Founded in 1892 to manufacture a steam engine patented by Elmer A. Smith. The design was not a commercial success. In 1893, the firm reorganized as the American Engine Co. to manufacture more conventional designed automatic cut-off steam engines with an improved Ball governor. In 1896, Frank H. Ball, who had designed steam engines for the Ball Engine Co. and Ball & Wood, was appointed General Manager. The firm then manufactured American-Ball steam engines.
Information Sources
- American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 17
- Steam Power on the American Farm by Reynold M. Wik, 1953 page 254