TALBOT COUNTY, GA - OBITS J. T. Russell

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THE GOSPEL MESSENGER
Butler, Ga. July 1891, Vol. 13, No. 7

Elder J. T. Russell: This precious brother and
faithful servant of the Lord was born in Talbot
county, Georgia, February 4, 1832, joined the church
at Valley Grove and was baptized by Elder Creed
Caldwell in 1853; was married to Miss Agnes S.
McDowell, November 25, 1856, and moved to Brundige,
Pike county, Ala., where he became a member of
Baptist Rest Church, and in 1858 was ordained to
fill the office of deacon. He remained there until
the commencement of the war, about which time he
removed his family to their former home in Georgia,
and volunteered his services as a Confederate
soldier in May 1862, and served for two years. In
1870 he was ordained to the gospel ministry by
Elders S. D. Terry, David Caldwell and Nathan
Bussey, by order of the church at Valley Grove, from
which time he was pastor of said church until 1872,
when he moved back to Pike county, Ala., and located
near the town of Troy, and remained in this county
until his death, which occurred January 5,1891. 

Brother Russell was, for many years, a practicing
physician, how long. or from what medical college he
graduated, we are not informed; but this we know-
that as such, he was faithful, successful and,
therefore one of the most popular and reliable
physicians in this country. In his profession he was
generous to a fault; for, although he was, for many
years, almost an I invalid himself, he was ever
ready to render his professional services to any and
all who 1 called upon him, rich or poor, bond or
free, pay or no pay, he would do all he could to
relieve the sufferings of humanity. If he dealt
unjustly, or wronged anyone, it was himself.

As a minister he was equally I faithful and zealous,
and devoted his time I and talents as much as was
possible, to the work of the gospel ministry with
that ability that won for him the universal esteem
and confidence of those who knew him. He was of a
meek and quiet spirit, kind and obliging as a
neighbor, and as a citizen he was faithful,
patriotic and law-abiding; as a husband he was
affectionate and devoted, and as a father, kind and
indulgent. But now he sleeps in Jesus, and the
grief-stricken and almost heart-broken widow, three
sons and two daughters are left to weep as none can
weep save those who experience such loss. They miss
him; yea, and the sick and afflicted miss him, so
also, the church and community. 

His health had been gradually declining for several
years, but his death was caused by pneumonia, after
two days confinement to this bed, during which time
he expressed a desire that some of the brethren
would come near his bedside and pray and called for
medical counsel, but from some cause failed to
receive either, and so he passed quietly away as one
gently falling asleep, without a struggle. 

We will close this sketch by quoting the words of
our bereaved Sister Russell, in a written
communication received since the dear brother died.
She writes, "How desolate and lonely our home has
been made by his departure!" But God has called him
hence, and He doeth all things well." Who can fail
to sympathize? H 


Reprinted in the June, 1997 TAYLOR COUNTY TRACER