C. M. Russell & Co. was founded in 1842 as a partnership between Charles M. Russell, Nathan S. Russell and Clement Russell. They began building railroad cars in 1853 and shortly thereafter steam traction engines. In 1878 the firm incorporated as the Russell Co. The company was sold at auction in 1927 and the service was then handled by the Russell Service Co. until 1942.

Information Sources

• American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 211
• Encyclopedia of American Steam Traction Engines by Jack Norbeck, 1975 page 230
• Thirty-First Annual Report of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, 1881. Awards of Premiums at State Fair, 1881. "Russell & Co., Massillon, Ohio, Exhibited a single pony saw mill, with 30-foot carriage, combination lever set head blocks. The mandrel has three adjustable bearings secured to frame. The mil is operated from the front of the saw instead of the outside of the carriage. It is run by regular belt and friction feed. It has a 52-inch saw with inserted teeth. The mill is well built, durable and of good workmanship."
• Steam Power on the American Farm by Reynold M. Wik, 1953 page 253
• The Steam Tractor Encyclopedia by John F. Spalding & Robert T. Rhode, 2011 pages 314-316