Grove Way Bridge

Information About Thomas B. Russell

Thomas Bartlett Russell has contributed in various ways to the development of Hayward and Alameda county, where he has important agricultural interests and also has been active in contracting and building for some time. He was born December 11, 1861, on a tract of the old Soto ranch near Hayward and is a son of Joel Russell, who settled there at an early day in the history of this county and of whom extended mention is made in another part of this work.

Thomas B. Russell attended the public schools of Hayward and subsequently entered the University of California, from which he graduated in 1885 in mining engineering. He then took up the profession of railroad engineering and followed this line of work in various states for three or four years, returning at the end of that time to Hayward, where he engaged in farming. He has since remained active in that occupation. In 1895 Mr. Russell also took up contracting and has erected several buildings which have added considerably to the beautification of Hayward. Among those structures is the new high school, a handsome concrete structure which was completed in 1914. Mr. Russell has reached out in other fields of endeavor and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Hayward, becoming its first president.

On the 4th of February, 1891, Mr. Russell married at Hayward, Miss Lelia Smalley, a daughter of David S. Smalley, a pioneer of Alameda county, and to this union were born four children: Maude M., attending the University of California; Thomas B., and Lloyd S., high school students; and Lelia Mildred.

Although Mr. Russell is not active in politics, he has ever loyally discharged his citizen's duties. He is a progressive and leans toward the prohibition party, interesting himself much in the betterment of humanity and giving his support to all movements which are undertaken in order to change conditions to the better. For many years he has been a notary public and is at present secretary of the board of library trustees, realizing the valuable influence which an institution of this kind has upon the education of the masses. He has also served for years as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a member of Eucalyptus Lodge, A. F. & A. M., having belonged to this organization for thirty years and having held the office of worshipful master. He also belongs to Eden Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West.

Source: Past and Present of Alameda County, California, Volume 2, 1914.