Ebenezer Russell, son of Matthew Beale Whittlesey, was born at Danbury, January 30, 1815. When fifteen years of age he went to New York, where he served an apprenticeship to a jeweler, and followed the trade for ten years. He then went to Long Island, and became interested in market gardening and the milk business. In the year 1840 he returned to Danbury and assumed charge of his father's farm. He also did business as a contractor and as such became widely known. He was associated with Mr. George Redfield under the firm name of Redfield & Whittlesey. They built a portion of the Fourth avenue tunnel in New York City, and St. James' Church in Danbury. In the early seventies Mr. Whittlesey retired from active business, and devoted his time to the management of his farm. He was at one time warden in the town, selectman and a member of the board of burgesses. He was a member of the Congregational church, and with others organized the Second Congregational Church. Later he returned to the First Congregational Church, and was superintendent of the Sunday school for twentysix years. He was a man of integrity and sound judgment. He died October 6, 1892. He married, at Newtown, Long Island, February 19, 1840, Ann Eliza, born January 16, 1822, at Cairo, Greene county, New York, daughter of Jacob and Permelia (Carmen) White. Her mother, Permelia (Carmen) White, was the daughter of George Washington and Betsey (Buckbee) Carmen, of Westchester, New York. On her father's side she was a direct descendant of Peregrine White, of Plymouth.

Children:
1. Frank, born January 20, 1841;
2. Matthew Beale, born November 2, 1842;
3. John Jacob, born November 12, 1844;
4. Mary, born December 23, 1846;
5. William Augustus, born February 21, 1849;
6. Elmira Carmen, born August 9, 1851;
7. Frank Russell, born August 28, 1858;
8. Charles White, born June 30, 1861;
9. Granville, born at Danbury, July 11, 1864; m. January 19, 1903, Julia Delliker, born September 29, 1876, daughter of Ebenezer and Julia (Delliker) Hill.

~New England Families, Genealogical and Memorial: A Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of Commonwealths and the Founding of a Nation, Volume 4; Lewis historical publishing Company, 1913; pg. 1725-6.