John Russell (clergyman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rev. John Russell, Jr.
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Reverend John Russell behind the pulpit of the Church of Christ at Hadley during the 1675 Angel of Hadley Legend as depicted in the Frederick A. Chapman painting "The Perils of Our Forefathers"
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| Born | 1626 |
| Died | December 10, 1692 |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Children | John Russell (1650-1670), Jonathan Russell (1655-1711), Rev. Samuel Russell (1660-1731), Eleazer Russell (1663-1691), Daniel Russell (1666-1667) |
| Parent(s) | John Russell, Sr. and Phebe Collins |
| Relatives | President Rutherford B. Hayes (gr-gr-gr-gr-grandson) |
John Russell (born 1626 – died December 10, 1692) was an important Puritan church leader. He lived in Hadley, Massachusetts, during a time called King Philip's War. He is also a key figure in the famous Angel of Hadley legend.
Contents
Life Story
Early Years and Moving to America
John Russell was born in 1626 in Ipswich, England. When he was about nine years old, he moved to America with his father and brother. They sailed on a ship called The Defence in 1635. This was part of a big movement of people called the Great Migration. Many Puritans moved to New England during this time.
John Russell studied hard and graduated from Harvard College in 1645.
Challenges in Wethersfield
In 1650, John Russell became the minister in Wethersfield, Connecticut. After seven years, some disagreements started in the church. People had different ideas about church membership and how things should be run.
A group from a nearby town, Hartford, wanted to join Russell's church. But the local government, called the General Corte, stopped them. This made the disagreements in Russell's own church even bigger. Finally, in 1659, most of his church members decided to leave Connecticut. They wanted to start a new town in Massachusetts.
Founding Hadley and a Secret Mission
In 1659, John Russell led his church group to a new place. They founded the town of Hadley on the east side of the Connecticut River.
Starting in 1664, Russell took on a very dangerous secret. He hid two men, Edward Whalley and William Goffe, in his home. These men were called "regicides." They were wanted by King Charles II because they had helped to sentence his father, King Charles I, to death. The King had many people searching for them.
John Russell kept these two men hidden for more than ten years. This put his own life and his family's lives in great danger.
The Angel of Hadley Legend
Edward Whalley died around 1675. William Goffe was still alive during King Philip's War. This was a big conflict between English colonists and Native Americans.
According to the Angel of Hadley legend, Hadley was attacked by Native Americans. Suddenly, a mysterious old man appeared and rallied the townspeople. He helped them fight off the attack. After the battle, he disappeared just as quickly as he arrived. Many people believe this mysterious man was William Goffe, who came out of hiding to save the town.
Because John Russell protected these men for so long, he was called the "Guardian Angel of Hadley." A historian named George Sheldon wrote about Russell's bravery. He said Russell worked "in darkness and in silence" for over ten years. He never gave up his secret, even though it was very risky.
Family Life
John Russell's son, Rev. Samuel Russell, became an important person too. He helped to start Yale College in Connecticut.
Reverend John Russell passed away on December 10, 1692. He is buried in The Old Hadley Cemetery in Hadley, Massachusetts. His second wife, Rebecca Newberry Russell, is buried there with him. You can find more information about his burial place online.
Legacy
Today, a street in Hadley is named after Reverend Russell. It is called Russell Street. This street is also known as Massachusetts Route 9.
