Thomas Russell

Thomas Russell (September 26, 1825 – February 9, 1887) was an American jurist and government official who served as Collector of Customs for the Port of Boston, United States Minister Resident to Venezuela, and Massachusetts Commissioner of Railroads.

Early life Russell was born on September 26, 1825, to Thomas and Mary Ann (Goodwin) Russell. His father served as Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts. Russell graduated from Harvard College in 1845 and studied law at Harvard Law School and in the office of Jacob H. Loud. In 1847 he moved to Boston and continued his studies in the office of Whiting & Russell. Russell was known for his harsh sentences against garroters which was credited with deterring similar attacks. During the American Civil War he also served as a draft commissioner. He remained in Venezuela until 1877, when a report written by Russell stating that the United States would have to use force or bribery to collect on the claims of their citizens against the Venezuelan government was published, resulting in Venezuelan President Antonio Guzmán Blanco breaking off all official relations with Russell and forcing his recall.

Russell was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1879. He was also a trustee of the State Reform School for Boys and the Massachusetts Nautical School.

Russell was an abolitionist and a member of the Free Soil Party. He was also a member of the Mount Lebanon Lodge and spoke at numerous Freemason assemblies.

Russell died on February 9, 1887, at his home in Boston. He was buried at Burial Hill in Plymouth.