John Russell (21 December 1795 – 28 April 1883), was an English parson who served as vicar of Swimbridge from 1832 to 1872. An enthusiastic fox-hunter and dog breeder, Russell developed the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier, both of which are a variety of the Fox Terrier breed. Russell was a founding member of The Kennel Club. He helped to write the breed standard for the Fox Terrier (Smooth) and became a respected judge.
In 1832, Russell was appointed vicar of Swimbridge in North Devon. It's said his sermons were brief by Victorian standards, because his hunting horse was usually saddled and waiting in the churchyard. In North Devon, the local public house was renamed the "Jack Russell Inn" and still stands today. He was also rector of Black Torrington in Devon. At Swimbridge, Russell enjoyed a hectic social life, with formal dining, charity fundraising, and an active career as a Freemason
John Russell (21 December 1795 – 28 April 1883), was an English parson who served as vicar of Swimbridge from 1832 to 1872. An enthusiastic fox-hunter and dog breeder, Russell developed the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier, both of which are a variety of the Fox Terrier breed. Russell was a founding member of The Kennel Club. He helped to write the breed standard for the Fox Terrier (Smooth) and became a respected judge.
In 1832, Russell was appointed vicar of Swimbridge in North Devon. It's said his sermons were brief by Victorian standards, because his hunting horse was usually saddled and waiting in the churchyard. In North Devon, the local public house was renamed the "Jack Russell Inn" and still stands today. He was also rector of Black Torrington in Devon. At Swimbridge, Russell enjoyed a hectic social life, with formal dining, charity fundraising, and an active career as a Freemason
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Buried at Swimbridge
