According to Russell's family Bible his complete name is John Russell Bone and is listed as being born the 3rd of August in 1834. St. Stephen In Brannel's parish records state a Russell Bone was christened the 4th of August, 1835. On the inside cover of his Bible is written "John Russell Bowens Bible Camborn Cornwall England 1860 -- Steal not this book for fear of shame for here you see the owners name John R. Bone" Notice he spelled his surname Bowen one place and Bone in another. Family members to this day spell their surname Bowen. In most records he went by John R. instead of Russell. His brother, Francis, family only knew him as Russell. Through the years this caused much difficulty in locating various records. John R. also wrote in this Bible, "John Russell Bone left Cornwall England in 1863 and came to this country Ammerica. After being here two years I sent for my wife and family of two children Francis James and John Russell. F James was 4 years old and John Russell 18 months when they came to this country. written by himself"

The 1861 census of Camborne, Redruth District, Cornwall, England (LDS microfilm number 0542835) lists John Russel Bone as a miner, wife Jenefer and son James. They are listed as living on Union Street. John and his son James were listed as being born in the parish of St. Stephen and Jenefer in the parish of Gwinear. The Bible record states Jenefer Scaddon was born the 9th of April, 1832. The IGI (International Genealogical Index, by the LDS - Latter Day Saints) has a Jennifer Scaddon being christened in the parish of Gwinear on the 8th of May, 1831 a daughter of James and Jenifer Scaddon. There is also a Jennifer Scaddon being christened in the same parish on the 15th of October, 1837 a daughter of John and Mary Scaddon. This Bible record also states John Russell Bone married Jenefer Scaddon in the parish of Camborne the 29th of March, 1860. This marriage is recorded in Camborne's records and lists John Russel Bone, 25, bachelor, miner, residing on Union Street, father was Robert Bone an engine-man. His bride is listed as Jennifer Scaddan, 28, spinster, residing on Commercial Street, the daughter of James Scaddan a miner. The witnesses were Francis Bone (John R's brother) and William Williams. (under construction)