Cecil (1999; p. 144) cites a newspaper article published in 1896 regarding the history of this distillery. It was located one mile north of New Haven on Davis Run and was operated by R Monroe Ford. It had a mashing capacity of 50 bu. and was producing "Pride of Nelson" whiskey. The distiller was Richard Bowling, who had learned his trade with E L Miles in New Hope.

Insurance underwriter records compiled in 1892 suggest that the distillery was of frame construction and supplied two warehouses:
Warehouse A -- iron-clad and located 122 ft east of the still.
Warehouse B -- iron- clad, located 125 ft east

At that time, it was being operated by Ford Bros.