James Russell was born in December 1840 in Lichfield, the sixth child of Henry and Elizabeth Russell. James was a twin with his brother John, their youngest child, and they were both baptised at St Chad’s Church, Lichfield, on 17th January 1841.

James grew up living at Stowe Street in Lichfield. In April 1851, at the time of the census, he was with his mother and his older sisters Emma and Eliza, in Lichfield. His father was a ‘hawker in brushes’ and together with James’ older brother George, he was working in Newport.

James’ father died in December 1856 aged 50.

By 1861 James was working as a shoemaker’s apprentice, still living at Stowe Street with his mother, sister Eliza, and brother George.

Location of Stowe Street (now redeveloped) and St Chad’s Church, Lichfield

On 5th September 1867, James Russell married Fanny Pearson at St Chad’s Church, Lichfield. Fanny was born in 1840 in Manchester. Her mother's name was Sarah, while her father's name is unknown. By 1861 Fanny had moved to Derby where was working as a housekeeper at Vernon Street. At the time of her marriage she was living at Beacon Street, Lichfield.

After their marriage, James and Fanny lived at Stowe Street, with James now working as a shoemaker. Their first child Sarah Helen was born in 1865 and baptised at St Chad’s Church on 2nd August.

Between August 1865 and March 1871, the family moved to 4 Mill Street, Derby (now demolished), where their second daughter Rose was born in March. She was followed by James and Fanny’s last child and third daughter, Amy Elizabeth, towards the end of 1874.

The family were still living at 4 Mill Street in 1881. The children were at school, perhaps attending St John’s School which was opposite their home, and James was still working as a shoe maker.

By 1891, James, Fanny, and their daughter Amy Elizabeth had moved to a terraced house at 9 York Street, Derby, a short distance from Mill Street. This was off Vernon Street where Fanny was working as a housekeeper in 1861, so the area would have been well known to her. On the April 1891 census return, James’ occupation was recorded as ‘cordwainer’, meaning he was making new shoes using new leather.

On 15th June 1895, James attended the wedding of his niece Alice Edith Russell at St Mary’s Church, Lichfield, where James was one of the witnesses.

James and Fanny were still living at 9 York Street in 1901. James was now working as a boot maker. They were still living at this address in 1911, together with their daughter Amy Elizabeth.

Location of Mill Street, Vernon Street, and York Street, Derby

Between 1911 and 1917, James and Fanny appear to have moved to Little Eaton, perhaps when James retired.

James and Fanny Russell
9th June 1915

James Russell died on 24th February 1917 aged 76. He was buried in the churchyard at St Paul’s Church, Little Eaton.

In 1921 Fanny was living at Turnditch, Derbyshire, with Amy Elizabeth.

Fanny Russell died on 20th March 1930 aged 90. She was interred with her husband in the churchyard at Little Eaton on 25th March.

Funeral card for the service of
Fanny Russell (1840-1930)

‘In Loving Memory of James Russell, at Rest February 24th 1917, aged 76 years. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away. Also of his wife Fanny, at Rest March 20th 1930, aged 90 years. Blessed are the pure in heart.’

James and Fanny Russell were my great-great-grandparents.