Richard Russ

Wine & Spirit Merchant


   Richard Russ was born in 1819 in Sutton Benger, Wilts., baptised 30th May, son of yeoman farmer John Russ and his wife Elizabeth Philpott who had married in Draycot Cerne on 20th Oct. 1808.

    Other children of John and Elizabeth Russ baptised in Sutton Benger include Elizabeth Philpot Russ (bapt. 17th Sept. 1813); Mary Ann Russ (bapt. 26th Jan. 1817); John Russ (bapt. 16th Nov. 1818) and Daniel Hugh Russ (bapt. 30th Apr. 1821).

    In 1841 it appears that Richard Russ is working in a Woollen Draper's in Fore Street, Trowbridge.

    From the Wiltshire Independent - Thursday 11 January 1844: CHIPPENHAM - A daring robbery was committed in our Streets a few days ago, the front-door of Mr. Richard Russ's residence in High-street being opened by some expert thief, and two great coats the property of Mr. Lane and Mr. Russ's foreman being made off with.

    From the Devizes & Wiltshire Gazette, 24th April 1845: Married this morning at Cherhill, by the Rev. Geo. Farley, Mr. Russ, Wine and Spirit Merchant, of Chippenham, to Mary, eldest daughter of Thomas Neate Esq., of the former place.

    In the Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette - Thursday 7th October 1847, p.2. appears the following announcement: RICHARD RUSS, TAILOR, DRAPER, ETC. Begs to return his sincere thanks to the Gentry and his Friends of Chippenham, and its neighbourhood, for the liberal and kind support he has received from them since his commencement in trade as above, and respectfully informs them, that he has DISPOSED of his BUSINESS to his late foreman, Mr. HETHERINGTON, who, from his thorough practical knowledge of the same in all its branches, he can with confidence recommend to their notice, and for whom he solicits their future favours.

    RALPH HETHERINGTON, On succeeding to the above Business, respectfully solicits a continuance of the support so liberally conferred on his predecessor; assuring his Friends and the Public generally, that it shall be his constant endeavour to merit the same, by strict punctuality and attention in the execution of all orders entrusted to him, as well as by moderate charges.
    In order to lower the Stock renerally, which is very extensive, R. H. has resolved on making a considerable reduction on all goods purchased of him.
    Sept. 30th, 1847.

    By 1849, Richard's new venture of farming had run into serious trouble and he was forced to make an assignation. From the Morning Advertiser - Wednesday 24 October 1849 p.1.: NOTICE to CREDITORS. - That by an Indenture, dated the 24th day of September, 1849, RICHARD RUSS, of Kenton-lane Farm, near Stanmore, in the county of Middlesex, Farmer, and Thomas Neate, of Yatesbury, in the said county of Wilts, Farmer, all his Estate and Effects, upon trust for themselves and his other creditors, and that the said Indenture was executed by the said Richard Russ, on the said 24th day of September, and by the said John Reeks Neate, and Thomas Neate, on the 2nd day of October instant; and the execution of the same by the said Richard Russ, john Reeks Neate, and Thomas Neate, was attested by Henry Pickett, of Temple Chambers, Fleet-street, in the City of London, Solicitor, to whom all claims on, and debts due to, the estate of the said Richard Russ, are desired to be respectfully sent and paid.       HENRY PICKETT.

    By 1851 Richard and Mary Ann Russ were visiting Richard's brother, Daniel Hugh Russ, a farmer of 156 acres, and his sisters Elizabeth Philpot Russ, and Mary Ann Russ, in Sutton Benger, Wilts. The census describes Richard as "late farmer". Richard and Mary had a daughter Mary Elizabeth, baptised in Sutton Benger on 15th Feb. 1850. (After this they may have moved to All Cannings, Wilts. where sons George (bapt. 18th Jan. 1852) and John (bapt. 5th Feb. 1854) were born although this may not be the same family as there are other Russ surnames here).

    In 1861 Mary is a widow and housekeeper to her brother Thomas Neate living at Clap Gate, Litchfield, Highclere, Hampshire. Her daughter Mary Elizabeth married Robert Pitter on 30th June 1868 at St. James the Less, Litchfield. According to the marriage record, Richard is certainly deceased by this time although I can find no registered death that fits the dates.

1 Gallon "Slab Seal" Salt-glaze Stoneware Jar Russ1.jpg
Impressed: R. RUSS / WINE & SPT. MERCH. / CHIPPENHAM .



Potter: J. Bourne & Son. Denby & Codnor Park Potteries Near Derby .

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