RUSSELL, JAMES (1790-1861), law reporter, born in 1790, was the eldest son of James Russell, esq., of Stirling. After graduating with distinction at Glasgow University, he was called to the English bar from the Inner Temple in June 1822. Having been introduced by Henry Lascelles, second earl of Harewood, to Lord Eldon, he was appointed in the following year a reporter in the courts of the Lord Chancellor and Master of the Rolls. In 1824 he became sole authorised reporter. He gradually acquired a large chancery and bankruptcy practice, and took silk in 1841. He had ceased reporting in 1834. He ultimately became leader of Vice-Chancellor Knight Bruce's court, but overwork destroyed his eyesight, and for some years before his death he was blind. He was on four occasions asked to become a candidate for parliament, but declined each invitation. While not a brilliant pleader, Russell held a high position at the bar, owing to his learning and acuteness.
Besides contributing to the ' Quarterly Review,' Russell, together with his younger brother, John Russell of the Scots bar, was for some years editor of the ' Annual Register.' James Russell died at Roxeth House, near Harrow, on 6 Jan. 1861, and was buried at Kensal Green. He married, in April 1839, Maria, eldest daughter of the Rev. Robert Cholmeley, Rector of Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, by whom he had issue three sons and five daughters.
Russell published : 1. 'Reports in Chancery,' 1826-8, 4 vols. 8vo, and 2 parts, vol. v. 1827-30. 2. With George J. Turner, ' Reports in Chancery, 1822-4,' 1832. 3. With James W. Mylne, ' Reports in Chancery, 1829-31, with particular cases in 1832-3,'
Source: Dictionary of National Biography volume 49
Details of Maria's family in The Baronetage of England. revised, corrected and continued by G.W. Collen By John Debrett. Her father, the Rev. Robert Cholmeley was a descendent of Sir John Montague Cholmeley of Lincoln
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