Notes for: Elizabeth HENRY

Elizabeth Henry Campbell Russell, sister of Patrick Henry, was born in Hanover County, VA in 1749. She was married to General William Campbell, "the hero of King's Mountain". They made their home in Aspenvale near Seven Mile Ford, Virginia. After General Campbell's death, she married General William Russell, a prominent military person and a member of the State Legislature of Virginia. In 1788, the Russell's moved to Saltville, Virginia to a home located beside the spot where the Madam Russell Memorial United Methodist Church now stands. The Russell's attended the first Methodist Conference on waters that did not flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Mrs. Russell was converted and her home in Saltville became the meeting place for traveling ministers. In 1812, Mrs. Russell moved to another log home near Chilhowie to be nearer the Great Road. In 1824, a Methodist Church was dedicated in her name-The Elizabeth Chapel. Land was given for use as a public cemetery and it still bears her name-the Elizabeth Cemetery in Saltville, Virginia. Madam Russell is credited with bringing Methodism to this part of the country.