New Britain herald., 1914-05-05
PhinViue News THOMAS (. RUSSELL
 CLAIMED BY DEATH
Prominent and Wta.thy CitIz6n
 Passed Away Last Evening.
SAID TO HAVE LEFT NO WILL
Funeral Will Be Held Thursday MOrning-Had Been in Liquor .4
 Business Here for Nearly Thirty five Years.-Other Matters.

,
 Thomas G. Russell prominent resident of PlainvilIe for many years and probably one of the towns wealthiest citizens, died shortly after 9 o'clock last evening at his home on East Main street. While he had been in a serious condition since Sat urday, his death nevertheless was a shock to his family and friends and many expressions of genuine regret were heard today over his passing. MT. Russell had been ill with dia- betes for several week" f"as eral days he had been feeling ex- ceptionally we'll and was able to give some attention to nlo .,.----- Saturday night when he had re- lapse.
 His funeral will be held Thursday of Our Lady of Mercy. A high mass of requiem will be celebrated and interment will be in St. Joseph's cem- tery.
 MT. Russell was a native of Hart ford and was born fifty-eight years ago. He came to Plainville with his mother, while he was still in his teens and resided here ever since. Starting aA poor poy, MT. Russell by thrift and conscIentious attention to business amassed a fortune of fair proportions and friends estimated today that he left an estate worth from $1OO,OOO to $125,000.
 He had the reputation of being shrewd business man and thoroughly honest, having the latter trait to such a degree that people who knew him conceded that lis word was as good as his bond. He had an engaging personality and an affable manner, which won for him legion of friends who will mourn his loss.
 When but a young man, MT. Rus sell started in the saloon business. opening a place in the old Newton building on West Main street. He borrowed money enough to make his start from friends. From the be- ginning of his business career MT. Russell catered to the better element of the town and it was generally ad- mitted that he conducted his place at all times in a manner that chal- lenged criticism.
 After the building in which his business was conducted was destroyed by fire, MT. Russell bought the prop erty on which his saloon and home is now located. He remained there ever since.
 In his younger days he was regard ed as sport and the older men who enjoyed his society during the old horse racing days recognize him as one of the gamest men the town has known. His place was the Mecca for the sporting fraternity years ago and he did thriving business.
 He is reputed to have invested his money wisely and besides owning great deal of valuable real estate in Plainville, friends close to him de- clare that he holds numerous gilt edge securities.
 While the element of luck entered somewhat into his success, his old friends attribute his rise to position of affluence to his shrewdness and at tentiveness to business. He was at work every day and seldom took vacation.
 He took a lively interest in his neighbors and was charitable to an unusual degree, giving much to those in need. Never given to ostentation, MT. Russell helped many of his less fortunate townsmen secretly and some of his benevolences were heard of only from those whom he had be- friended.
 He is survived by his widow who was Miss Rose Cassidy prior to her marriage, and three children. Mrs. Edward Tracy of Bristol, Mrs Simon A. Mcdonald, wife of the playing manager of the Hartford baseball team and Thomas G. Russell, IT,, who lives at home.
 Left No Will?
 It was reported this morning from sources that many recognize as au- thoritative that MT. Russell died with out making any arrangements for the distribution of his estate. Friends said that during his illness he was confident that he would recover, and felt no anxiety over a will. Since he had a relapse it is said his condition would not permit of his making a will and his estate will be disposed of by the probate court.
 Tn the event of no will being found, one-third of his property will go to his widow, and each of his children will receive a third of the remainder.
 Received But One Bid.
 At the office of Highway Commis- sioner Bennett in Hartford today 1t was said that only one bid was re- ceived for the contract for laying per- manent pavement on East Main street Yesterday the time limit for the filing of proposals expired, and all contractors were advised to have their bids in before 3 D. m. The Connecticut and Rhode Island Road company figured at the rate of $1.1O a square foot for the pave ment <, Propositions for several road jobs were received by the commissioner and action on all of them will prob ably be taken tomorrow or Thursday.