William Huntington Russell (12 August 1809 – 19 May 1885) was an American businessman, educator, and politician. He was co-founder of Skull and Bones along with Alphonso Taft. He was a descendant of several old New England families, including those of Pierpont, Hooker, Russell, Bingham, and Willet.
Born in Middletown, Connecticut, Russell was a cadet at the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy (later Norwich University) from 1826 un...
more
William Huntington Russell (12 August 1809 – 19 May 1885) was an American businessman, educator, and politician. He was co-founder of Skull and Bones along with Alphonso Taft. He was a descendant of several old New England families, including those of Pierpont, Hooker, Russell, Bingham, and Willet.
Born in Middletown, Connecticut, Russell was a cadet at the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy (later Norwich University) from 1826 until graduation in 1828, where he was taught under strict military discipline. In 1828, William's father died, piling family responsibility on to him. Under severe financial restraints, he entered Yale College. He supported himself throughout his college years and to cut on costs he travelled by foot between Yale in New Haven and his home in Middletown Russell had planned on entering the ministry, but his financial problems forced him to obtain an immediate income through teaching. In September 1836, he opened a private prep school for boys in...
less
