Russell, Robert Young

Russell, Robert Young, a Presbyterian minister, was born in Antrim County, Ireland, April 18, 1800. In 1801 his parents emigrated to the United States, and settled in York District, S.C. After acquiring a good English education, he commenced the study of the languages under Dr. Samuel Wright, of Turkey Creek; subsequently taught school in order to obtain pecuniary means; and in 1820 entered Salem Academy, in Union District, and thence went to Yorkville, where he completed his academic course under the care of Rev. Robert M. Davis. During this period he had, from honest and earnest convictions of truth and duty, connected himself with the Independent Presbyterian Church; and in view of the apparent necessities of this Church, then in its infancy, he was induced to forego his cherished design of completing his studies, and in 1824 he commenced the study of divinity under Rev.r. M. Davis. He was licensed by Yorkville Presbytery of the Independent Presbyterian Church, Jan. 24, 1825, and ordained by the same presbytery, April 22, 1826. He removed to Mount Tabor, in Union District, where he taught school; for a time, and where he organized a Church to which he preached for many years. Thence he removed to the bounds of Bullock Creek Church, and became pastor of that Church in May, 1829, which relation continued for thirty-seven years. He died Nov. 5, 1866. Mr. Russell was a man of untiring zeal and impressive power as a minister of the Gospel. He had the most remarkable success all through his ministry. For thirty years prior to the union of the Independent Presbyterian Church with the Presbyterian Church, he was the acknowledged and honored leader in that branch of the Church in which he had cast his lot. He loved this Church and her peculiar doctrines, and yet in every endeavor which was made to heal the breach he gave his hearty approval and earnest aid. See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1867, p. 450. (J.L.S.)