Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Russell, William John (Billy) (1879–1915)

from Daily Telegraph

Mr. William John Russell, who died a few days ago, as the result of an accident at Pyrmont, was a prominent Laborite and union official. Born at Smithtown 36 years ago, he was educated at the local public school and at the Sydney High School, and for the past 13 years had been in the employ of the City Council. Prominent in Labor and union circles, he was for five years president of the Parkes Federal Labor Council and occupied the presidential chair of the N.S.W. branch of the Plumbers' Union for a term. He was also prominent in local public matters and, besides having formed the Canterbury Friendly Societies' Association, founded the Ratepayers' Association. Mr. Russell was probably best known as the Labor opponent of Mr. Bruce Smith at the 1913 and 1914 Federal elections. At the last meeting of the Sydney Labor Council appreciative references were made to his services and a vote of condolence was passed to his widow and four children.

Original publication

Other Obituaries for William John (Billy) Russell

Additional Resources

  • photo, Worker (Wagga, NSW), 17 April 1913, p 5

Citation details

'Russell, William John (Billy) (1879–1915)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/russell-william-john-billy-32808/text40813, accessed 27 March 2023.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2023