Short answers, pulled from the story.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell entered the world on the 18th of August 1792 as a premature infant who remained small and sickly throughout his life. His height never exceeded five feet four inches despite growing into adulthood.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell introduced the Reform Act 1832 which reduced property qualifications for voting rights in boroughs and counties. He also passed legislation reducing capital punishment offenses from thirty-seven to sixteen and established public registration for births, marriages, and deaths.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell's government introduced public works programs employing half-a-million people by year-end but proved impossible to administer effectively. By January 1847 the administration abandoned this policy turning toward indoor workhouse relief and outdoor soup kitchens administered through Irish Poor Laws.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell died at home Pembroke Lodge on the 28th of May 1878. The Countess declined a public funeral and he was buried in Bedford Chapel St Michael Church Chenies Buckinghamshire among family ancestors.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell was the third son of John Russell who became the sixth Duke of Bedford and Georgiana Byng daughter of George Byng fourth Viscount Torrington. As a younger son he held no expectation of inheriting the family estates or titles until elevation to Earl in 1861.