James Russell from Plymouth, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117467 was issued on July 25, 1871.
This model has two separate seats that fold up, with a backrest connected like a bench. There are two attached desks behind the back rest that both have lids that can lift up. The wooden bench seat and desk are made of a dark wood with metal hinges. The desktop is divided to make a pair. The bench on the desk front is split in the same manner as the desktop. There is storage underneath both desks for books. The seats fold up individually, though the back rest is connected like a bench. The model includes original patent tags.
James Russell was born in 1821 and became a carpenter in Plymouth, Indiana.