James R. Russell, Shelbyville, ILL., then Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Submitted by Mike Miller
Date: 1999-2000




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James R. Russell.  Business achievements and business character of unusual order 

have characterized the career of James R. Russell, and what he has done has 

contributed to the continued growth and expansion of his home City of Shreveport.  

Mr. Russell has lived most of his life in Louisiana, but was born at Shelbyville, 

Illinois, in 1888.



In 1900 the family came to Louisiana, settling in Arcadia Parish.  James R. 

Russell grew up there, attended public schools, and finished his education in the 

Louisiana State University.  Almost from early youth he has been an independent 

business man, having the natural qualifications of a born salesman.



His first work as salesman was selling advertising novelties, and then for several 

years he was on the road as salesman for mill equipment and machinery, houses 

supplying saw mills, cotton oil mills and other industries.



When Mr. Russell left the road to become permanently identified with Shreveport 

in 1915 he had a capital of only $251, and he made his start on borrowed money 

and credit.  The factory he established was one for the manufacture of metallic 

piston rod packing and other power specialties such as handhold and manhold 

gaskets, etc. Mr. Russell subsequently incorporated the business as the Colossus 

Company, and has been its president.  In a few short years this has become an 

important industry, and the product takes the name of Shreveport into practically 

every state if the Union and Canada.  In the early years the business was of 

little more than local importance, but in 1923 the plant distributed in Shreveport 

more than $80,000 in wages.  The company has twenty-four men traveling on the road, 

and the business is steadily growing.



It was no doubt on account of his exceptional business talents that Mr. Russell 

in 1922 was selected by the Commercial National Bank, of which he has been a 

director since 1921, to take the position of managing director of the new business 

department which in reality performs the functions of a department of public 

relations.  This is one of the largest and strongest banks in the Southwest.  

Through the administration of his department Mr. Russell has given the best of 

his time and talents, and has made the department a source of greatly increased 

business for the bank and even more important in valuable service to the banks 

patrons and clients and the welfare of the business community in general.  This 

department performs a willing service of an advisory nature to all contemplating 

entering business or expanding their facilities. it has also carried out publicity 

campaigns to promote thrift and saving habits in young people, and under the 

direction of Mr. Russell the department has developed a service almost unique 

among establishments.



Mr. Russell is a former president and for two years was secretary of the Shreveport 

Rotary Club.  He married Miss Mattie Bell Woodruff, and they have one child, 

James R., Jr.  Mr. Russell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 

its first steward.



A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 125, by Henry E. Chambers.  

Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.