Complex sentence: Gutta-percha found use in canes and walking sticks, as well; in 1856, Representative Preston Brooks used a cane made of gutta-percha as a weapon in his infamous attack on Senator Charles Sumner.
Split into simpler sentences: Gutta-percha found use in canes and walking sticks, as well. In 1856, Representative Preston Brooks used a cane made of gutta-percha as a weapon in his infamous attack on Senator Charles Sumner.