His father was a bricklayer and builder. The family emigrated to Tasmania when he was still a child, and then moved again to New Zealand in 1864. Russell worked as an apprentice journalist, before trying to become a Wesleyan Methodist minister.
His father was a mason and constructor. The family migrated to Tasmania when he was still an infant, and then relocated again to New Zealand in 1864. Russell served as an apprentice journalist, before attempting to become a Wesleyan Methodist clergyman.