Edgar Russell

Edgar Hughes Degenaart Russell (24 October 1890 – 31 March 1963) was an Australian politician.

Edgar Russell
Member of the Australian Parliament for Grey
In office 21 August 1943 – 31 March 1963
Preceded by	Oliver Badman
Succeeded by	Jack Mortimer
Personal details
Born	(1890-10-24)24 October 1890 Booleroo Centre, South Australia
Died	31 March 1963(1963-03-31) (aged 72) Port Pirie, South Australia
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Australian Labor Party
Occupation	Bank clerk, accountant

Russell was born at Booleroo Centre. He was educated at public schools at Booleroo Centre and Port Germein. His family subsequently moved to Port Pirie; his father, C. A. Degenhardt, was a four-time mayor of the Town of Port Pirie. He was a bank clerk and manager for the National Bank of Australia for twelve years in various towns before becoming a private accountant; he was also a certified local government auditor.[1][2] He was reportedly compelled to change his surname from Degenhardt to Russell by the bank.[3]

In 1943, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as the Labor member for Grey, defeating sitting United Australia Party member Oliver Badman. A long-term delegate to party conferences, he had defeated Australian Workers' Union nominee Charles Davis for Labor preselection. Though described himself as a moderate, he won with the support of more militant unions.[4] Russell held the seat until his death in 1963.[1]