Contains one volume of autobiographical material and diary entries and correspondence. Volume contains an autobiographical sketch of Russell's youth, dealing mainly with his earnest desire to become a minister despite poor health and poverty and his efforts to educated himself, and diary entries (1833-1842) concerning his theological studies, work as the Chautauqua County agent of the American Bible Society,lectures on temperance, preaching in Western New York both before and after his ordination in 1837, his appointment to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (1839), the early death of his first wife, Hannah Wygant, and his marriage to Harriet Whitcomb, sermon and lecture notes and genealogical data.

Also, correspondence on church and family matters (1869-1889) with his son Emmett and daughter Emily, parishioners, and colleagues; income and expense accounts with his various congregations; copies of sermons (1846-1879); one photograph of Mr. Russell; and miscellaneous printed items. Five issues of mss. school newspapers edited by children of the Russell family. Almond, Andover, Burns, Independence, Allegany County; Tyrone, Watkins Glen, Schuyler County; Canisteo, Cohocton, Hammondsport, Hornellsville, Prattsburg, Steuben County; Farmington, Manchester, Nelson, and Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.