William Russell

Biography

William Russell was an English immigrant who established himself as a carpenter in Cambridge, Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. The early family account identifies Martha as his wife and Joseph as a son born in England. Their son John was born in Cambridge in 1645, and younger children followed, including William, Jason, and Joyce.

William died on February 14, 1661/62, shortly after making his will. His death left Martha responsible for younger members of the family as well as the management of the estate. A later agreement between Martha and their son John records that William had entrusted her with bringing up four young children.

The surviving references preserve the shape of an immigrant artisan's household: a trade in Cambridge, children born on both sides of the Atlantic, and property whose management continued after his death.