The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In 1882 the largest, most extensive and valuable industry in Henderson County was the Gladstone Refining Co. with a worth of $126,000 totally.
Originally organized as the Excelsior Refining Co. with Geo. R. Crittenden as president, it was reorganized in the spring of 1882 and manufactured grape sugar, glucose, and sorghum syrups and shipped the products to large cities.
The company induced a number of farmers to plant cane to the amount of about 350 acres, including Mr. W. Hammuck's 130 acres, which he hired teams to plant and cultivate for him; all went into syrups in the fall.
1882 History of Henderson County