Russell, Moses

Russell, Moses, a Presbyterian minister, was born in Greene County, near Xenia, O., Feb. 29, 1812. He was early operated upon by the influences of the Holy Spirit; he felt his call to the ministry, and God opened up a way for him to follow the desire of his heart. In 1833 he completed his preparatory studies, and in 1837 graduated from Miami University. He pursued a part of his theological studies under the direction of the Rev. John S. Galloway, of Springfield, O., and finished the course at Hanover and Allegheny seminaries. In 1840 he was licensed to preach, and in November of the same year was ordained and installed pastor of the Clifton Presbyterian Church, where he continued to labor until the day of his death, March 22.1864. During this pastorate of almost a quarter of a century the Church increased greatly in numbers and strength, and erected a large and commodious church edifice. Mr. Russell was an active, faithful minister of the Gospel. His preaching was doctrinal and practical. His sermons were rigidly systematic, formed after a Scripture model. During his life he preached over 3000 times, and has left over 1000 written sermons. See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1865, p. 116. (J.L.S.)