Mr. James Craighead was one of the pioneer settlers of Russell's Flat, to which he went in 1866. In partnership with his brother, Mr. John Craighead, now of West Melbon, he took up 150 acres of swamp land, overgrown with flax; but with thorough cultivation and draining, it became one of the most fertile farms on the Flat. When the partnership was dissolved, Mr. James Craighead retained seventy acres around the present homestead. He afterwards added to his are, and on his retirement, in 1901, in favour of his son, Mr. Charles Craighead, the farm was known as one of the choicest in the district. During his long residence in Russell's Flat Mr. Craighead identified himself with the progress of the place. He was for a number of years a member of the Russell's Flat school committee, and for several years its chairman. Since his retirement, in 1901, he has resided in Sydenham, Christchurch.

Mr. John Craighead, sometime of Prebbleton and Russell's Flat, came to New Zealand in 1859, by the ship “Cashmere,” accompanied by his wife and five children. Soon after his arrival he settled at Prebbleton, but moved in 1865, to Russell's Flat, where he bought a farm, but never resided permanently on it. He died at Prebbleton, in 1884, leaving a family of seven sons and one daughter.