John Russell (colonial administrator) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Russell
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| Born | 14 October 1670 |
| Died | 5 December 1735 (aged 65) |
| Occupation | Colonial Administrator |
| Known for | President of Bengal |
John Russell (born October 14, 1670 – died December 5, 1735) was an important leader for the English East India Company. This company was a powerful trading group that operated in India a long time ago.
Life and Career of John Russell
John Russell was born after his father, Sir John Russell, 3rd Baronet, had passed away. His mother was Frances Cromwell. This means that on his mother's side, he was the grandson of Oliver Cromwell, a very famous figure in English history.
In 1693, John Russell was chosen to be a "factor" for the East India Company. A factor was like a business agent who managed trade and company affairs in a foreign country. He traveled to Bengal, a region in India, in 1694.
Russell became the President of Bengal in 1711. This was a very important job, as he was in charge of all the company's activities and settlements in that area. He took over from Anthony Weltden.
John Russell's Family Life
On December 17, 1697, John Russell married Mary Eyre. She was the sister of Sir Charles Eyre. John and Mary had one son and three daughters together:
- Charles Russell (1700–1754) became a colonel in the army. He married Mary Johanna Cutts Revett. They had children, including Sir John Russell, 8th Baronet.
- Frances Russell married John Revett. She later became a "bedchamber woman" to Princess Amelia of Great Britain. This was a role where she helped the princess with personal duties.
- Mary Russell married Josiah Holmes. They did not have any children.
- Elizabeth Russell married Samuel Greenhill. She was the mother of John Russell Greenhill.
After returning from India, John Russell married again on September 7, 1715. His second wife was Joanna Thurbane. She was the daughter and heir of John Thurbane, who owned a famous house called Chequers. Joanna had inherited Chequers from her father. Today, Chequers is the country home for the British Prime Minister. John and Joanna had one daughter, Anne, but she sadly died when she was a baby. After John Russell's death, Chequers passed to his eldest son, Charles.
Images for kids
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Chequers, a historic country house
