Clan Russell

The surname Russell is generally understood to be allied to the French Rosel and would indicate a connection with russet, red . The family of Russell of Aden in Aberdeenshire descends from one Rozel, Rosel or Russell, an English baron who accompanied Edward III. at the siege of Berwick and battle of Halidon Hill in 1333 and settled in Scotland, being designed Russell of that ilk . In 1600 Alexander Russell of this family purchased property near Elgin, and his son Patrick Russell, who married a sister of Archbishop Sharp, in 1680 bought part of the lands of Moncoffer, Banffshire, which were sold by his grandson Alexander Russell, who on his part purchased Aden and other estates in Aberdeenshire. Of the family of Russell of Ashiesteel, Selkirkshire, two members have distinguished themselves by their military services, namely Colonel William Russell of Ashiesteel , who when lieutenant of the 79th led the storming party at the siege of Manilla, and afterwards as Adjutant-General of the Madras army, was engaged in all the memorable expeditions in India, under Clive, Coote, Lawrence, etc. , and his son Major General Sir James Russell, born in 1781 , who served in the East Indies from 1799 to 1825, commanded a brigade of cavalry at the battle of Mahedpoor, and in 1837 was nominated K.C.B. He died in 1860.