James Russell was born abt 1831 Belfast Ireland to Thomas Russell and Elizabeth Grainer. James worked as a sail maker and a rope maker in the great Belfast Rope Works east Belfast. He broke his apprentice to open a flesher shop at 6 Bridge End Belfast and was imprisoned for this.
James had two brothers Hugh b abt 1825, William 1827. He also had 2 sisters Annie E 1829 and Mary Russell 1833.
It would appear that the early family lived around the Shankill area of Belfast and family lore said that Thomas and Elizabeth walked from Crumlin to Belfast when they got married.
Jame's family expanded and became very successful in east Belfast but I have lost part of the family that moved into the Sydenham area of east Belfast. This side of the family where descended from Robert Russell b abt 1860.
Robert Russell enlisted to fight in WWI and survived but came back as say now goods damaged. He was a bit of a character within the family and I have heard loads of stories about him as I grew up and would love to complete this side of the family tree.
