Melissa and Robert Russell Collection

.25 linear feet

This collection consists of a marriage certificate between Melissa and Robert Russell in 1918, signed by Linfield president Leonard Riley, Dean Emanuel Northup, and Professor E.S. Gardiner, as well as a 1980 letter detailing the origins of the marriage certificate, written by Melissa Russell.

Arranged in one series

Access is by appointment only. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment.

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Jereld R. Nicholson Library, Linfield College

Biographical Note: Melissa Russell was born Melissa Ellen Vaile on May 8th, 1893, to John Rufus Harrington Vaile and Melissa Polly Bossuot, in Tekoa, Washington. She married Robert Vincent Russell on January 20th, 1918. Robert Russell graduated from Linfield College in 1917 with a bachelors of arts, then recieved a bachelor of divinity at the Colgate-Rochester Divinty School in 1921, a masters of arts from the Teachers College at Columbia University, and an honorary doctorate of divinity from Linfield in 1940. He then served the New York Baptist City Societies as Director of Christian Education for 20 years, and Associate Executive Secretary for 15 years. Melissa Russell graduated Linfield College in 1914, and served with the YWCA of the City of New York as an Honorary Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Archives and Research Center.