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Following in the
professional footsteps of his father, Frank W. Russell has chosen the
practice of law as his life work and has proven a worthy son of a
distinguished sire. He has been a resident of Vegreville for the past
twelve years and is the oldest practicing barrister in the town. He was
born near Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 16, 1873, and is a son of Hon.
Benjamin and Louise (Coleman) Russell, both natives of that province.
The father was graduated in law from Dalhousie University and has
devoted his life to the legal profession, practicing in the city of
Halifax, in which he is widely and favorably known. He is an eminent
jurist, presiding over the supreme court of Nova Scotia, and in
governmental affairs he has also played all important part. In 1896 he
was elected a member of parliament from Halifax, serving until 1900, and
iii that year was chosen to represent Hants, Nova Scotia, in that
legislative body, continuing in office until 1904. During his younger
days he was official reporter of the assembly and he was also reporter
of the supreme court of Nova Scotia. To Judge and Mrs. Russell were born
eight children, seven of whom survive. Of these four are living in this
province, namely: A. H., a barrister and solicitor of Red Deer; B. Wy.,
who resides in Calgary and is doing engineering work for the government;
Mrs. E. B. Roach of Calgary; and Frank W.
After completing his
public school training Frank W. Russell became a student in the law
department of Dalhousie University, finishing his course in 1894. He
then went to the States and took postgraduate work in law at Cornell
University at Ithaca, New York, leaving that institution in 1895, well
equipped for his profession. Entering his father's office in Halifax, he
became a member of the firm of Russell & Ross, with which he was
connected until 1902, when he went to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and opened
an office. He remained in practice there for eight years and throughout
that period acted as town magistrate, while for a time he also served as
assistant reporter of the supreme court of Nova Scotia. In 1910 he came
to this province, selecting Vegreville as the scene of his professional
activities, and he has had no reason to regret his choice, for a liberal
clientele has been accorded him. He is well versed in all branches of
jurisprudence and conducts his law business with ability, carefully
preparing his cases and presenting them with clearness and force.
Mr. Russell married Miss
Elvie R. Dillman, a native of Nova Scotia, and they have become the
parents of eight children, the firstborn being Marjorie L., who is a
graduate nurse. The others are: Norma, Mary, William B., Hugh Al.,
Barbara Al., Bruce D. and Jean. Mr. Russell has always taken a keen
interest in civic affairs, being particularly, active in promoting the
cause of education, and from 1913 until 1922 was a member of the
Vegreville Board of Education. He is identified with the Masonic order
and exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings of the craft. He
possesses a keen mentality and is fitted by natural ability and by
training for the legal profession, in which he has gained a gratifying
measure of success. However, his interests are not confined to the law
and he is recognized as a broad-minded, public-spirited citizen, whose
influence is at all times on the side of progress, reform and
improvement. |
