of the Libertarian Party. The party has done well in several federal elections compared to other third parties and Libertarian state affiliates. In 2000 Carla Howell received 308,860 votes for 11.9% of the total vote . In 2002...
Carla Howell
Carla Howell
Carla A. Howell is an American political activist and small government advocate. She is President of the Center For Small Government. She is most known for organizing tax cut initiative petitions, called ballot measures in other states...
.
Education and early career
Russell graduated from Harvard CollegeHarvard College
Harvard College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of two schools within Harvard University granting undergraduate degrees...
, the Russell family Alma Mater, in 1877. In 1879, he received his law degree
Law degree
A Law degree is an academic degree conferred for studies in law. Such degrees are generally preparation for legal careers; but while their curricula may be reviewed by legal authority, they do not themselves confer a license...
from the Boston University School of Law
Boston University School of Law
Boston University School of Law is the law school affiliated with Boston University, and is ranked #22 among American law schools by US News and World Report magazine. It is the second-oldest law school in Massachusetts and one of the first law schools in the country to admit students regardless...
, where he won the Lawrence prize for the best legal essay. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1880 and began the practice of law with his father's Boston firm, Russell & Russell, of which two of his brothers were also members. He also became an active member of the Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. He was elected to the common council of Cambridge in 1881, and to the board of aldermen in 1883 and 1884.
Mayor of Cambridge
Russell served as Mayor of Cambridge for four 1-year terms from 1885–1888, being reelected with no opposition at least twice. While in office, he solicited a sizable donation from philanthropist Frederick Hastings RindgeFrederick Hastings Rindge
Frederick Hastings Rindge was an American businessman, philanthropist, and writer, of Los Angeles, California. He was a major benefactor to his home town of Cambridge, Massachusetts.-Early life:...
for Cambridge City Hall
Cambridge, Massachusetts City Hall
The Cambridge, Massachusetts City Hall is the city hall for Cambridge, Massachusetts, located at 795 Massachusetts Avenue, and built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style...
, a Manual Training School (now Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
The Cambridge Rindge and Latin School is a public high school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.The school, serving grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Cambridge Public Schools....
), and Cambridge's library
Public library
A public library is a library that is accessible by the public and is generally funded from public sources and operated by civil servants. There are five fundamental characteristics shared by public libraries...
. Russell's son, Richard Manning Russell
Richard M. Russell
Richard Manning Russell was a United States Representative from Massachusetts. He was born in Cambridge on March 3, 1891. He attended the Middlesex School in Concord...
, was later also Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Greater Boston area. It was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, an important center of the Puritan theology embraced by the town's founders. Cambridge is home to two of the world's most prominent...
.
Russell's efficient administration as mayor, particularly in the enforcement of the local-option law, and his effective campaign speeches during the Presidential campaign of 1884
United States presidential election, 1884
The United States presidential election of 1884 saw the first election of a Democrat as President of the United States since the election of 1856. New York Governor Grover Cleveland narrowly defeated Republican former United States Senator James G. Blaine of Maine to break the longest losing streak...
made him a prominent figure in state politics. He twice ran unsuccessfully for Governor of Massachusetts
Governor of Massachusetts
The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the executive magistrate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States. The current governor is Democrat Deval Patrick.-Constitutional role:...
in 1888 and 1889, defeated by Oliver Ames
Oliver Ames
Oliver Ames was a U.S. political figure and financier. He was the 35th Governor of Massachusetts . He was the son of Oakes Ames , a United States Congressman who was censured in the Credit Mobilier scandal, and the nephew of Oliver Ames, Jr..-Biography:Ames was born in North Easton, Massachusetts...
and John Quincy Adams Brackett
John Q. A. Brackett
- Biography :He was born in Bradford, New Hampshire to Ambrose S. Brackett and Nancy Brackett. He was a 1865 graduate of Harvard College and an 1868 graduate of Harvard Law School and a lawyer by profession, holding the post of Judge Advocate of the Massachusetts Militia's First Brigade at one...
.
Governor of Massachusetts
Russell ran and won as a Democrat for Governor in 1890. He was twice reelected, in 1891 and 1892. His election as governor for three successive years was a remarkable testimony to his personal integrity and popularity, as the majority of the legislature and the State officials were RepublicansRepublican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. His administration was marked by impartiality and lack of partisanship. As Governor, several laws were passed on his recommendation, including a measure to regulate the lobby, and a law abolishing the property qualification for governor and the poll tax
Poll tax
A poll tax is a tax of a portioned, fixed amount per individual in accordance with the census . When a corvée is commuted for cash payment, in effect it becomes a poll tax...
. Russell's administration also saw the beginning of an inheritance tax
Inheritance tax
An inheritance tax or estate tax is a levy paid by a person who inherits money or property or a tax on the estate of a person who has died...
. He advocated and signed a series of pro-labor
Labour movement
The term labour movement or labor movement is a broad term for the development of a collective organization of working people, to campaign in their own interest for better treatment from their employers and governments, in particular through the implementation of specific laws governing labour...
laws and established the Trustees of Reservations to preserve open spaces
Open space reserve
Open space reserve, open space preserve, and open space reservation, are planning and conservation ethics terms used to describe areas of protected or conserved land or water on which development is indefinitely set aside...
. At the close of his service, he resumed the practice of law.
During the 1892 presidential campaign
United States presidential election, 1892
In the United States presidential election of 1892, former President Grover Cleveland ran for re-election against the incumbent President Benjamin Harrison, who was also running for re-election. Cleveland defeated Harrison, thus becoming the only person in American history to be elected to a...
, there was talk of Russell being the Vice Presidential nominee if Senator John M. Palmer were to receive the Democratic Presidential nomination. In early February 1892, Palmer and Patrick A. Collins, a former Democratic Massachusetts Congressman, agreed make Palmer the Democratic Presidential candidate and Massachusetts Governor William Russell, Collin’s personal and political friend, the Vice Presidential candidate. Collins argued that Palmer, a Western
Western United States
.The Western United States, commonly referred to as the American West or simply "the West," traditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost states of the United States. Because the U.S. expanded westward after its founding, the meaning of the West has evolved over time...
Senator of Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
stock, would be acceptable to the Southern Democrats
Southern Democrats
Southern Democrats are members of the U.S. Democratic Party who reside in the American South. In the 19th century, they were the definitive pro-slavery wing of the party, opposed to both the anti-slavery Republicans and the more liberal Northern Democrats.Eventually "Redemption" was finalized in...
. Objections to Palmer’s advanced age would be met by pointing out that Russell, the youngest governor in the nation, would become President in the event of his death. Russell’s nomination would command the support of New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
Democrats.
In 1894, he was appointed a member of the board of Indian commissioners. In 1896, he was one of the most active opponents of the adoption of the free silver platform at the Democratic National Convention
Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention is a series of presidential nominating conventions held every four years since 1832 by the United States Democratic Party. They have been administered by the Democratic National Committee since the 1852 national convention...
, and distinguished himself by a remarkable speech pleading for a return to the original principles of the Democracy; he was prominently mentioned as a candidate for the presidency by those who favored the gold standard.
Death
Russell died on July 16, 1896 in his sleep after retiring to bed early from a day of salmon-fishing with his brother, Henry, at a camp on the Little Pabos River just north of Sainte-Adelaide-de-Pabos, QuebecQuebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
Tributes
In 1903, the William E. Russell School was built at 750 Columbia Road in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. ArchitectArchitect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
James Mulcahy designed the building. It still serves as a Boston Public
Boston Public Schools
Boston Public Schools is a school district serving the city of Boston, Massachusetts, United States.-Leadership:The district is led by a Superintendent, hired by the Boston School Committee, a seven-member school board appointed by the Mayor after approval by a nominating committee of specified...
elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
.