Henry S. Russell facts for kids

Henry Sturgis Russell (June 21, 1838 – February 16, 1905) was an important American leader. He served as a commander in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became the first commissioner of the Boston Fire Department. He helped make the city a safer and better place.

Early Life and Education

Henry Sturgis Russell was born on June 21, 1838. His family lived in Dorchester, Massachusetts. His parents were George R. and Sarah Parkinson (Shaw) Russell. His grandfather, Jonathan Russell, was an ambassador. His first cousin was Robert Gould Shaw, another famous Civil War officer. Henry Russell studied hard and graduated from Harvard University in 1860.

Military Service in the Civil War

Russell joined the Union Army on May 11, 1861. He started as a lieutenant in the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry. He was promoted to captain in December 1861.

He faced danger during the war. He was captured at the Battle of Cedar Mountain in August 1862. He was held in Libby Prison for a time. Luckily, he was released in a prisoner exchange. He returned to duty in November 1862.

In January 1863, he became a lieutenant colonel. A big moment in his career came on April 5, 1864. He was made a colonel of the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Colored Volunteer Cavalry. This regiment was made up of African American soldiers. Russell led them with courage.

During the Siege of Petersburg, Russell was wounded in June 1864. He recovered and rejoined his regiment in September. They were guarding Confederate prisoners of war at Point Lookout, Maryland. He left his command on February 15, 1865. He was later honored as a brigadier general on March 13, 1865.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, Henry Russell started a business career. He joined a company called J.M. Forbes & Co.. There, he worked with goods imported from places like China and East India.

In 1863, he married Mary Hathaway. She was the daughter of John Murray Forbes, a well-known businessman. Henry and Mary had five children together.

Public Service in Boston

Henry Russell dedicated many years to public service in Boston. He helped improve two very important city departments.

Leading the Boston Police Department

In 1878, the Boston Police Department was reorganized. Mayor Henry L. Pierce chose Russell to lead the new police board. Russell made many positive changes.

• He helped create the harbor police.
• He reorganized the police force.
• He wrote new rules for officers.
• He made sure promotions were based on skill, not favoritism.
• He also started physical exams for officers.

Russell left the police board in 1880.

Commissioner of the Boston Fire Department

In January 1895, Mayor Edwin Upton Curtis appointed Russell to the Boston Fire Department commission. By July, Russell became the first single commissioner in the department's history. This meant he was fully in charge.

As commissioner, Russell continued his fair practices. He hired and promoted firefighters based on their abilities. He did not let politics influence his decisions. He also worked to make living conditions better in the city's firehouses. He served as commissioner until his death on February 16, 1905.

In 1909, a drinking fountain was built in Milton, Massachusetts, to remember Henry Sturgis Russell. He had spent many summers there.