Mrs A. Russell

Signed family name

Russell

Signed given name

Mrs A.

Given address

Dalry st Glen Mornington

Sheet number

Town/Suburb

Mornington

City/Region

Dunedin

Notes

Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley

Agnes Richmond was born about 1834 in Renfrewshire, Scotland – the daughter of John Richmond, a weaver, and Ann.

Agnes married James Russell, a farmer, on 24 May 1867 in the Waikouaiti Parish north of Dunedin and they had four children.

In 1882 James placed an advertisement in the paper stating that he 'will not be responsible for any debts contracted by my wife.'

In 1884 Agnes filed a suit for a judicial separation. Her evidence said 'that the respondent had been for many years, and still was, addicted to the excessive use of intoxicating liquors, and had frequently assaulted and beaten the petitioner.'

James denied the charges and a decree was made for a judicial separation – Agnes was to have custody of their three daughters and James to have custody of their son.

Later that year the farm was sold and Agnes moved to Dunedin – where James went is uncertain.

When Agnes signed the suffrage petition she was living with her daughter Annie (See 55 Annie F Russell) in Dalry St, Mornington.

She died at her home on 17 January 1909 and is buried with her daughter Alison in the Northern Cemetery.