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Alberta, Past and Present, Historical and Biographical
Vol 2
Frank W. Russell


Following in the professional footsteps of his father, Frank W. Russell has chosen the practice of law as his life work and has proven a worthy son of a distinguished sire. He has been a resident of Vegreville for the past twelve years and is the oldest practicing barrister in the town. He was born near Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 16, 1873, and is a son of Hon. Benjamin and Louise (Coleman) Russell, both natives of that province. The father was graduated in law from Dalhousie University and has devoted his life to the legal profession, practicing in the city of Halifax, in which he is widely and favorably known. He is an eminent jurist, presiding over the supreme court of Nova Scotia, and in governmental affairs he has also played all important part. In 1896 he was elected a member of parliament from Halifax, serving until 1900, and iii that year was chosen to represent Hants, Nova Scotia, in that legislative body, continuing in office until 1904. During his younger days he was official reporter of the assembly and he was also reporter of the supreme court of Nova Scotia. To Judge and Mrs. Russell were born eight children, seven of whom survive. Of these four are living in this province, namely: A. H., a barrister and solicitor of Red Deer; B. Wy., who resides in Calgary and is doing engineering work for the government; Mrs. E. B. Roach of Calgary; and Frank W.

After completing his public school training Frank W. Russell became a student in the law department of Dalhousie University, finishing his course in 1894. He then went to the States and took postgraduate work in law at Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, leaving that institution in 1895, well equipped for his profession. Entering his father's office in Halifax, he became a member of the firm of Russell & Ross, with which he was connected until 1902, when he went to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and opened an office. He remained in practice there for eight years and throughout that period acted as town magistrate, while for a time he also served as assistant reporter of the supreme court of Nova Scotia. In 1910 he came to this province, selecting Vegreville as the scene of his professional activities, and he has had no reason to regret his choice, for a liberal clientele has been accorded him. He is well versed in all branches of jurisprudence and conducts his law business with ability, carefully preparing his cases and presenting them with clearness and force.

Mr. Russell married Miss Elvie R. Dillman, a native of Nova Scotia, and they have become the parents of eight children, the firstborn being Marjorie L., who is a graduate nurse. The others are: Norma, Mary, William B., Hugh Al., Barbara Al., Bruce D. and Jean. Mr. Russell has always taken a keen interest in civic affairs, being particularly, active in promoting the cause of education, and from 1913 until 1922 was a member of the Vegreville Board of Education. He is identified with the Masonic order and exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings of the craft. He possesses a keen mentality and is fitted by natural ability and by training for the legal profession, in which he has gained a gratifying measure of success. However, his interests are not confined to the law and he is recognized as a broad-minded, public-spirited citizen, whose influence is at all times on the side of progress, reform and improvement.


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