Labour Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: Use double quotes to search for a phrase

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

William John (Billy) Russell (1879–1915)

from Daily Telegraph

This entry is from Obituaries Australia

Mr. William John Russell, who died a few days ago, as the result of an accident at Pyrmont, was a prominent Laborite and union official. Born at Smithtown 36 years ago, he was educated at the local public school and at the Sydney High School, and for the past 13 years had been in the employ of the City Council. Prominent in Labor and union circles, he was for five years president of the Parkes Federal Labor Council and occupied the presidential chair of the N.S.W. branch of the Plumbers' Union for a term. He was also prominent in local public matters and, besides having formed the Canterbury Friendly Societies' Association, founded the Ratepayers' Association. Mr. Russell was probably best known as the Labor opponent of Mr. Bruce Smith at the 1913 and 1914 Federal elections. At the last meeting of the Sydney Labor Council appreciative references were made to his services and a vote of condolence was passed to his widow and four children.

Original Publication

Other Entries for William John (Billy) Russell

Additional Resources

  • photo, Worker (Wagga, NSW), 17 April 1913, p 5

Citation details

'Russell, William John (Billy) (1879–1915)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://labouraustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/russell-william-john-billy-32808/text40813, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Labour Australia, 2012

William Russell, n.d.

William Russell, n.d.

Daily Telegraph (Sydney), 23 August 1915, p 9

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1879
Smithtown, New South Wales, Australia

Death

14 August, 1915 (aged ~ 36)
Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

workplace accident

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Education
Occupation
Key Organisations
Political Activism
Workplaces