The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
An official of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad convinced a prominent contractor, Mr. Wallbaum, to investigate the limestone along the banks of the South Henderson Creek that the train passed on its way to Burlington.
At a point about one and a half miles above Gladstone the man saw real possibilities of establishing a quarry; he at once bought some 500 acres and began working the site.
In 1876 he opened another quarry farther up the creek and in 1882 was doing business amounting to $60,000 to $80,000 annually.
The shipment of stone averaged from 8-10 car loads per day and about 50-80 men were employed, part of whom were stone cutters.
1882 History of Henderson County