James Alexander Russell facts for kids
Sir James Alexander Russell (born April 6, 1846, on the Isle of Skye – died January 22, 1918, in Edinburgh) was an important Scottish doctor. He became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1891 to 1894. He was a leader in creating public health services, which help everyone in a community stay healthy.
The Life of Sir James Russell
James Russell was born in a church house in Kilmodan. He was the oldest of eight children. His father, Alexander Fraser Russell, was a minister.
James went to school at Stronafian. Later, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his first medical degree in 1868. In 1875, he earned another degree in Public Health. This degree focused on keeping communities healthy.
In 1876, he worked in the Anatomy Department. He helped teach students about the human body.
A year later, in 1877, he started teaching about plumbing. This might seem like a strange change! But his lessons at Heriot-Watt College focused on how good drainage and clean water supplies were vital for public health.
In 1880, he became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers.
He also became a Councillor in Edinburgh in 1880. This meant he helped run the city. In 1891, he was chosen to be the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. This is like being the mayor of the city.
Queen Victoria knighted him in 1894. This means he was given the title "Sir." The University of Edinburgh also gave him an honorary degree that same year.
Sir James Russell passed away at his home in Edinburgh. He is buried in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh.
Sir James Russell's Family
In 1876, James Russell married Marianne Rae Wilson. She was the daughter of James Wilson. Marianne passed away in 1882.
Later, in 1897, he married a widow named Mary Ruth MacKenzie.
