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For the descendents of Richard Dearie and his son John Russell


Western Times Friday 31 July 1903 PROGRESS AT CREDITON GRAMMAR SCHOOL. - Form IV. Prize for history and geography, D.O. Russell.(From British Newspaper Archive www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)

Western Times Thursday 23 June 1904. MORRIS TUBE MATCH AT CREDITON. A Morris Tube shoot between Crediton Grammar School and the Hon. Members G Crediton Company, Ist V.B.D.R., took place at the School Range on Monday, resulting in a win for the school by nine points. The conditions were eight shots, with two sighters, at 500 yards prone. There will be a return match at the Drill Hall. School –… D.O Russell 29….(From British Newspaper Archive www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)

Western Times Wednesday 16 November 1904. MORRIS TUBE SHOOT AT CREDITON. A friendly Morris-Tube shoot took place on Monday in the Volunteer Drill Hall, between ten of G Company and ten of the Crediton Grammar School. The conditions were ten rounds at 200 yards, stationary target. The result was a win for the Volunteers by 38 points. The following were the scores: Grammar school.- D. O. Russell 42.(From British Newspaper Archive www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)

Western Times Friday 26 November 1909. Old Boys. Diploma in Mining Engineering, at Golden, Colorado- D.O.Russell. (From British Newspaper Archive www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)

Letter to Secretary to Resident Selangor from J. A. Russell & Co. Miners, Contractors and Land Agents 14 &15 Loke Yew Buildings. Kuala Lumpur Selangor. 11th October 1911. Sir, We have the honour to apply for a 1st class appraisers licence for Mr. D.O. Russell for house property and mining land, and a 2nd class one for agricultural property. At present during the absence of Mr. J. A. Russell a great part of our land agency business has to be hung up until he can return. With regard to Mr. D. O. Russell’s qualifications, he spent five years at the Colorado Government School of Mines from which he graduated with honours, while as to house property he won the Denver city municipal prize for a scheme for town- improvements. He has at the present moment charge of some 77 shops in the towns of Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Klang, Kajang and Serendah, most of the purchases of which he himself negotiated. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants J. A. Russell & Co., J. A. Russell Manager. Document in the National Archives of Malaysia 4761/1911

Letter from the Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur to the Secretary to the Resident, Selangor. 21st November, 1911 L. 1780/1911 Kuala Lumpur, 21st November, 1911 Application by Mr. D. O. Russell for 9 ½ acres of land in K. Lumpur Town for building purposes. Sir, I have the honour to report the receipt of an application from Mr. D. O. Russell for 9 ½ acres of land being lots 3, 4 and 5 as shewn on the attached tracing. 2. If approved he proposes to erect a house costing $10,000 - $12,000 at the highest part of the land which is said to be where the 3 blocks converge. 3. These blocks are 3 of the European Residential sites referred to in Notification 382 of 17th February 1911, so that this application does not fit in with the scheme as advertised and for that reason I think the application should be refused. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, ? Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur. From National Archives of Malaysia. (K. L. Land Office 5359/11). Transcribed by P.C

 

 129/1912.   U.S.L.112/11

Return of Lessee’s Land and Labour Force

 

Name

No of

Title

Mukim

Area

Labour and Equivalence

D. O. Russell

L. 96

Rasa

13

20

 

       “

     97

       “

22

    78

        “

   104

       “

4

Worked with L. 97

         “

 2195

 Petaling

1

     nil

         “   

2196

       “

22

     486

         “

 

 

62 acres

     584 coolies

 

Date 28.12.11

Senior Warden of Mines F. M. S.

Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia .  (? 129/1912).  Transcribed by P.C

 

Untitled [Articles] The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 21 January 1913, Page 6 The following are approved for licenses as appraisers for Selangor for 1913. - …J. A. Russell, D.O. Russell…

The Straits Times, 9 February 1912, Page 6 Messrs. M. Duncan, E. E. Lessler, P.E. Cobham, M. Maude, and A.R. Morgan in Perak and Messrs. H. A. Koek, A. Fox, D. O. Russell, J. A. Russell, R .F. Grey, Syed S. Alsagoff, T.A. Mauchip and N.S. Mansergh in Selangor have been appointed first class appraisers in Perak for 1912. The following have been granted second class licences also for the same State and for the same period: Messrs G. C. Bannerji, H. A. Koek, P.C. Russell, J.A. Russell, D.O. Russell, Syed S. Alsagoff, and Abdulla bin Haji Hashim.

The Straits Times, The Straits Times, 12 February 1912, Page 12
, 17 February 1912, Page 16
, and 26 February 1912, Page 12
, NOTICES The Temiang Syndicate, Ltd. (In Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above company are required on or before the 29th day of February, 1912, to send their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims to Mr. D. O. Russell, Loke Yew Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, the Official Liquidator of the said company, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Official Liquidator are to come in and prove their said debts or claims at such a place and time as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. Dated this 31st day of January, 1912. DREW AND NAPIER, Solicitors to the above mentioned Official Liquidator.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 23 May 1912, Page 331 NEW SERENDAH. COMPANYS FLOURISHING POSTION. Dr. E A O Travers, chairman, presided at the second annual general meeting of shareholders of New Serendah Rubber company, Limited held at Kuala Lumpur. 0. The net profit for the year amounted to $23,985.10, which together with the bounds brought forward from 1910 amounted to $24,030.47. After paying off $303.15 as preliminary expenses, paying a dividend of 5 percent absorbing $20,800, and paying directors fees amounting to $2,500, of which 25 per cent was chargeable to revenue, a balance of $2,302,32 was carried forward. Dr. Travers said they had all received a copy of the report and balance sheet and would notice that in this case the directors have given them in full the report of Mr. Harvey, the visiting agent. The directors desired to keep shareholders in touch with all that was being down on the estate and thought it better to do this than to rely upon casual remarks made by the Chairman at the annual meeting. The 16,000 shares which the company issued last year would rank for dividend as from the first of July, and, therefore, they would receive a dividend for the half-year. There seemed to be some misunderstanding in the minds of some shareholders, who thought they were to receive a dividend for the whole year. Share is now issued would rank for dividend from the first of May this year. (Summary: the article covers the price obtained for rubber, cost of production, compared to The Straits Rubber Company, Glenshiel and Crocodile, which was good and showed good management. Mr. Ferrers, a shareholder complained that annual meeting ought to have been held in February and that the 5 directors were paid $500 each a year, and asked how many meetings they attended and was told 2.) “ He did not bring forward this point in a contentious spirit, but when the Company paid one-tenth of its profits to directors, shareholders ought, surely, to know it had been well spent. As a fact three of the five directors were not in Kuala Lumpur for a great length of time last year. Mr. J. A. Russell, was in Hong Kong and Mr. Russell Grey and Dr. Travers were also away. He thought people would wonder how it was these gentlemen, and were being paid for services, which, on the face of it, they were not performing satisfactorily. If a man were appointed a director he should not appoint another man to act for him, while he took a holiday. At the same time he did not suppose the substitution of Mr. Don Russell for Mr. Archie Russell affected the value of the shares. In other respects Mr. Ferrers was thoroughly satisfied with the excellent report. The chairman in reply explained that the date of the annual meeting had to be deferred, as it was not possible to pay a dividend until new shares were issued, and that the accounts were only just complete. As to the question of the directors’ fees he said he received $300 for attending two meetings of the Federal Dispensary, as a director last year, and not $10 and meeting. Further, because a man was a director of a rubber company was he to be compelled to stay in this country all his life? Directors were paid not for attending meetings, but for their advice, the work they did for the companies, and the thought they gave them. (The report and statement of accounts was passed, Dr Travers and Mr. McFadyen were re elected directors.)

Letter: From District Officer U. Langat, District office, Kajang, 6th November, 1912 to Secretary to Resident, Selangor Kuala Lumpur. Subject. Application by Mr. D. O. Russell for mining rights over agricultural Grant No. 3230 of Ulu Langat. Sir, With reference to your correspondence No. 2728/08, I have the honour to report that Mr. D. O. Russell has renewed the application for mining rights over agricultural grant No. 3230 of Ulu Langat, part of the estate of Khoo Khye Chiah 2. The inspector of mines writes as follows: 1. No damage should accrue to other interests if reasonable care were taken. 2. By open cast methods- the land would be ruined for agricultural purposes afterwards- which could largely be avoided by bucket- dredging.” 3. The land is on the side of the road, and though mostly in lalang it contains durian dusun. A mine in this locality would be a blot on a somewhat picturesque landscape, and I see no reason for recommending that the decision already given be reversed. I have the honour to be Sir, Your obedient servant, F. Gayle, Dictrict Officer, U. Langat. (Attached map) Document in the National Archives of Malaysia 2728/08

Letter: From the District Officer of Ulu Selangor, Kuala Kubu to the Secretary to the Resident Selangor. 13th May 1913 Application by Mr. D. O. Russell for a P/L over 900 acres of land in the Mukims of Ulu Yam and Bantang Kali. Sir, I have the honour to submit for the Resident’s favourable consideration an application from Mr. D. O. Russell for a Prospecting Licence over 900 acres of land at the Mukims of Ulu Yam and Bantang Kali, as shown edged in pink on the attached tracing. 2. The land is available and lies in the valley of the Selangor River along the portion which is now being opened up for mining. The Mines Department has no objection to a Prospecting Licence over this area. 3. There is one direct application (marked U.S.L. 1554/12 on plan) prior to this application. This would be excluded. There are also two subsequent applications (marked 114/13 and 115/13) from Towkay Tan Chia. I would enquire whether the Resident considers that these two should be excised. 4. Mr. Russell owns in his own name 136 acres with 448 coolies. 5. I recommend this application for approval at a fee of $25 for a period of six months with the right to select 200 acres in not more than 4 blocks, the period under Section 53 (vi) to be 3 months. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, ? T C hennery District officer, Ulu Selangor. Document in the National Archives of Malaysia 2645/13

Letter from D. O. Russell, Malayan Collieries Ltd., J. A. Russell and Co. Federated Malay States, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 4th December, 1913 to Collector of Land Revenue, Ulu Selangor. Sir, We have the hour to inform you that we have now placed before our Board of Directors Prospecting Licence No 5314 (17/13), received from you last week, of date 17th November, 1913, and have been instructed by them to draw your attention to the fact that an extra Clause has been inserted in the Prospecting Licence as follows: -“ The Resident shall have the power to insert in any lease of land selected under this licence a condition to the effect that such an area shall be worked to his satisfaction”. In our letter of the 13th October, and that of Mr. J. A. Russell on behalf of the Rawang (F.M.S.) Coal Syndicate, Ltd., of the like date it was stipulated that the new Prospecting Licence issued to us should be identical as regards terms with that one previously issued to the Syndicate and under which it was then undertaken in return for the new one to make no further selection of land. The terms of Clause 3 are vague and the powers conferred on the Resident alarming; we should seem by it to be deprived of absolutely any protection or benefits of the Mining Enactment, 1904, and yet be subject to all its pains and penalties. Before, therefore accepting this Prospecting Licence, we would beg of you kindly to give us some interpretation of the meaning of this Clause. While on the point, we would also ask for an interpretation of Clause No 2. Is it not the form of the lease which it is meant is to be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies? We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Malayan Collieries Ltd., J. A. Russell and Co. Sd. D. O. Russell. Manager. (This letter has pencilled notes in the margin: “stipulated” is underlined and the note added: “ Neither M.C. nor the Syndicate was in a position to dictate terms.” Document in the National Archives of Malaysia 3943/13

Mining Lease. (copy) Government of Selangor. (Schedule D. Section 9 (i.) of “The Mining Enactment 1904”) Lease for Mining Land. District of Ulu Selangor. No. 2549 Vol. XXXVI Fol.49. This lease is issued by the Resident of Selangor, on behalf of His Highness the Sultan of Selangor, to Malayan Collieries Limited and those claiming under him, to occupy for the term of 21 years from the date hereof that portion of land in the mukim of Rawang Portion 1285 estimated to contain 1282 acres, (as shown on annexed plan and bounded as follows, that is to say:-) Subject as hereinafter provided: - For the purpose of working all metals and minerals found on or beneath the said land other than mineral oil. Excepting and reserving unto His said Highness all mineral oils on or beneath the said land with full liberty for His said Highness or persons authorised by him or by the said Resident on his behalf to search for, work and dispose of the same. Subject to the payment therefore of the annual rent of one thousand two hundred and eighty two dollars and to the employment thereon of not less than one thousand two hundred and eighty two coolies, and to the provisions and conditions set out in “The Mining Enactment 1904.” And to the special conditions and obligations endorsed hereon. In witness whereof the said Resident has hereto set his hand and caused the public seal of the State to be affixed at Kuala Lumpur this 6th day of December 1913, Sd. E. Burnside, Acting British Resident, Selangor. in the presence of Sd. T.S.T. Row. Signed by the said Lessees this 25th day of November 1913 for Malayan Collieries, Ltd: Sd. J. A. Russell Director. J. A. Russell and Co. Sd. D.O. Russell, Manager, Agents and Secretaries. in the presence of Sd. Henry E. Swan Collector. Registered at Kuala Kubu Land Office, this 23rd day of January 1914. No. of former Title Mining Certificate 988. Sd. R. E. Gordon-Walker, Collector. Ulu Selangor.

The Malay Daily Chronicle, Tuesday December 30, 1913 and MALAYAN COLLIERIES, LTD. [Articles] The Straits Times, 26 December 1913, Page 10 The Statutory Meeting. Mr. J.A Russell’s speech. The statutory meeting of Malayan Collieries Ltd., was held on 22nd inst. at the registered offices of the Company, 14 and 15 Loke Yew Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, Mr. J. A. Russell, (the chairman) presiding. Mr. D. O. Russell (on behalf of Messrs. J. A. Russell and Co. the agents and secretaries) having read the notice convening the meeting, the Chairman said: - Gentlemen, - this meeting, as you all know, is called but in order to comply with the provisions of the Companies Enactment, 1897, it being what is known as a statutory meeting. The object in calling a statutory meeting is not to present an audited balance sheet and report on the working of the Company, but to afford an opportunity to shareholders of learning how the floatation of the company has been effected. I have therefore first to inform you that the total number of shares allotted is 150,000 of which 61,000 are allotted fully paid up to the extent of $10/- a share in part consideration of the acquirement of the property and rights in the Federated Malay States of the Rawang (F.M.S.) Coal Syndicate Ltd. From this you will perceive that our Company has gone to allotment fully subscribed; it was in fact slightly over subscribed, and all very small applications were rejected. The total amount of money that has been received to date is $527,328. There is a sum of $6,750 still due from shareholders on account allotment, but the whole of this sum has been independently guaranteed. The total amount of disbursements made to date is $407,755.14 of which $390,000 was the cash consideration paid to the vendors. The amount of cash with the Company’s bankers is $112,572.86. The present directors, auditors, bankers and the agents and secretaries are those whose names were originally given on the front page of the prospectus, no changes or resignations having been made. But your directors have since the formation of the Company engaged the services of Messrs. Forster Brown and Rees, the eminent colliery consulting engineers of Cardiff, to design your plant, and to advise on equipping and working, while the latter have selected and engaged on your behalf Mr Thomas Lockhart McCall to act as your mines- manager at Rawang. Mr. McCall until he joined your Company was manager at the Ormiston Colliery, Great Britain, and holds, besides other certificates and diplomas a first class colliery manager’s certificate. Mr. McCall was unfortunately unable at once to sever his former connection, and therefore to arrive out here before about a week ago. The property and rights of the Rawang (F.M.S.) Coal Syndicate, Ltd., have been fully transferred to your Company and you are now sole registered owners of the Rawang Coalfields. Your directors, I must explain, had hoped to be able to avail themselves of the opportunity of today’s formal meeting to give you the information about the proposed method of working and the prospects of you Coalfield, which I am sure you are eager to have; but in view of the fact that Mr. McCall has but just arrived from Home, and has, therefore, not yet had sufficient time or opportunity in which thoroughly to investigate the field and seams, and to arrive at what is the best method of working, we have thought it better to say nothing now, but to promise that within one month’s time from today we will issue to all shareholders a circular giving the fullest possible particulars of the proposed method of working and of the prospects of your property. I shall, therefore, add nothing further at this meeting except in conclusion to mention that you must not think there has been any delay on the part of your directors, for matters have been progressing steadily and could not have been further expedited without taking grave risks; that the earthwork line being built by the F.M.S. Government to your coalfield is now well in hand; that all your directors have seen and heard since the formation of the Company has but the more convinced them of the great value of your property; and finally to thank you for you attendance here to-day.

 

Mines  1242/14  Sel. Sec 4675/1914

Return of Lessee’s Land and Labour Force

Name

 

No of

Title

Mukim

Area

Labour and Equivalence

D. O. Russell  M.L

2195

1 Petaling

1

0

 

2196

1     “

22

20

      

96

1 Rasa

13

100

       “                 “

97

1     “

22

Worked with L. 96

       “                 “

104

1      “

4

 12

       “                 “

2403

1 Batang Kali

16

 23    

       “                 “

2416

1      “

9

 41

 

1323

1 Pretak

49

14

       “                 “

1041

1 Batang Kali

32

0

       “              M.C.

 

 

 

168 acres

215 coolies   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date 2.9.14 Warden of Mines F. M. S. Selangor. From National Archives of Malaysia.  (Sel.Sec. 4675/1914).  Transcribed by P.C

 

Title and No. 2705                        G.29                                    Portion. 878.

Date of title.  5.3.15.                                                           

Area, 32.0.20

Lessee. D. O Russell.

Record of work.

Dates

Notes.

3.1. 14

25 coolies open mine.

19.11.15

3        “       lampan

27. 5. 16

4        “      open cast.

From National Archives of Malaysia. Transcribed by P.C

 

The Straits Times, 30 August 1915, Page 8
, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Mr. D. O. Russell, who obtained a commission in the R.E., is, according to latest advices, to leave for the front today.

Supplement to the Malay Mail August 4th, 1916, THE ROLL OF HONOUR AND LIST OF MALAY STATES MEN SERVING. The “Malay Mail Press” Co., Ltd 2, 4, and 6 Java Street, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S. Name: Russell, D. O. Profession: Merchant. Local Address: J.A. Russell and Co. Selangor. Rank: 2nd Lieut. Regiment: R.E.

 

Mines  1145/16.

Return of Lessee’s Land and Labour Force

Name

 

No of

Title

Mukim

Area

Labour and Equivalence

D. O. Russell  M.L

2705

1 Petaling

22

4

 

96

1  Rasa

13

-

       “                 “

97

1 Rasa

22

8

 

104

1 Rasa

4

-

       “                 “

2403

1 Batang Kali

16

6

        “                  “

2416

1      “

9

5

       “                    “

2738

1      “

32

-

 

 

 

118

23 

Date 26.9.16 Warden of Mines F. M. S. Selangor.

From National Archives of Malaysia.   Transcribed by P.C

 

Letter from the Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur to the Secretary to the Resident, Selangor. 17th October, 1916. L. 1590/1916 Kuala Lumpur, 17th October, 1916 Reports receipt of an application from Mr. D. O. Russell for renewal of M. L. 2705. in Petaling. Sir, I have the honour to report the receipt of an application dated 22.9.16 from Mr. D. O. Russell for renewal of Mining Lease 2705 (Petaling Mukim) which expires on 23.9.17. (tracing attached) A 2. I put up the lessee’s aggregate census figures and the history of the land. The Warden of Mines reports the land has not been consistently worked and does not recommend renewal. 3. He further adds “if the land becomes State land, I recommend non-alienation unless the Mines Department has been consulted, as it is so near the road and the railway, and there is always trouble about flooding near here.” 4. I support the Warden of Mines recommendation of non-renewal of lease. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, ? Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur.

From National Archives of Malaysia. (K. L. Land Office 4972/1916). Transcribed by P.C

From National Archives of Malaysia. 4972/16

 

The Straits Times, 3 April 1917, Page 7
 F.M.S. Trade. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL MEETING. Mr. Clodd's Review. The first annual general meeting of the F.M.S. Chamber of Commerce was held at the Mercantile Bank Buildings, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday, Mr. H. P. Clodd (Planters' Stores and Agency Co., Ltd.), the President, in the chair: - (Summary: chamber not constituted till first of July last year, membership 52, accounts, report, tin, rubber, trade in 1917, shipping, war loan, manpower, trade suggestions, thanks to British Navy for protection, roll of honour, serving members include: D. O. Russell (J. A. Russell and Co.) Selangor, statistics, customs, imports, (3636 words) 
 



Supplement to the Malay Mail August 4th, 1917, THE ROLL OF HONOUR AND LIST OF MALAY STATES MEN SERVING. The “Malay Mail Press” Co., Ltd 2, 4, and 6 Java Street, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S. Name: Russell, D. O. Profession: Merchant. Local Address: J.A. Russell and Co. Selangor. Rank: 2nd Lieut. Regiment: R.E. Remarks: Invalided out.

Letter from J. A. Russell, J A Russell & Co, Kuala Lumpur to The Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur. 21st June 1918. Sir, With reference to your letter of 13th May, 1918 numbered L.110/18, upon the subject of my application for a certain area of State land in Kuala Lumpur Town, in which letter you informed me that I might select lots 3 & 5 or 3 & 4, I have the honour to inform you that after carefully inspecting these three lots I find that the top of the hill is equally divided between them, but that there is so little flat land upon the top that there really is no room for more than one house. Whichever two I selected, should the third be subsequently alienated and the owner wish to do so, he could build his bungalow inconveniently close to mine. I, therefore, beg to inquire whether, if I select lots 3 & 4, the Government would be prepared to alienate to my brother Mr. D. O. Russell, lot 5 provided we agree between us to erect anywhere upon these three lots two substantial houses to the value of at least $5,000? If the above facility be granted to us, we could arrange our two bungalows as to utilise to the best advantage the total area of land comprised in the three lots. I have the hour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. A. Russell.

Hand written notes: 10.10.1918 Sir, I am d. to submit, for the CS’s considr, an appln. by Messrs. J. A. and D.O. Russell for 9 and half acres of residential land off Maxwell Road, K.L. as shown outlined in red on the tracing attached. 2. The area applied for is within the area referred to in Notn. 382 of the 17th Feb 1911. (R.G.O. 348/11) 3. An appln. for part of the site referred to herein was made in 1911 by Mr. D. O. Russell who desired to erect a house on the highest part of the land. This appln. was refused in view of the largeness of the area applied for. 4. The present appln. was made in the first instance by Mr. J. A. Russell alone, to cover the whole area comprising three lots. He was offered one (or two) of the lots, and replied by asking whether Govt. would be prepared to alienate a third lot to his brother D. O. Russell. 5. The point of convergence of the three lots lies on the highest part of the land, which slopes away steeply, and the S.R.S. and the S.G. are agreed that the three lots combined would be more suitable for building purposes than if alienated separately. 6. In view of these considerations, and the fact that the land has remained so long unoccupied, the Resident now recommends alienation of the 9 and half acres applied for to Messrs. J. A. Russell and D.O. Russell at a premium of $500 per acre, with the condition that two houses of the minimum value of $5,000 each be erected within two years, and that no rubber be planted on the land. The special condition laid down in the Notn. cited in para 2 above would also be imposed, viz that the land shall not be occupied except by such persons as may be approved by the C.S. Documents in the National Archives of Malaysia1811/1918

Campaign: - 1914-15 Star Russell, Donald Oscar Theatre of War France Qualification Date 1.9.15 App. From Lt. D.O. Russell forwarded by C.S. (A. L.) 10.1.19 D.O.Russell Esq. verifies address as 23.3.20 EFQ 7.9.20 Address. Kuala Lumpur. (crossed out) C.O. Loxley & Co. Hong Kong, China. Medal Roll in National Archives Kew.

 

 

Letter from J A Russell & Co. to the Collector of Stamp Duties, Kuala Lumpur.
 HDB/SAMD. 28th August, 22.

Sir, We have the honour to submit for your consideration with a view to some remission of the Stamp Duties being made the following facts: -

  1. Mr. J. A. Russell has to-day executed and submitted for stamping a transmission of 46,598 shares of Malayan Collieries, Ltd., to the nominees of the Mercantile Bank of India, Ltd., Messrs Hugh Porvis and Donovan Benson.
  2. The transaction involves a sum of $523,830.00 and stamp duties at 10 cents per $100.00 has been paid by affixing necessary stamps to the Transfer Deeds.
  3. The Mercantile Bank of India, Ltd., are not bona fide purchasers or Mr. J. A. Russell a bona fide seller of the shares as “value thereof” is not actually passing at the date of the transfer of the shares.
  4. The bank simply desire to hold a Title to the shares- Registered in the Books of Malayan Collieries, Ltd. as security for certain financial facilities previously granted to Mr. J. A. Russell.
  5. At some future date the Mercantile Bank of India, Ltd. will desire to transfer the security back to Mr. J. A. Russell when again the Bank will not be bona fide sellers or Mr. J. A.  Russell a bona fide purchaser and Stamp Duty will again presumably become payable.
  6.  The Stamp Acts do not seem to provide for any relief of stamp duty in the circumstances indicated but we believe in English practice on which our local Acts are to a great extent based that very substantial relief is granted, in similar circumstances either by a part remission of the duty or by the stamp duty being assessed on a nominal consideration.

We beg to submit that the circumstances are such that it would be equitable to authorize some remission of the heavy duty involved not only now but on remission of the shares to Mr. Russell.
3. We append for future identification our schedule of the shares involved and will ask you to be good enough to acknowledge the receipt of this letter and that Transfer Deeds in question duly stamped have been exhibited to you.
4. We should be glad of your early consideration of the subject raised as if it is outside your immediate power to authorize any remission of the Stamp Duty we shall probably desire to bring the subject before the Honourable the British Resident for further consideration.
SCHEDULE OF SHARES OF MALAYAN COLLIERIES LTD OF $10/- EACH FULLY PAID


TRANSFERROR

SHARES

DISTINCTIVE NUMBERS FROM AND TO. -

TRANSFEREE

STAMP DUTY PAID

J.A.Russell

5,247
3,000
3,471
3,000
       6
    541
   225
      7
3,000
22,000
     151
2,000
300
200
100
200
200
200
250
50
250
200
500
100
700

119754/ 125000
72430/ 75429
77530/ 81000
111059/ 114058
72324/ 72329
95344/ 95884
118804/ 119028
89001/ 89007
147001/ 150000
125001/ 147000
93738/ 93888
811001/ 83000
44993/ 45292
61924/ 62123
62124/ 62223
61324/ 61523
61524/ 61723
61724/ 61923
34523/ 34772
39233/ 39282
83801/ 84050
71124/ 71323
21241/ 21740
40743/ 40842
90898/ 91597

HUGH PROVIS & DONOVAN BENSON

ALL ON ONE DEED $523.00

Total

45,898

 

 

$523.00

D.O. Russell

600
100

75430/76029
294914/295013

HUGH PROVIS & DONOVAN BENSON

One deed
$0.90 cents

Total

700

 

 

$0.90

 We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, J A Russell & Co.

Document in the National Archives of Malaysia. SEL:SEC 3406/1922 1B

 

"The firm of Russell and Co. has been established for about 18 years at the commencement of which I was sole proprietor. Mr. D. O. Russell, my brother, was my partner. Our first activity was connected with mining and throughout I have been interested in mining. I have acquired mining land in various parts of the Peninsula, and I have also developed mining land on my own account and in partnership with others. I have speculated in mining land. "By speculating you mean buying up and selling at a profit?" - Not necessarily buying up, sometimes getting options and speculating on them. "Later on you began to act as agents for other firms?" - Yes. "When did you first start acting as agents?" - I cannot remember but I think the first agency we had was for the Singapore Tin Syndicate. "How would you describe your business as it was in 1913?" - Principally a speculator in mining land. But at the same time I held property and in fact did nearly everything but pure merchant business. If there was such a thing in this country I might even have called myself a financier in a small way." Malay Mail April 3 1924 page 9

Ship's Passenger List. Arrival at London on 6 April 1926 from Hong Kong, China, on the "Hector", Blue Funnel Line,1st Class. D.O Russell, Occupation, Merchant, aged 38, Mrs. Russell, aged 37 Mast. P.A Russell aged 7, Mast. D.O. Russell, aged 4, Miss. M. A. Russell aged 2 1/2 , Mast. R. A. Russell, aged 5/12 Address: Stansted Hotel, Cheam Road, Sutton, Surrey. London. Ancestry.co.uk- Incoming Passenger Lists 1878-1960

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 12 April 1930, Page 7
 • HONG KONG CURRENCY ENQUIRY. • Committee Appointed by Government. The Government has appointed a Commit: of Enquiry to investigate the currency problem, (says the South China Morning Post). The personnel of the Committee, together with the terms of reference, is given in the Government Gazette. There are eight members of the Committee, and the terms of reference comprise six headings. • The Government intimation is in the form of a reply to a question by the Hon. Mr. John Owen Hughes, who had given notice that he would raise the question at the next meeting of the Legislative Council. • Mr. Hughes’s question was in the following terms: • “In view of the serious and continued fall in the price of Silver, and consequent effect on exchange, and on the trade in the Colony, will the Government promptly appoint a local Committee composed of Merchants, Bankers and Exchange Brokers, to study the whole question or in the alternative, obtain the service of a financial expert from Home, or take such other, and if so, what, steps to meet the situation?” • Personnel of the Committee. • The Government reply is as follows: • The Government ha appointed a Committee of Enquiry, constituted as follows: The Honourable The Colonial Treasurer (Mr. C. McI. Messer, O.B.E.) (Chairman), The Honorable Mr. R. H. Kotewall. C.M.G., L.L.D., Mr. J. Breen, Mr. C.G.S. Mackie; Mr. A.H. Ferguson; Mr. V. M. Grayburn; Mr. D. O. Russell; Mr. C. Champkin; Mr. T. Megarry (Secretary), Colonial Secretary’s Office. • TERMS OF REFERENCE. • The terms of reference are: • 1. Is the present currency the most advantageous for the purposes of trade of this Colony? • 2 In what respects, if any, is the present currency situation in the Colony unsatisfactory? • 3. If the situation is unsatisfactory in what way can it be remedied? • 4. Is the premium on notes over silver detrimental to the prosperity of the colony? If so can it be controlled and by what means? • 5 Is the linking of the currency with silver advantageous to the Colony? If so can it be more loosely linked? • 6. Is it desirable in the interests of the Colony that the value of the dollar be stabilised? If so, can any effective steps be taken to that end?

Dated 12th September 1931 J. A. Russell Esq. and Miss K. G. M. Archer Messrs D. O. Russell and R. H. A. Beauchamp Marriage Settlement This Settlement is made the twelfth day of September one thousand nine hundred and thirty one Between John Archibald Russell of Kuala Lumpur Federated Malay States Mine Owner and Merchant, hereinafter called “the Husband” of the first part, Kathleen Gertrude Mary Archer of “Connellmore” Old Bath Road, Cheltenham in the County of Gloucester Spinster (hereinafter called “the Wife”) of the second part and Donald Oscar Russell of Glynn House, Epsom in the County of Surrey and Robert Henry Archer Beauchamp of “Connellmore” Old Bath Road, Cheltenham aforesaid (hereinafter called “the Trustees” which term shall include the Trustee or Trustees for the time being hereof of the third part. Whereas a Marriage (thereinafter referred to as the Marriage) is intended to be solemnized between the Husband and the Wife (hereinafter together referred to as the spouses) And whereas upon the treaty for the Marriage it was agreed that the Husband should enter into the covenant for the transfer of securities or payment to the Trustees of the principal sum hereinafter mentioned and during the period hereinafter specified for payment of the yearly sum hereinafter mentioned to be held upon the trusts and in the manner hereinafter expressed Now in presence of the said agreement and in consideration of the marriage this Deed witnesseth as follows:- 1. The Husband hereby covenants with the Trustees that if the marriage shall be solemnized within three months from the date hereof the Husband will within the period of five years from the date hereof or within such further extended period as the Trustees in their unanimous uncontested and absolute discretion see fit to grant to him or his personal representatives will within six months after his death either pay to the Trustees the sum of Ten thousand pounds or at his own expense transfer or otherwise make over to the Trustees Bonds Stocks Houses or Securities of a market value at the market marked price of the day of such transfer equivalent to the sum of Ten thousand pounds. 2. In the meantime and until he shall have fulfilled the covenant hereinbefore contained the Husband hereby further covenants with the Trustees that if the marriage shall be solemnized within three months from the date hereof he or his personal representatives will pay to the Trustees as from the day of the solemnization thereof interest at the rate of five pounds per cent per annum calculated upon the said sum of Ten thousand pounds free of all deductions that is five hundred pounds per annum by equal quarterly payments the first payment to be made at the expiration of three months from the solemnization of the marriage. 3. Provided that it shall not be obligatory on the Trustees to enforce the foregoing covenants for the payment of the said sum of Ten thousand pounds or the transfer of securities to the equivalent value thereof or the said sum by way of an interest or any part thereof respectively unless when required so to do in any specific case by writing signed by some person or the guardian of some person beneficially interested and or unless also due provision be made to the satisfaction of the Trustees for payment of the costs of any proceedings required to be taken and any omission or neglect by the Trustees in any of the matters aforesaid(except when required and on due provision made as aforesaid) shall not constitute a breach of trust. 4. The Trustees shall hold the said sum of Ten thousand pounds and/or the investments representing the same as and when the same shall be received (which sum and investments are hereinafter called the Trust Fund that term being intended hereinafter to denote the Trust Fund as from time to time constituted) and the income therefrom including therein the interest payable under clause 2 hereof upon the trusts and wills and subject to the process hereinafter contained. 5. During the lives of the spouses and the life of the survivor of them the Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and the income therefrom as follows:- (1) As to so much of the income as shall accrue in the lifetime of the Wife in trust for her without power of anticipation during any ?conshine (2) As to so much (if any) of the said income as shall accrue after the death of the Wife and in the lifetime of the Husband in trust for him. 6. After the death of the survivor of the spouses the Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and the income therefrom upon the trust following (that is to say) upon trust for all or such one or more of the children or issue of the marriage such children or issue to take vested interests within twenty-one years from the death of the survivor of the Husband and Wife, as the Husband may by word/deed? with or without power of revocation jointly appoint And in default of and subject to any such appointment as the survivors of them shall by deed with or without power of revocation or by Will or Codicil appoint And in default of and until and subject to any such appointment in trust for all the children or any the child of the marriage who being male shall attain the age of twenty-one years or being female shall attain that age or marry and if more than one in equal shares provided that in default of appointment to the contrary no child shall be entitled to any share in the unappointed part of the Trust Fund or any accretions thereto without bringing into hotchpot any share or shares appointed to him or her or his or her issue under the power hereinbefore contained and accounting for the same accordingly. 7. Upon failure or determination of the trusts hereinbefore declared the Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and any accretions thereto and the income thereof or so much thereof as shall not have become absolutely vested or been applied under the trusts or powers aforesaid in trust for the Husband or his personal representatives absolutely. 8. The Trustees may allow any securities transferred to them upon the trusts of this Settlement to remain in the actual state of investment or may with the consent of the Husband and Wife and of the survivors of them during their his or her lifetime and afterwards at their discretion realise the same or any part thereof and shall invest the proceeds of such realisation and any cash transferred to them upon the trusts of this Settlement with the like consent or at the like discretion in any investments hereby authorised with power from time to time with the like consent or at the like discretion to ……. …….. the same for any other investments hereby authorised. 9. Any moneys liable to investment under the Trusts of this Settlement may be invested in any investments for the time being authorised by Law for the investment of Trust Funds in the Debentures or Debentures Stock or Preference Preferred Ordinary or Ordinary Shares or Stock of any Limited Company Registered in the United Kingdom or incorporated by Special Act or by General Act of the Imperial Parliament or the Parliament or Legislature of any British Colony or Dependency which has for at least three years before the investment according to the certification of a Member of the London Stock Exchange paid a dividend on its Ordinary Shares of at least Three per cent per annum. 10. Any trustee being a Solicitor or other person engaged in a profession or business may act and be paid for all acts done and time expended in or about the business of the Trust including acts or business which might be done or transacted by the Trustee personally and not requiring the employment of a solicitor or person engaged in such profession or business for the doing or transaction thereof. 11. The power of appointing New Trustees of this Settlement is vested in the spouses and the survivor while living. In Witness whereof the said parties to these present have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first before written. Signed Sealed and delivered by the said John Archibald Russell in the presence of Harry Payne Solicitor 52, Lime Street E. C. 3 and Deptford S.E Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Kathleen Gertrude Mary Archer in the presence of ?Wallie Forbes Solicitor Cheltenham Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Donald Oscar Russell in the presence of Harry Payne Signed Sealed and delivered by the said Robert Henry Archer Beauchamp in the presence of ?Wallie Forbes Solicitor Cheltenham

This is the last Will of me, JOHN ARCHIBALD RUSSELL of Kuala Lumpur Federated Malay States Mine Owner and Merchant. 1. I give all my motor cars and accessories plate plated articles linen china glass books pictures prints furniture jewellery articles of household or personal use wines liquors and consumable stores other than such as are used for business purposes to my wife KATHLEEN GERTRUDE STONEY RUSSELL absolutely to be disposed of as she shall decide. 2. I give the following pecuniary legacies to be paid in Straits Settlements currency namely to ANDREW BEATTIE Dollars Eight thousand ($8,000-00) To my Sister-in-law HILDA RUSSELL Dollars Two thousand ($2,000-00) To my nephew JOHN DENNIS RUSSELL Five hundred ($500-00) To each of my other Nephews and Nieces (being sons or daughters of my Brothers) Dollars Four hundred ($400-00) apiece To my Godsons MARTIN CHARLES SHEARN and SHEPPARD WILLIAM KING Dollars Five hundred ($500-00) apiece To my Godson ANDREW NEIL FRASER Dollars Four hundred ($400-00) To the following friends (with which I would like them to buy mementos in remembrance of me) Mrs DOROTHY MABEL SHEARN of 5 Lincoln Street Sloane Square London Dollars Five hundred ($500-00) Doctor MARCUS JOHNSON of 169 Piccadilly London Dollars Two hundred ($200-00) Mrs. EDITH LYNN WESTON of Bukit Kiara Estate Kuala Lumpur Federated Malay States Dollars Five hundred ($500-00) Mrs. WIERY ANN KING of 2807 Turtle Creek Drive Dallas Texas United States of America Dollars Five hundred ($500-00) Mrs. MADELIENE RUSSELL (Sister-in Law) Dollars Five hundred (500-00) LESLIE BALLARD of W. R. LOXLEY AND COMPANY 106 Fenchurch Street London E.C. Dollars Four hundred ($400-00) My Chauffeur JOHN DIGBY 8, Spring Mews Crawford Street Baker Street London W. Dollars One hundred ($100-00). And I hereby declare that the aforementioned legacies shall be paid by my Executors at such time or times as they in their absolute discretion see fit provided payment shall be made within two years of the date of my death. 3. I give the following annuity namely: To MISS DOROTHY HELEN GRAHAM GODWIN (my late Father’s Housekeeper) an annuity of Dollars Two thousand ($2,000-00) during her life to be paid free of all deductions whatsoever and free of income tax at the current rate for the time being deductible at the source to be paid by equal monthly payments the first whereof shall be paid one month after my death. And I hereby direct my Trustees hereinafter named either to purchase the said annuity or to make such other arrangements for the payment of the said annuity as they in their absolute discretion shall think fit so that the division of my residuary estate as hereinafter provided shall not be in any way impeded. 4. Subject as aforesaid I GIVE DEVISE BEQUEATH AND APPOINT all the rest and residue of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever (which includes all my shares and interests in my businesses) hereinafter referred to as “my residuary estate”) to my Trustees hereinafter called UPON TRUST to divide the same into ten equal parts and to stand possessed of one of such equal parts for my Brother ROBERT CECIL RUSSELL as to a further two of such parts for HUBERT HARRY ROBBINS of Kuala Lumpur Federated Malay States and as to the remaining seven of such equal parts for my said wife upon the trusts hereinafter appearing:- 5. (a) I declare that my Trustees shall retain the share of my said wife in my residuary estate (hereinafter called the “Trust Fund”) UPON TRUST as to one half thereof to pay the income thereof (howsoever the same may be invested) to my said wife during her life and after her death as to both capital and income upon trust for all or any one or more exclusively of the others or other of my issue whether children or remoter descendants at such time and if more than one in such shares and generally in such manner for the benefit of such issue or some or one of them as my said wife shall by deed or Will appoint And in default of and subject to any such appointment IN TRUST for all or any of my children or child who attain the age of 21 years or being female marry under that age and if more than one between them in such shares that each son shall take three times as much as each daughter And Upon Trust as to the other half of the Trust Fund to pay the income thereof (howsoever the same may be invested) to my said wife during her widowhood and upon her death or remarriage whichever event shall first happen as to both capital and income upon trust for all or any of my children or child who attain the age of twenty one (21) years or being female marry under that age and if more than one between them in such shares that each son shall take three times as much as each daughter. (b) I empower my Trustees at any time or times to raise any part or parts not exceeding in the whole one half of the then presumptive or vested share of any person in the Trust Fund under the trusts of this my Will and to apply the same in their discretion for the advancement or benefit of such person but during my said wife’s life time her previous consent in writing to any such advancement shall be necessary. (c) Upon failure or determination of the trust hereinbefore in this clause declared my Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund and the income thereof as shall not have become absolutely vested or been applied under the trusts of this clause upon trust to divide the same into three equal parts and to stand possessed of one of such parts for my brother DONALD OSCAR RUSSELL or in the event of him predeceasing me for his child or children in equal shares as to a further one of such parts for my brother ROBERT CECIL RUSSELL or in the event of him predeceasing me for any child or children of his in equal shares and failing any such child or children for my next-of-kin other than any child or children of the said DONALD OSCAR RUSSELL and as to the third of such parts for the said HUBERT HARRY ROBBINS or in the event of him predeceasing me for my next-of-kin other than any child of the said DONALD OSCAR RUSSELL. 6. Whereas I carry on business in partnership with my Brother the said DONALD OSCAR RUSSELL in London and Kuala Lumpur and other places abroad under the styles or firm names of J. A. Russell and Company, W. R. Loxley and Company and Perrin Cooper and Company or one or more of them and our respective interests in the said business are seventy five (75) per cent. and twenty five (25) per cent. AND WHEREAS my residuary estate will consist wholly or in chief of my shares and interests in the said businesses NOW I HEREBY EXPRESS the hope that the Residuary legatees hereunder and my Trustees will on my death continue the said businesses in partnership or otherwise and in the event of any one or more of the said Beneficiaries not being willing so to do I request him or them to offer his or their shares and interests in such businesses to the others or other of the said Beneficiaries AND I DIRECT that until my Residuary Estate shall have been ascertained and is ready for distribution my Executors and Trustees may and I express the hope that they will continue the said businesses as going concerns in the same manner as I have done in my lifetime AND I DECLARE that in continuing the said businesses my Trustees may generally act in relation thereto as if they were the absolute owners thereof without being liable or responsible for any loss arising thereby and in case such businesses shall at any time be carried on at a loss my Trustees shall be reimbursed out of my estate to the extent of any loss incurred by them in so carrying on the same. 7. I declare that all legacies and bequests given by this my Will whether absolute or by way of life interest annuity or otherwise are free of all legacies and other duties AND FURTHER that all rebates allowances or repayments which may be made to or recovered by or on behalf of any Beneficiary hereunder in respect of income tax shall enure for his or her benefit and he or they shall not account to my Trustees for the same or any part thereof. 8. I declare that I am domiciled in the Federated Malay States. 9. I appoint my said wife the said DONALD OSCAR RUSSELL, HUBERT HARRY ROBBINS and ANDREW BEATTIE to be Executors and Trustees of this my Will and hereby revoking all previous Wills and Testamentary Dispositions heretofore made by me declare this to be my last Will. And I hereby direct that where a Trustee either original or substituted is dead or desires to be discharged from all or any of the trusts or powers reposed in or conferred on him by this my Will or refuses or is unfit to act therein or is incapable of acting therein then the remaining Trustees for the time being may by writing appoint another person or other persons to be a Trustee or Trustees in the place of the Trustee dead desiring to be discharged refusing or being unfit or being incapable as aforesaid provided always at no time shall the number of Trustees be reduced below the number of three. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have to this my last Will set my hand this 7th day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty two (1932) SIGNED by the said JOHN ARCHIBALD RUSSELL as and for his last Will in the presence of us both present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. Sd/- J. A. RUSSELL Sd/- J.DRYSDALE Engineer, Kuala Lumpur. Sd/- F. J. H. MAGGS Mining Engineer, Kuala Lumpur. True Copy Sd/- R. Musa Registrar, Supreme Court, Kuala Lumpur.

Extract from The Straits Times 8 April 1933: DEATH OF MR. J. A. RUSSELL “One of Our Greatest Business Men.” LOSS TO THE F.M.S. Founder of Malayan Collieries." The Five Brothers. The oldest of the five, Mr. G. D. Russell, was head of the Federated Engineering Company, Kuala Lumpur, some years ago and has since been associated with a large engineering concern in England. The third son, Mr. “Phil” Russell, who died some years ago, was head of the Singapore firm of Swan and Maclaren before he retired. Mr. D. O. Russell, who studied mining engineering in the United States, is head of the well known Eastern firm of Loxley and Co., and the youngest of the five brothers, Mr. “Bob” Russell, is a partner in J. A. Russell and Co., of Kuala Lumpur."and" Numerous as are the activities outlined above, Mr. Russell’s business responsibilities were by no means confined to Malaya but extended throughout the Far East and even to Africa. W. R. Loxley and Co., of London, Hong Kong and Canton, and Perrin Cooper and Company, of Tientsin and Shanghai, were entirely owned and controlled by Mr. J. A. Russell, with his brother Mr. D. O. Russell; while the North China Wool Company, of Tientsin, and the Loxley Wool Coy.(Pty) Ltd., of South Africa, were financially controlled by Mr. J. A. Russell, again with his brother Mr. D. O. Russell."

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 22 June 1933, Page 13
,PASSENGERS DISEMBARKED The following passengers disembarked from the P. and O. Kaisar-I-Hind from Yookohama yesterday: Mr. D.O. Russell.

The Straits Times, 29 June 1933, Page 3
, PASSENGERS. The following are passengers by the O.S.K. Buenos Aires Maru, round-the-world liner, which is leaving Singapore at 3pm today for South African and South American ports:- Mr. D. O. Russell… The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser , 3 July 1933, Page 13
, ROUND WORLD LINER Passengers On The Buenos Aires Maru. The following passengers sailed on the Buenos Aires Maru, the round-the-world liner, which left Singapore on Friday for South African and South American ports:- Mr. D. O. Russell…

The Straits Times, 4 July 1939, Page 4
, PASSENGERS FOR EUROPE •THE following passengers for Europe are leaving in Sarpeoon tomorrow: - …Mr. D.O. Russell….The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 4 July 1939, Page 9, 
Passengers By Sarpedon Passengers sailing for Europe by the Sarpedon tomorrow are:- 

 Mr. D.O. Russell….

From a letter from Bob Russell from CADBORO BAY, R.R.1. BRITISH COLUMBIA, dated 16 January 40: " Archie never visualised the present position for neither Don or myself were permitted to save or make any provision for the future, we both drew any money required but could not draw to invest or speculate."

The Malay Mail, 50 years of Progress Supplement, Sunday Mail 18 July 1954,THE BUSINESS ROMANCE OF J.A. RUSSELL He laid the foundations of a fortune in 1890. Fifty years ago it was still possible to lay the foundations of a fortune in Kuala Lumpur - and this is the story of a man who did so, a European who lived at the time of the fabulous Towkay Loke Yew, a little after Capitan China Yap Ah Loy and many other famous names – Mr J.A. Russell, founder of the present Kuala Lumpur company of J. A Russell and Co. Studious, cynical at times, he started as an assistant, learnt to speak Chinese, and went on to build Kuala Lumpur’s present day railway station, found the coal and tea industries, and own a large proportion of the new town of Ipoh. A contemporary wrote, “ His whole career has been a business romance of such magnitude that it can hardly be compared with the achievements of any other European in Malaya – past or present. He acquired both wealth and a unique commercial position by pluck, industry sound sense and vision” The story is told by Mr. D. O Russell, the remaining survivor of the Russell family which came to Malaya in the 1890s." Read whole article here.

 

 

 

 

 

Sources for Donald Oscar Russell.

Above: Two entries from the 1920 Chinese Directory showing Don as a partner of J. A Russell and Co.
Below: D. and J. A. Russell listed as members of the Royal Asiatic Society in 1922.

Hotel

THE EMPIRE HOTEL

(The Empire Hotel Co., Ltd.),

Facing the Padang and Selangor Club.

Telephone No. 135.

Telegraphic Address—“Empire.”

Directors

G. S. Delmar Morgan   D. O. Russell                        H. C. Woodroffe

From the Singapore and Straits Directory, Fraser and Neave, 1916. SOAS archives