John E. Russell

An example of the country gentleman of a type more familiar in England than in our country was lost to us in John E. Russell of Leicester, Mass., who had been a member of the Century for nearly forty years. Born of an old New England family, trained by study and travel, possessed of an ample fortune acquired in a brief but brilliant business career, he passed his time between the development of an extensive estate and numerous public and semi-public activities. His only position in national politics was that of Representative for one term in Congress; he declined two Cabinet appointments offered him by President Cleveland and two high diplomatic posts. But twice he led a gallant forlorn hope for the office of Governor of Massachusetts, and his voice and pen were constantly at the service of his party in the advocacy of its most advanced policies. The office he really delighted in was that of Secretary to the State Board of Agriculture, in which for a number of years he did efficient service. He loved the land, and the labor thereof, was a successful breeder of sheep and horses, and a leader in scientific tillage. He was a connoisseur of books and prints, a brilliant, witty, likable companion, whose memory will long linger within the Century, where for so many years he was a welcome habitué.

Edward Cary
1904 Century Association Yearbook