Joseph Ambrose Russell was a lawyer and police magistrate. He lived at 1960 Robson Street from 1908 to 1910, and at 1973 Robson Street from 1910 to about 1937.
Early Life
Joseph Ambrose Russell was born in Newcastle, New Brunswick on September 17, 1866. His parents were Matthew Russell and Sarah Ann Ingram.
Joseph went to Harkins Academy in Newcastle. On April 27, 1887, he obtained a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, and he practiced law in New Brunswick for a short time.
To Vancouver
In 1888, Joseph travelled to Vancouver.
Law Practice, Business and Other Interests
Joseph was admitted as a solicitor in British Columbia in 1889, and he was called to the British Columbia bar in 1890.
From 1891 to 1900, he was a police magistrate in Vancouver. During the same period, he carried on a law practice in Vancouver. He worked with a series of other lawyers, and then, in 1896, he formed a law partnership with his brother Finley R. McD. Russell; the firm also had a series of other partners. In 1913, he retired from the firm for a period of rest.
He also became involved in other business interests, including salmon canning, lumber, mining, shipbuilding and manufacturing.
He was one of the founders and directors of the Vancouver Horse Show. He was active in many sports, including rowing and tennis.
Marriage to Jessie Millar
On August 17, 1892 in Vancouver, Joseph married Jessie Millar. She was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 17, 1866. Her parents were James Millar (1867-1952) and Flora Ann McDowell (1869-1933). James Millar was a merchant in New Westminster and Vancouver.
Residences in Vancouver
After the marriage, the Russells lived in a series of residences in Vancouver.
From 1908 to 1910, they were at 1960 Robson Street, which was the home of Mrs. Edward Lewis.
In the fall of 1909, they were at 1932 Alberni Street for three months.
Finally, about 1910, they were preparing to move to their new house at 1973 Robson Street, which was at the northeast corner of Robson Street and Chilco Street.
![1973 Robson Street - Vancouver City Archives - M-11-59 - A Vancouver residence [in the West End probably on the northeast corner of Robson Street and Chilco Street]; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/vancouver-residence-in-west-end-probably-on-northeast-corner-of-robson-street-and-chilco-street;rad](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/1973-robson-street-vancouver-city-archives-m-11-59-a-vancouver-residence-in-the-west-end-probably-on-the-northeast-corner-of-robson-street-and-chilco-street.jpg)
At the time of the 1911 Canada census, Joseph and Jessie were at 1973 Robson, along with their daughter, Flora, and a staff of at least three people, including a nurse, a maid, and a domestic.
In 1912, the local society column described the annual birthday party for Flora, and listed about 100 guests and their individual costumes for the party.
Proposed Apartment Building
About 1912, Joseph hired Henry Barton Watson to design an apartment building.
![Drawing of the Russell apartments; by Henry B. Watson, architect; [about 1912], Vancouver City Archives, M-11-73; https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/drawing-of-russell-apartents-by-henry-b-watson-architect.](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/russell-apartments-vancouver-city-archives-m-11-73-version-2.jpg)
The proposed site of the building was the southeast corner of Chilco Street and Alberni Street, just down the hill from the Russell house at 1973 Robson Street. (The small house at the left of the drawing (above) appears to be 1952 Alberni Street.)
![Chilco Street, between Alberni Street and Robson Street, 1931, Vancouver, B.C. [from the air looking east from Lost Lagoon]; detail; Vancouver City Archives, Van Sc P15; https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/vancouver-b-c-from-air-looking-east-from-lost-lagoon;rad.](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/chilco-street-between-alberni-street-and-robson-street-1931-vancouver-b-c-from-the-air-looking-east-from-lost-lagoon-detail-vancouver-city-archives-van-sc-p15.jpg)
| District: | Vancouver |
| Permit: | 4119 |
| Owner: | Russell, J. A. |
| Architect: | Watson, Henry Barton [VDW] |
| Builder: | |
| Legal Address: | DL: 185 Block: 65 Sub: Resub: Lot: 17-18 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1912-12-31 |
| Street Number: | 752 |
| Street Name: | Chilco Street |
| Value: | $200,000.00 |
| Remarks: | Apartments/rooms; six-storey concrete apartment house [VP]; [architect added VDW Feb 13, 1913 p24] |
| Reference ID: | VN-3300-3301-2896 |
Heritage Vancouver; Vancouver Building Permits; http://permits.heritagevancouver.org/; searched July 29, 2018.
(For unknown reasons, construction of the Russell Apartments did not go ahead. The site was largely vacant in 1931. The Glass Manor appeared on the site about 1958.)
Support for War Effort
During the First World War, Joseph formed the Vancouver Volunteer Cavalry Reserve; he also became the adjutant of the reserve.
In 1915, the Russells offered the house at 1973 Robson Street to support the Coronation Chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, who held a large dance to honour the officers of the 62nd and 72nd Battalions.
Jessie to France
In 1921, Flora went to Paris, France, to study singing with Dame Nellie Melba. In 1924, in Biarritz, Flora married Comte Alexandre Lambert. Shortly after the marriage, Comte Lambert was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. He became an invalid, and Flora’s mother, Jessie, went to France to be with Flora. In September 1925, while Jessie was in France, she caught a cold and she died.
Joseph: Later Life
Joseph continued to practice law for much of the rest of his life, although from time to time he travelled for health reasons. In 1933, he went on a trip to California, where his health did improve.
In the late 1940s, Joseph moved to the Okanagan to live with Flora and Maurice.
Joseph died in Kelowna, British Columbia, on December 15, 1949. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Joseph Ambrose Russell and Jessie Millar had one child.
Flora Macdonald Russell
Flora Macdonald Russell was born in San Francisco, California, on December 18, 1901.
She was active in the Vancouver Horse Show. She was also a talented singer, and in 1921 she went to Paris, France, to study with Dame Nellie Melba. In 1924, in Biarritz, Flora married Comte Alexandre Lambert. Soon after the wedding, Alexandre was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. He became an invalid. While Flora’s mother, Jessie, was in France with Flora, Jessie caught a cold and died.
By 1927, Flora was back in Vancouver, where she was known as Comtesse Alexandre Lambert. In 1928, she gave a large party in the house at 1973 Robson Street.
In 1937, she was still known as “The Comtesse Lambert.” She was one of the hostesses who arranged a party to support a “Little Theatre” presentation of Karel Kapek’s “The Makropoulo’s Secret.”
On August 23, 1941, Flora married Maurice John Evans of Pender Harbour, British Columbia. He was born in England. His parents were Alexander Easson Evans (1872-1916) and Ethel Anne Bainbridge Fenwick (1864-1904).
Maurice had attended Royal Military College from 1917 to 1920. After he graduated, he went into engineering; in later life he was a timber cruiser.
Maurice and Flora went to live in Okanagan Mission, near Kelowna, British Columbia.
Maurice died at Okanagan Mission, British Columbia, on April 1, 1963.
Flora died in Kelowna, British Columbia, on June 6, 1969.
Alexandre Lambert and Flora Macdonald Russell had a daughter.
Rose-Marie Josephine Susan Lambert (also known as Rosemary Lambert Evans)
Comte Alexandre Lambert’s and Flora’s daughter was Rose-Marie Josephine Susan Lambert, although she was later called Rosemary Lambert Evans. She went to York House School in Vancouver, and she later obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree at Washington State College in Pullman, Washington State. Her thesis was a study of eight oil paintings by Cezanne, Picasso, Graque and El Greco.
On December 17, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, she married Frederick James Bassett. He was born in Rochester, New York, on January 3, 1927. His parents were George William Bassett and Edna M. Corey. Frederick served with the U.S. 88th Infantry Division in Italy during the Second World War. He graduated from the University of Rochester.
Sources
Thanks to Murray at Vancouver As It Was: https://vanasitwas.wordpress.com/ for information on Joseph Russell’s proposed apartment on Chilco Street.
Joseph Ambrose Russell
Joseph Ambrose Russell, Who’s Who in Western Canada, C.W. Parker, editor, Vancouver, Canadian Press Association, pages 331-332, http://www.ourroots.ca/e/page.aspx?id=643327.
Joseph Ambrose Russell, The Canadian Men and Women of the Time, (Second edition), Henry J. Morgan, Toronto, William Briggs, 1912, page 983.
Joseph A. Russell, British Columbia From the Earliest Times to the Present, Volume 3, Howay and Scholefield, Vancouver , S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914, https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf00schouoft#page/46/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf00schouoft#page/47/mode/1up; https://archive.org/stream/britishcolumbiaf00schouoft#page/49/mode/1up.
Joan Brockman, “Women and Visible Minorities in the Legal Profession,” Essays in the History of Canadian Law: The Legal History of British Columbia, edited by David H. Flaherty, John McLaren, Hamar Foster, Toronto, Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History, 1995, page 508 at page 543.
Calendar of Dalhousie College and University, 1887-1888, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University, 1887, Page 67, Degrees conferred April 27, 1887, Bachelors of Laws, Joseph Ambrose Russell, Newcastle, N.B.
“Canada Census, 1871,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M4MK-TVR : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Mathew Russell, Newcastle, Northumberland, New Brunswick, Canada; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1871/pdf/4396660_00582.pdf
“Canada Census, 1881,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MV6X-P6S : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Joseph A. Russell in household of Matthew Russell, Newcastle, Northumberland, New Brunswick, Canada; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/e/e326/e008134981.pdf.
“Canada Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MWK3-S7Y : accessed 07 Jan 2014), J R Russell, Vancouver City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148093-00164.pdf
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD8X-G6Z : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Joseph Ambrose Russell and Jessie Miller, 1892.
British Columbia Voters List, 1898, http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canbc/vote1898/voteru.htm, “Russell, Joseph Ambrose, Hotel Vancouver, Solicitor, Van.”
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHVJ-ZHF : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Joseph A Russell in entry for Frank Darling, 1901; http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1901/z/z001/pdf/z000010614.pdf.
Canada Census, 1901, British Columbia, Burrard, Vancouver City, D-23, page 21, family 206, lines 5-6, http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=60137&highlight=5&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Joseph+A.+Russell.
“New York, Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JFBF-235 : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Joseph A. Russell, 26 Jan 1904; citing Saxonia, United States National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Social and Personal, Vancouver Province, September 7, 1909, page 9: “Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Russell have taken the residence lately occupied by Mr. V. F. Cronyn for three months while their new residence is being completed.” [Note: Verschoyle Francis Cronyn was at 1932 Alberni Street from 1906 to 1909.]
1911 Census of Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, 1 Vancouver City, page 15, family 141, lines, 4-11; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=63673&highlight=4&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Joseph+Russell; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1911/pdf/e001940049.pdf
Society, Vancouver Province, December 16, 1912, page 8: “A festivity which has come to be anticipated with the keenest pleasure by a large number of young people is Miss Flora Russell’s birthday party, an annual event which is always one of the most enjoyable of the holiday gaieties. . . .”
“New York, Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JNTL-2Z3 : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Joseph A. Russell, 26 Dec 1913; citing Cedric, United States National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Mil P38 – [Vancouver Volunteer Cavalry], http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/vancouver-volunteer-cavalry;rad
Society, Vancouver Province, December 1, 1915, page 1: “The dance given last evening, by the Coronation Chapter of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire, at the residence of Mrs. J.A. Russell . . .”
“J.A. Russell Returns,” Vancouver Sun, November 25, 1933, page 2; http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ki9lAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2ogNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5382%2C2943202
Leonard Lockyer, “Bench and Bar: An Interview,” (1943), The Advocate, volume 1, pages 48-49.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL58-9JY : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Joseph Ambrose Russell, 1949.
“Death Takes City Lawyer in Kelowna,” Vancouver Province, December 16, 1949, page 42.
“Ex-magistrate Russell dead at Kelowna,” Vancouver Sun, December 17, 1949, page 23.
“Death Calls Well-Known Coast Lawyer,” Kelowna Courier, December 19, 1949, page 1.
Joseph Ambrose Russell, death notice, (1950), The Advocate, volume 8, page 14.
Mountain View Burials, http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/NONMARKETOPERATIONS/MOUNTAINVIEW/burials/ru.htm: RUSSELL, Joseph Ambrose; date of death: Dec-15-1949; date of burial: Feb-13-1950; plot number: MASONIC/*/*/074/0016; http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26301778.
Jessie Millar (wife of Joseph Ambrose Russell)
“Canada Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MWKS-LP2 : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Jessie Miller, New Westminster City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148092-00609.pdf
“Mrs. J.A. Russell Passes in Paris: Wife of Well-known Vancouver Barrister Died Suddenly Tuesday,” Vancouver Province, September 16, 1925, page 1.
“Mrs. J. Russell Dies Suddenly While Abroad: Pioneer Resident Succumbs to Brief Illness in France,” Vancouver Sun, September 16, 1925, page 3.
James Millar (father of Jessie Millar)
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLR4-YCJ : accessed 07 Jan 2014), James Millar, 1952.
British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1952-09-002395, James Millar.
Mountain View Cemetery, MILLAR, James; Feb-14-1952; JONES/*/*/064B/0008.
James Millar, death notice, Vancouver Sun – Feb 16, 1952, page 30, column 4, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BjhlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nIkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1126%2C2542699.
Flora Ann McDowell (mother of Jessie Millar)
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL5W-YWY : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Flora Ann Millar, 1933.
British Columbia Death Registrations , Registration Number: 1933-09-480781, Flora Ann Millar.
Mountain View Cemetery, http://former.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/NONMARKETOPERATIONS/MOUNTAINVIEW/burials/me-mn.htm: MILLAR, Flora Ann; Apr-21-1933; JONES/*/*/064B/0007.
Flora Macdonald Russell (daughter of Joseph Ambrose Russell and Jessie Millar)
The Leader, August 2, 1921, page 5: “Miss Flora Russell, Vancouver, B.C., will leave for Paris in September to study music under the personal supervision of Madame Melba.”
Nellie Melba, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_Melba.
“Miss Flora Russell Honored With Tea,” Vancouver Sun, September 3, 1921, page 4; http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LSdlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jogNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2430%2C174722: “Miss Constance Peters, Vancouver heights, entertained at a charming tea on Thursday afternoon in honor of Miss Flora Russell who is leaving shortly for Paris.
Le Figaro, October 11, 1924, page 2: “en l’église Saint-Charles, à Biarritz, vient d’être célébré le mariage du comte Alexandre Lambert avec Mlle Flora Russel, fille de M. J. Russel et madam née Miller, de Vancouver. ”; http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k2941245/texteBrut [“In St. Charles Church, Biarritz, was recently celebrated the marriage of Count Alexander Lambert and Miss Flora Russell, daughter of Mr. J. and Mrs. Russell (born Miller), Vancouver.”]
“Comtesse Lambert’s Garden is Lovely Setting for Tea Today,” Vancouver Sun, July 11, 1928, page 6; http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GixlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=s4gNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1352%2C953004
“Taking Guests to Little Theatre: The Comtesse Lambert,” Vancouver Sun, January 4, 1937, page 7 (includes photograph of the Comtesse Lambert).
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLY4-59K : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Flora Macdonald Evans, 1969.
British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1969-09-008844, Flora Macdonald Evans.
Maurice John Evans (husband of Flora Macdonald Russell)
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHVV-85Y : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Maurice J Evans in entry for Alex E Evans, 1901.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLTX-N57 : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Maurice John Evans, 1963.
British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1963-09-005188, Maurice John Evans.
Rose-Marie Josephine Susan Lambert (daughter of Alexandre Lambert and Flora Macdonald Russell)
Rosemary Lambert Evans (1930 [sic] – Deceased); https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/G3R9-KW5.
“Mr. J.A. Russell and His Granddaughter, Rose-Marie Josephine Susan Lambert,” Vancouver Sun, October 24, 1931, page 15 (includes photograph of Joseph Ambrose Russell and Rose-Marie Josephine Susan Lambert”; http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6i1lAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yYgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1316%2C2940153 (note: link leads to page 16. Photograph of Joseph Ambrose Russell is on the bottom left corner of the page 15, the previous page).
“Kelowna Engagement of Interest Here,” Vancouver Sun, September 20, 1955, page 21. Refers to engement of Rosemary Lambert Evans to Frederick James Bassett, son of Mr. and Mrs. George William Bassett of Rochester, New York.
Frederick James Bassett (husband of Rose-Marie Josephine Susan Lambert)
Frederic J Bassett (3 January 1927 – 1 June 2004); https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/G3R9-837
“United States Census, 1930,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X788-CSP : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick Bassett in household of George W Bassett, Rochester, Monroe, New York, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 0152, sheet , family 50, NARA microfilm publication.
“United States Census, 1940,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K79G-GYG : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick T Bassett in household of George W Bassett, Ward 19, Rochester, Rochester City, Monroe, New York, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 65-289, sheet 3B, family 63, NARA digital publication of T627, roll 2850.
“United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KMN6-LV1 : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick J Bassett, 08 Mar 1945.
“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2HQ9-THN : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick J Bassett, 1945.
“California, County Marriages, 1850-1952,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K8XW-4ZK : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick James Bassett and Rosemary Lambert Evans, 1955.
Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. “United States Social Security Death Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VM33-KZN : 19 May 2014), Frederick J Bassett, 01 Jun 2004; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing). Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Name: Frederick James Bassett [Frederick J Bassett]; Gender: Male; Race: White; Birth Date: 3 Jan 1927; Birth Place: Rochester MO, New York; Death Date: 1 Jun 2004; Father: George W Bassett; Mother: Edna M Corey; SSN: 114180882; Notes: Sep 1942: Name listed as FREDERICK JAMES BASSETT; 26 Jun 2004: Name listed as FREDERICK J BASSETT.
“United States Social Security Death Index,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VM33-KZN : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick J Bassett, 1 June 2004; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
“United States Public Records Index,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KBMV-BHY : accessed 07 Jan 2014), Frederick James Bassett, 01 Oct 2007.
Russell Apartments
Henry Barton Watson, Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950; http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/322 : “CHICO [sic: Chilco] STREET, a six storey apartment block for J.A. Russell, 1913 (Vancouver Daily World, 13 Feb. 1913, [page] 24).
Vancouver Daily World, February 13, 1913, page 24.
Glass Manor, 700 Chilco St, Vancouver; http://www.glassmanpm.com/en/Vancouver/building/Glass+Manor/1995.
Leon Glassman, obituary, Published in Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Nov. 16, 2017; http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?n=leon-glassman&pid=187260952. “Their first [building], Glass Manor, overlooking Lost Lagoon, was among the first luxury high rises in the West End.”
“The Glass Manor, 700 Chilco Street,” About Town, November 1, 1957, page 5 and cover illustration.
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