My Genealogy Hound

DAVID RUSSELL is a sturdy, self-reliant son of the land of Robert Bruce and Robert Burns, and has, by his own merits, reached the position he now occupies — that of superintendent of the largest manufacturing establishment in Dunkirk, and one of the largest in the State of New York, an establishment which employs a thousand men, whose earnings are more than twelve thousand dollars a week, whose annual output of various kinds of locomotives and cars is valued at two and a half millions of dollars, and the excellency of whose work is not surpassed by any other manufactory of its kind in the world.

David Russell was born in St. Andrews, Scotland, May 30, 1826, and is a son of Thomas and Jane (Russell) Russell. His father was a native of historic old Edinboro’ Town, Scotland, and was a tinsmith by trade, which business he followed in his native land until his death. He was a member of the Scotch Presbyterian church. His wife (mother) was a native of St. Andrews, and she was born in 1802. She now lives in St. Andrews, Scotland, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.

David Russell was reared in his native town and received a common school education. After leaving school he learned the trade of a machinist, and has always worked in that useful Industrial pursuit. In 1845 he came across the Atlantic to America, and located in Paterson, New Jersey, where he at once secured work. Here he remained until 1852, when he came to Dunkirk, this county, and went to work as a machinist in the Erie railroad shops, and continued in their employ until October, 1869, when H. G. Brooks, the general manager, suddenly received an order from the president of the road to permanently close the works. Instead of doing so, however, he immediately reorganized them under the name of the Brooks Locomotive Works, with himself as president, and by that name they are now known all over the civilized world. Mr. Russell entered their employ, and was steadily and deservedly promoted from one position to another, going a stride or two each time, until he was appointed superintendent, a position in which he commands the universal respect of the employees and the commendation of his employers. Politically he is a republican, and in his religious principles is a Scotch Presbyterian, of which church he is a member and trustee. He is a member of Irondequoit lodge, F. & A. M. He is a member of the board of water commissioners of Dunkirk and also a member of the school board. A man of firm convictions and of a kind and generous disposition, he is ever ready to devote his best efforts in aid of any movement conducive to the welfare of his fellow-citizens. He owns a fine residence and understands how to get the most out of life in a practical and sensible manner.

David Russell was married, March 15, 1847, to Eliza Russell, daughter of James Russell, of Montrose, Scotland, and by her has seven children, five sons and two daughters: Thomas, James, Mary J., David, George, John and Nellie.