The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Laid out on sections 14 and 15 by Judge Rice of Oquawka in 1856, the town was first named after Mr. Gideon Sage on whose land it was situated.
Actually, it was called by various names: Wright Lynn called it Lynntown; Lucius Cook named it Cookville; Alec McFarland said it was Limestone Cottage, but G.Sage labeled it Sagetown and thus it remained until 1881 when it was changed to Gladstone.
Following a vote for incorporation as the village of Gladstone on May 17, 1881 the following officials were elected: William Hammack, J.S. McFarland, John Butter-field, J.C.Tolman, Andrew Williamson and Henry Coats-Trustees; J.R.Glover-justice of the peace.
Later J.R.Glover was elected clerk of the board; C.E.Crandall became village constable and street supervisor; W.H.Graham was treasurer; and J.S.McFarland assumed the presidency.
1882 History of Henderson County