According to local legend, it was at Exeter College where he spotted a little white terrier with dark tan spots over her eyes, ears and at the tip of her tail, who was owned by a local milkman in a nearby small hamlet, identified as either Elsfield[5] or Marston.

[9] At Swimbridge, Russell enjoyed a hectic social life, with formal dining, charity fundraising, and an active career as a Freemason.

[10] The noted Historian WG Hoskins described Russell as "futile" [11][clarification needed] In 1826, at Swimbridge he married Penelope Incledon-Bury, third daughter and co-heiress of Vice-Admiral Richard Incledon-Bury (1757-1825), Royal Navy, lord of the manor of Colleton, Chulmleigh in Devon,[12] who resided at Dennington, Swimbridge.

Russell is said to have had expensive sporting habits both on and off the hunting-field, which drained the substantial resources of his heiress wife and left the estate of Colleton in poor condition.

[13] Russell died on 28 April 1883 at Black Torrington Receptory, and was buried in the churchyard of St. James's Church, Swimbridge, where he had served as vicar for 40 years.