San Francisco County
HON. HENRY B. RUSS
HON. HENRY B. RUSS,--It seems strange in meeting a gentleman of so young an appearance as is presented by Mr. H. B. Russ, to think that he is one of the very oldest of the pioneers of this city, and that he first saw the Golden Gate in 1847. Yet, with the other members of his family such is the case. He is the youngest son of the honorable old pioneer, I. C. Christian Russ, the founder of one of the best-known and most prominent families of the State. He came with his father to San Francisco in 1847. Mr. Russ was born at Mt. Hope, on the Hudson river, New York State, September 25, 1840. When the family came to California with Stevenson’s regiment, March 26, 1847, he accompanied them, a boy of but six years of age, and retaining now but indistinct recollections of the voyage. Henry, with his brother Frederick, were among the first pupils of the first public school ever established in San Francisco, having for later teachers John Swett, Mr. Denman, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Minns, and others of the famous educators of early days in this city. Later on Mr. Russ attended the University of the Pacific at San Jose, then kept by Mr. McClay. It is but just to say in this place that a considerable portion of our information in regard to early schools, etc., of this city were obtained from Mr. Russ, and we wish to make acknowledgment in this place.
Mr. Russ began to learn the art of engraving, and carried it on for about a year, arriving at considerable facility and showing a decided talent. However, he preferred a mercantile life, and in 1857, on the death of his father, he entered the wholesale firm of Mebius, Duisenberg & Co., Mr. Mebius being his brother-in-law. He remained with them for seven years. In 1865 Mr. Russ was married to Miss Hammersmith, a native of Indiana, and of good family. In partnership with her brother, J. E. Hammersmith, he went into business in the Russ House, dealing in fancy goods, toys, notions, etc., but upon the occurrence of the earthquake in 1868 they sold out and both went to Europe with their families, remaining about five years. Mr. Russ made his headquarters in Dresden, but visited all parts of the continent, seeing the great Vienna Exposition. In 1873 he and him family returned, when his wife contracted a severe cold on the lungs, which developed into consumption, and although every effort was made by change of climate to Los Angeles and elsewhere she gradually sank, and died December 23, 1875, regretted by all. After his return to San Francisco Mr. Russ took part in the management of the Russ estate, and has largely devoted himself to that since.
He was elected a Supervisor for the Tenth ward of the city upon the Republican ticket in 1881, under Mayor Blake, and served for one year, until by a peculiar decision of the Supreme Court the whole board was unseated. During his term of office Mr. Russ established a reputation for efficiency and honesty in attention to the affairs of the city—a reputation, in fact, too good to suit the time-serving element of voters, who have spared no means to defeat him when at the solicitation of his many friends he consented to allow his name to be brought forward. Finally in 1890 he refused point-blank to take the nomination for Auditor. His principal object for refusing to take further part of the engrossing business of politics is to aid the Olympic Club, of which he was one of the oldest members, and has been one of its most ardent and useful members and promoters. In fact the great efficiency and success of this noble institution has been to no small extent a result of his labors, which have been indefatigable in the service of this worthy cause. Mr. Russ is an enthusiastic athlete himself, and for years hardly had his equal upon the coast, taking part in many brilliant public exhibitions. He has held every position in the gift of the club, from president to treasurer, being always a director. He is now serving as treasurer, and it is partly to his energetic and comprehensive planning that a fine lot on Post, between Mason and Taylor streets, has been secured, and an elegant building that will be an ornament to the city will soon be erected. But we must refer the reader to the history of the club for further information as to Mr. Russ’ good work in this direction. He possesses a magnificent diamond-studded gold badge presented to him with a life membership by the members in 1869, in token of distinguished services, esteem and affection at the occasion of his departure for Europe, when they gave a grand ball in his honor. The Olympic Club, it may be stated, en passant, is one of the best social features of San Francisco since 1860.
Mr. Russ was married a second time in 1879 to Miss Sievers, a native of California, whose father resides in Napa county. Mr. Russ has two children by his present wife. His eldest daughter is the wife of Mr. Hoffman of Chicago, the son of the sheriff of that city who attained fame by his successful putting down of the Anarchists. His eldest son, Henry S. Russ, is worthily taking after his father in his love for athletics and is an enthusiastic gymnast. He won the last gold medal in the wrestling tournament in the Olympic Club, in 1891. Mr. Russ is a life member of the Pioneer Society. He has aided very largely in promoting all honorable and philanthropic causes, and has been a liberal supporter of the German Benevolent Society, the Art Union, etc. In fine, Mr. Russ is one of San Francisco’s most esteemed and most representative men, and is in possession of complete physical and mental vigor. Personally and socially he is exceeding popular. Those holding close relation with him speak of him in terms of real affection. His family is composed of a wife and five bright and promising children. It may be truthfully added that he is a worthy descendant of a most honored sire.
Transcribed by Joyce
and David Rugeroni.
Source: “The Bay of
San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Pages 369-370, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2006 Joyce & David
Rugeroni.