Thomas Russell (New Zealand politician) facts for kids
Thomas Russell (born around 1830 – died 2 September 1904) was a very important person in 19th-century New Zealand. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a clever businessman. Thomas Russell was one of the first lawyers in New Zealand who trained there and was allowed to practice law. He also started several major New Zealand companies, including the Bank of New Zealand and the New Zealand Insurance Co. He even served as the Minister of Colonial Defence during the New Zealand Wars.
Early Life and Law Career
Thomas Russell was born in County Cork, Ireland, probably in 1830. His family moved to Australia in 1833, settling in Maitland, New South Wales, where his father was a farmer. In 1840, his family moved again to New Zealand. They first lived in Kororakea, then moved to Auckland, where his father worked as a builder.
From 1844, Thomas Russell began training to be a lawyer with Thomas Outhwaite. On 4 November 1851, he officially became a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer, in New Zealand's Supreme Court. He later became a partner with Outhwaite and eventually took over his law practice.
On 18 July 1854, Russell married Emeline Vercoe.
Russell's Time in Politics
Russell was chosen by voters to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Auckland City East in 1861. He held this position until he left politics in 1866. He became a government minister in August 1862 under Alfred Domett. From 1863 to 1864, he was the Minister of Defence in the government led by Frederick Whitaker and William Fox.
During this time, a law called the New Zealand Settlements Act (1863) was passed. This law made it easier for the government to take land that belonged to Māori.
In 1877, Russell was given a special honour and became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Life After Politics
In 1866, after leaving politics, Thomas Russell bought a large farm called Pah. In January 1872, a man named Cyrus Haley attacked the home on the farm. He fired shots into the bedrooms, but luckily, no one was hurt. The house was later replaced by the Pah Homestead.
In 1997, many years after his death, Thomas Russell was recognised for his business achievements. He was added to the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
