Jonathan Russell

Jonathan Russell (February 27, 1771 – February 17, 1832) was a United States representative from Massachusetts and diplomat. He served the 11th congressional district from 1821 to 1823 and was the first chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Early life Jonathan Russell was born in Providence, Rhode Island on February 27, 1771, the son of Jonathan and Abigail (Russell) Russell. He attended the local schools and graduated from Rhode Island College (now Brown University) with a Bachelor of Arts in 1791 and a Master of Arts in 1794. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, but did not practice.

Diplomatic career In 1811, Russell was appointed by President James Madison as Chargé d'Affaires in Paris and he acted as Minister to France following the departure of John Armstrong Jr. and prior to the arrival of Armstrong's successor, Joel Barlow. He returned to the United States in 1818 and settled in Mendon, Massachusetts. and also served as a delegate to that year's state constitutional convention.

Member of Congress In November 1820, Russell was elected to the United States House of Representatives.

Feud with John Quincy Adams In 1822, Russell authored a pamphlet accusing John Quincy Adams, one of Russell's fellow negotiators at Ghent in 1814, of having favored British interests in those treaty talks. He was interred in the family plot on his estate in Milton. Amelia, George, Caroline, Anna, Ida, Geraldine, Rosalie, and Jonathan.