Barrett Crumen

Barrett Crumen (also Krumen; 26 March 1878 – 19 September 1968), popularly known as Russian Jack, was a New Zealand seaman and itinerant rural labourer (swagger). He became known as one of the last surviving representatives of New Zealand's traditional swagger culture in the first half of the 20th century.

Early life According to the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, Crumen was born on 26 March 1878 in present-day Latvia, then part of the Russian Empire. He came from a Lutheran family. Little is known about his parents or early childhood. He reportedly attended school for about three years before beginning work in forestry. :

In popular culture Crumen's nickname and image have also been preserved in contemporary New Zealand commercial culture. The wine brand Russian Jack, produced in the Marlborough region, was named in his honour and refers to his story in its branding.