Sherman in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill

1. Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill 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

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 7419.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 33° 38.486′ N, 96° 35.777′ W. Marker is in Sherman, Texas, in Grayson County. It is on East Pecan Street west of North Lee Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located at the front of the main building by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1204 E Pecan St, Sherman TX 75090, United States of

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Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Thompson House/Temple Center (approx. 0.3 miles away); Austin College (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ida Green Communication Center (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jerry E. Apple Stadium, Robert T. Mason Athletic-Recreation Complex (approx. 0.4 miles away); Student Union Building (former location) (approx. 0.4 miles away); Windsor Mall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wynne Chapel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Solstice Calendar & Abell Library (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sherman.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 27, 2024

2. Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill Marker

Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 27, 2024

3. Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 133 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 9, 2026. 2, 3. submitted on December 30, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.