Bio
Joseph Russ landed in San Francisco in 1850 and opened a sawmill during the gold rush boom at White Oak Springs. He contracted to build bridges.
He then decided to enter the cattle business, using the profits on two herds of cattle to open a hay and feed business in the Sacramento Valley.
He was among the first to explore the Eel River Valley and use it for cattle grazing. In 1853, he began ranching in Humboldt County.
In the years that followed the Russ operation grew to include 50,000 acres on which he ran 4,000 cattle and 13,000 sheep. He started the dairy industry in his area by building a herd of 2,000 dairy cattle.
Russ served in the California Legislature in 1871, 1877 and 1885.
