Rufus G. Russell


Rufus G. Russell was an architect working from New Haven, Connecticut.

Life and career

Rufus Gustavus Russell was born September 5, 1823, in what is now Prospect, Connecticut. As a young man he moved to New Haven, where he worked for many years for Henry Austin, the city's leading architect. In 1862, Russell left Austin and established his own practice. Russell was an independent practitioner until his death in 1896.

Personal life

Russell was elected to the Board of Aldermen of New Haven on two occasions and was at times also a member of the Common Council. He was active in temperance work and was a member of the Sons of Temperance.
Russell was married and had two children who lived to adulthood. He died August 3, 1896, in New Haven.

Legacy

Russell had an extensive practice. He "designed numerous buildings in New Haven: the Calvary Baptist Church on Chapel Street, the New Haven Gas Company on Crown Street, and the Humphrey School on Humphrey Street. In 1866 he designed the residence of Nicholas Countryman, one of New Haven's leading builders." He would become "one of the best-known architects in New Haven".
He designed the David Lyman II House in 1863, a house which has been regarded as "one of the finest examples of the Gothic Revival style in the greater Middletown area."
At least two buildings designed by Russell have been individually listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and others contribute to listed historic districts.

Architectural works

Private residences designed by Rufus G. Russell can be found in the Howard Avenue Historic District and the Prospect Hill Historic District of New Haven.