Robert RUSSELL

RUSSELL, ROBERT (b. near Kirkaldy, Scotland, 8 Aug 1808, d. Evandale, 31 March 1877). Presbyterian minister in Tasmania.

Born of farming stock, Russell was educated at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews. After a period as a private tutor he was licensed on 27 Sept 1836 by the Presbytery of Kirkaldy. Russell proceeded to VDL where two brothers were already settled, and he was ordained and inducted at Launceston to the new charge of Evandale on 14 Feb 1839. He was instrumental in the erection of the beautiful St Andrew's Church, and continued as pastor until his retirement at the close of 1872, being always a member of the Presbytery of Van Diemen's Land (Church of Scotland). Russell was an 'eloquent, evangelical and enlightened' minister, and was widely appreciated.

J Heyer, The Presbyterian Pioneers of Van Diemen's Land (Launceston, 1935):135-6

ROWLAND S WARD