Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill
Sherman, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Here the Sherman Cotton Oil Company was created by John Clement Tassey between 1871-1879, to become, at one time, largest of its kind in the world. Company was at first housed in frame buildings. In 1891 a permanent building was erected; spacious engine room contained white marble slab floor, oak paneled walls, red brick fireplace of English design, and a carved oak staircase. The new facility had a peak capacity of over 400 tons of cotton seed a day. By 1893, was called "largest cotton seed oil mill in the world" in geography textbooks; Texas "Almanac," 1904. Oil from this plant went to ports throughout the world. Tassey was known in Europe as "Mr. Sherman," and Sherman as the city "where the oil comes from." A pioneer in use of cotton seed for edible purposes; in 1902 a preparation of cotton seed oil for cooking was added to company's production. Smaller mills began competing for available seed; by 1903 plant closed because of inability to secure sufficient cotton seed to operate economically. It was reorganized and reopened in 1913 as the Interstate Cotton Oil Refining company. The original permanent building, facing Pecan Street, is now a part of this modern Sherman plant. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967 Incise in base: Erected by Anderson, Clayton & Co. Foods Division
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Between 1871 and 1879, John Clement Tassey built the Sherman Cotton Oil Company into what was billed as the largest cotton seed oil mill in the world, its 1891 headquarters boasting a marble-floored engine room and carved oak staircase. Processing over 400 tons of seed a day, the plant shipped oil to ports across the globe and pioneered the use of cotton seed oil for cooking. Seed shortages closed it in 1903, but it reopened in 1913 as the Interstate Cotton Oil Refining Company.
Why it matters
The mill marks a turning point in American food history, when a cotton byproduct once considered waste became a global commodity and a staple of the modern kitchen.
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Related people
- · John Clement Tassey
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