Francis Russell arrived in Sydney in 1847 to begin his ministry as a clergyman of the Church of England but after two years as minister at St Mark's, Alexandria (now Darling Point) he was suspended from officiating by the Bishop.
After moving to Victoria he was appointed in 1850 to minister in the Wannon area of Western Victoria where he remained until 1874 when he was prevented from continuing by ill-health.
His ministry to pastoralists and townsfolk was greatly appreciated by all and his legacy included the construction of a number of church buildings in the emerging towns of the district.
After travelling overseas to recover his health he died at sea in 1876 whilst returning to Australia in the hopes of resuming his ministry on the Wannon.