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Dexter-Russell 23 O n March 30, 1797, John Russell, the oldest of seven children, was born in Deerfield, Massachusetts, to a successful jeweler. Little is known about his early life, although some historians claim he and two of his brothers attended Westfield Academy. Keeping with the custom of the time, he trained in his father's trade, which provided a foundation in metal work, particularly with silver; he also learned the use of engravers and chasers, which helped to instill in him a "sense of artistry and design." Russell exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit and first exercised his business skills in the Deep South where he invested in cotton, with somewhat mixed results. He established a fabric factory in 1825, which proved to be relatively successful. For the next 12 years Russell remained in Georgia, where his fortunes grew. Having amassed a sizable bankroll, he retired in 1830 and married Julianna Witmer. e couple lived in Pennsylvania with his wife's family for the next two years. BIRTH OF A DREAM During a scheduled short-term visit to Greenfield, Russell's family convinced him to move back to the town. He agreed, but soon became restless and eager to find a fulfilling outlet for his energy; he decided to take advantage of the growing commercial opportunities in the town. Always the adventurer and nonconformist, he chose to enter manufacturing, most likely influenced by an 1832 book. e Practical Tourist related the romantic travel tales of Rhode Island clothing manufacturer Zachariah Allen. Inspired by the author's eloquent descriptions of knife-making in Sheffield, England, Russell decided this was the business he would pursue. He envisioned a company that would rival his English counterparts. A chisel factory in Greenfield, Massachusetts, became his first foray into the cutlery industry. Reportedly, Russell's "…first products were cast steel socket chisels, which were so fine that in 1834 they won a prize in a fair held by the American Institute." Soon after, the company began manufacturing butcher knives and a variety of kitchen knives. Pioneering Products