The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-11-23
The Death of Mr.. John Russell.

We announce, with deep regret, the death
of Mr.. John Russell, which took place at
late hour on Tuesday night.
Mr.. Russell was born in Charleston, In 1913,
and commenced his business career in the
bookstore of Mr.. Beal, the predecessor of Mr..
Samuel Hart. His iundness for literature led
him to apply himself assiduously to master
ing the details of his profession, and about
twenty years ago he began business on his
own account in the store in King street now
occupied by Mes,rs. Darlington Co. Soon
afterwards he purchased store on the
west side oil King street, which became, in
the course Of years, one OF the landmarks OF
Charleston. This, indeed, was the Globe or
the Cocoa Tree of the South Carolina lhte
rateurs. Here they gathered TO gossip about
E.zevirs and black-letter; the latest dscove-
ries in the world of science; the poems fresh
from the fervent brain OF those who are now
immortal; the romances, then all new, which
will be remembered while men speak the
English tongue. Nor was Russell's the haunt
Of only the big-brained associates of the unl-
versal society Of letters. The young girl and
staid matron, eager tor the literary novelties
OF the day, sought out Mr.. Russell, asked his
guidance in their quest, and-f.iiowed his
sound advice. 1t was, indeed, pleasant
halling place. calm, quiet spot-in the
midst OF the hustle Of King street.
For several years Mr.. Russell had as CO.
partners his two half.brothers, Edward and
James Jones. The firm, OF which Mr.. Rus
seu was the moving spirit, became noted for
its enterprise, and after the business had
fallen under his exclusive control, Mr.. Rus
sell was. confessedly the most successful book
seller In the South. Mr.. Russell was the
founder and proprietor Of RaIsselrs Aaga-
sine, publication OF great merit, which was
suspended at the end Of three or four years.
From his press, also, came number OF the
works oil South Carolina authors. Among
these We may name the Rev. Jas. w. Miless
work on Theology, Hiss McCord's translation
OF Bastiat's Sophisms of Protection, and sew
eral brochures by Mr.. VIM. Hy. Trescott.
The business operations Of Mr.. Russell were,
as they deserved to be, very profitable, and
when the war broke out he was the posses
sor Of molest fortune. II was his lnteu-
ton 10 retire from the active pursuit OF his
profession, bat the war came on, frustrating
many well-consdered plan, and, at its close,
Mr.. Russell found himself compelled to begin
anew the hard battle of life. The losses he
had suffered produced depressing effect
upon his mind, and, we doubt not, hastened
his death.
The success which attended Mr.. Rlsseirs
career, and The universal goodwill which he
enjoyed, are familiar facts in the community.
AS we have already said, he was devotedy
attached to literature in all its forms, and
his reputation spread far beyond the borders OF
his native State. Only four or FIVE months ago
Mr. Tliibner, the eminent London publisher,
told the writer that he knew Mr.. Russell
well. and regarded him as one of the most
accomplished bibliopoles in the United States
Mr.. Russell was, besides, highly attractive
man. Genial and generous, amiable and pure
hearted. he enjoyed the confidence OF all his
fe!iow-citizens. He had not an enemy in the
wide world. Nor did he fail in his daty to
his country. His age prevented him from
taking the field, but he served during the war
az the adjutant Of battalion Of Reserves
What he had to do, that he did with all his
might.
| We confess that we can hardly realize that
| the bright eye, the somewhat bowed form
end the familiar face will be seen Of men 10