About the book
William Russell is a narrative historical account drawn from Australian court records, government correspondence, contemporary newspapers, and archival material from New South Wales, Norfolk Island, South Australia, and Victoria, Australia. Where the documentary record is incomplete, the narrative reflects established historical context without presenting conjecture as fact.
Author’s Note
While researching my family history, a historian once told me that William Russell’s story was “too bold to be believable.” Rather than discouraging me, those words strengthened my determination to uncover the truth behind his extraordinary life.
This work is based on documented events surrounding my great great great grandfather William Russell, born in Dublin in 1817. Court records, newspapers, and archival sources have been used to reconstruct the narrative.
This site exists as a companion to the book — a place for context, sources, and updates.
William Russell and “The Wild Colonial Boys”
Decades after William Russell’s bushranging career, Australian historian Charles White retold Russell’s encounter with Judge Roger Therry as part of his history of Australian bushranging.
White drew upon Therry's own published recollections. Therry incorrectly dated the encounter to 1834; contemporary newspaper reports place the events in 1840, during William Russell's documented bushranging career.
Back Creek Press
Independent Australian publishing focused on historical reconstruction, colonial records, and forgotten stories.
Contact
For family history enquiries or correspondence relating to the book,
correspondence may be directed to:
Back Creek Press
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