Bigelow, Russel

Bigelow, Russel one of the most distinguished and useful ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio. He was born in Chesterfield, N. H., in 1793, converted in Vermont at nine, removed to Worthington, O., in 1812, and at nineteen received license to exhort. His first circuit was in Kentucky in 1814. After filling with honor every office in the Church but that of bishop, he died in triumph at Columbus, Ohio, July 1, 1835. His early education was limited by his circumstances, but his application in after life made large amends. He was distinguished for modesty, zeal, and courage. His eloquence was of a rare and extraordinary kind. Dr. Thomson says of him," As a preacher, take him all in all, I have yet to hear his equal. Thousands of souls will rise up in judgment and call him blessed, and his name will long be like precious ointment to the churches." See Thomson, Biog. Sketches; Min. of Con. ii, 404; Sprague, Ann. 7:540.