Edward Russell (?–1826)
Edward Russell was probably the Edward Russell sentenced to life transportation for burglary. He arrived at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), in September 1825 aboard the Medina.
In December 1825 Russell escaped from the Launceston Watch House with Thomas Jefferies, John Perry and James Hopkins. The men formed a gang, with Jefferies killing seven people, including an infant, in their few months on the run. During a period when they were short of food, they apparently cast lots to decide who would die and be eaten by the others. Russell lost. He didn't believe they would carry out their plan but, according to Jefferies confession when he was caught, he shot Russell in the head that night, and they 'lived on his flesh for four days'.
Additional Resources
- Thomas Jefferies confesses to killing Russell, Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas), 27 January 1826, p 3
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Jefferies, Thomas (criminal associate)
- Hopkins, James (criminal associate)
- Perry, John (criminal associate)
Citation details
'Russell, Edward (?–1826)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/russell-edward-31478/text38933, accessed 13 September 2024.