Mrs Bertha Russell

Maiden Name: O'Brien Occupation: Socialite Marital Status: Married to George Russell Residence: New York Family: Russell (via marriage), O'Brien family

Immediate family: George Russell (husband), Larry Russell (son), Gladys Russell (daughter), Monica O'Brien (sister).

Physical description: Gender: Female Height: 5'5' Eye color: blue Birth date: 1841-1840. Age: 41-42.

Bertha Russell (née O'Brien) the matriarch of the Russell family, a "new money" family made rich by her husband George, a railroad tycoon. Bertha is determined to use her money and position to break into polite society that resists change at every turn.

Biography Early life: Bertha comes from humble beginnings, and her mother died in poverty. Her recent ancestors are said to have been potato farmers from Kerry, and she has been called a "potato digger's daughter" by Anne Morris.

She married George Russell, who became an incredibly wealthy railroad tycoon. She has two children, Larry and Gladys, and always wanted to break into respectable society. After living on 30th Street in Manhattan, she chose to move the family to 61st Street so that they could be accepted by the city's old money

Personality: Bertha is a savvy, cunning and ambitious woman, eager to be fully accepted by New York's old money. She can be cold and mean when feels is necessary, though she can show a soft and kind side, specially with her husband whom she dearly loves, and is often seen assisting him with his schemes in his business, they help each other and are a solid team that never stop until they get what they want.