Frances Emily Russell was the daughter of Ralph M. and Louisa Robey and one of seven children born between 1843 and 1856. By the latter date the family was living in Glebe, Sydney. Frances Russell married Henry Edward Russell. Their first child, Una Stella, was born in Goulburn in 1871, followed by Ethel Albinia in 1873. Their first son, Harold Yewens, was born in Wagga Wagga in 1877 and another son, Henry Edward, in 1878. By 1881 the family were living in Ryde, Sydney, where Enid was born followed by Ermyntrude in 1887. One of Russell's sons,
Harold Yewens Russell (q.v.), also published verse.
