Shelby County Indiana
Historical Articles
Businesses and Trades
Mills
A Shelbyville Newspaper
July 6, 1947
----------
THE RED MILLS -
----------
INDIANA'S QUIET PAST IS
PRESERVED IN THIS 126 - YEAR - OLD
BUILDING ALONG SHELBY
COUNTY'S SHADY SUGAR CREEK
----------
For years artists seeking a picturesque subject for their brush have followed the windings of a narrow country road along the banks of Big Sugar Creek, in Shelby County, until a sharp turn lands them almost in the doorway of the Red Mills. There they settle down to put on canvas what has become - because of its history and the pastoral beauty of its setting - one of the most painted, most photographed relics of Indiana's pioneer past. Usually the artist's work is done within sound and sight of whirring machinery and a steady stream of farm wagons and trucks entering or leaving the mill. For the 126 - year - old Red Mills, with two 30 - horsepower water turbines daily grinding out stock feed, corn meal and sometimes flour, obstinately remains a busy and profitable holdout against less colorful milling methods. By now Fred R. Garver - an Indiana University graduate who gave up teaching to become a miller - is used to seeing artists and cameramen, both amateur and professional, exploring the mill and its surroundings with rapt attention to its construction detail. He became owner of the mill back in 1921, when it was just 100 years old and already a favorite haunt of those trying to recapture Indiana's past on canvas or film. "Most of the Indiana artists, and some from as far away as New York, have been here at one time or another," he recalls. "Sometimes classes from John Herron Art School at Indianapolis visit us, and people with cameras are always stopping to take a picture." The Red Mills - called "Mills" because of its two turbines, was built on the bank of Big Sugar in 1821 by a pioneer, Joseph Hough. It had a succession of owners until acquired in 1870 by Garver's grandfather, John Rasp. From 1900 until taken over by the present owner, it was operated by Garver's uncle, Fred Rasp, a one - time circus musician. The mill today is some larger than it was in its earliest days, but, in general, it's the same structure built by Hough. Located three miles west of Fairland and a mile north of Boggstown, Red Mills in the early days attracted customers from as far away as Southport, Martinsville and Beech Grove. Even today a few old - timers from around these communities pass up more modern elevators to take their bringing to the mill patronized originally by their pioneer ancestors. Most passing motorists and visitors at the mill nowadays are unaware that its peaceful surroundings once were disturbed by a sensational murder. This occurred in 1901 when William Gray, a Franklin stonemason employed in repairing the mill foundations, was shot at his work by Mrs. Martin Freese, his landlady. After a much publicized trial, Mrs. Freese and her husband, who had stood calmly by while the shooting took place, were sent to prison. Little more than a decade ago the Red Mills again made the front pages of Indiana newspapers after the body of W. H. Bright, an Indianapolis druggist, was found in the waters of Big Sugar Creek near the mill. The druggist had been slain by two bandits in Indianapolis, who then disposed of the body in the creek. Despite the frequent noisy passing of automobiles and trucks, the Red Mills amidst its peaceful setting of mill pond, tall sycamores and the swift little creek appears more like the rural Indiana of 50 years ago that a modern business enterprise. The Garver children boating on the pond or wading in the stream will might be the Tom Sawyers and Becky Thatchers of Mark Twain's boyhood. The mill, except for the two gasoline pumps in front, hasn't changed much since the days when residents of nearby Boggstown once voted to secede from the Union because its Civil War sympathies were with the South. But the modern note, nonetheless, intrudes. "I'm more afraid of the kids getting run over, out there on the road, than I am that they'll get in trouble in Sugar Creek," Garver today says of his children.Historical Articles
Businesses and Trades
Mills
A Shelbyville Newspaper
July 6, 1947
----------
THE RED MILLS -
----------
INDIANA'S QUIET PAST IS
PRESERVED IN THIS 126 - YEAR - OLD
BUILDING ALONG SHELBY
COUNTY'S SHADY SUGAR CREEK
----------
Contributed by Marlena Linne
Conger's Cane Mill
~ ~ ~
Picture compliments of George Young
~ ~ ~
Picture compliments of George Young
From Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, page 316
MILLING IN SHELBY COUNTY.
Next to a suitable cabin
in which to live, the matter of a place to obtain milling was uppermost in the
mind of the early settler in Shelby county. These first settlers must at
least be supplied with bread stuffs once a year from other sources than their
own hands. The first crops, be they ever so abundant, gave only partial
relief, there being no mills within the county. Hence the necessity of
grinding by hand power, and many families were but poorly provided with means of
thus doing. The tin "grater" was used by many, and in many cases
the "hominy-block" was resorted to. It was more than three years
after the first settler set his stakes here in Shelby county here before a mill
was put in operation for the grinding of corn and wheat. Hence home-made
flour was used, unless the settler took the time to "go to the mill"
at White Water, Franklin county, forty miles away and wait fays at a busy season
of the year in taking his turn to get his wheat ground. A little later a
mill was built and known as the "Quarry's Mills," near Moscow, Decatur
county. Next came the home mills in Shelby county.One pioneer who passed through those days of privation and difficulty has said "Was quite an undertaking -- this going to mill. It was a two or three days' journey. Sometimes it was made by a pair of oxen drawing a two-wheeled cart; but frequently the farmer went on horse-back, seated on a big bag of grain. This made the journey tedious, and his return was anxiously awaited by mother and children. There are some recollections of 'going to mill' not in poetry of today, but in actual experience, that brings a tinge of sadness to one's heart. The true picture of weary watching wife and mother, when nightfall came and the pioneer father and husband did not return as expected. Too many grists ahead of his was the true cause of his long delay. These were dismal phases of pioneer life in Indiana. When the darkness closed in upon the anxious mother by the half open doorway and crying children about her; the winds beating on the rude cabin, bringing to their ears unwelcome sounds, laden with howls of half starved wolves and when the inmates of the cabin were pressed heavily for something to eat. But generally speaking, the true housewife became equal to the emergency and sometimes pressed the old coffee mill into service and ground a mess of parched corn for the children to eat until the pioneer returned with 'white flour,' when a royal feast was enjoyed by all the family."
It is quite certain, from the best evidence at hand at this late day, that the first mill within Shelby county was that built by John Walker on Blue river, at the present site of the Shelby mills [see newspaper article below]. This was a small frame mill, erected and running early in 1823. Nathan Johnson was the millwright. During the same year, Abel Summers built a mill in Marion which stood where later was built the Marion Flouring Mills. About the same time, possibly a trifle later, was built the Ira Bailey mill, on Blue river in the town of Freeport; this was managed by Lathrop Francis. This mill is still [1909] in an excellent state of preservation with stone piers, stone dams and stone race and flume and a high grade of flour is made there.
[Chadwick's article continues below the entries for the Shelby Mills.]
Shelby Mills
~ ~ ~
This flouring mill was located at the site of Porter Pool, using the Big Blue River for its power.
Picture compliments of George Young
Kent & Seynour Mills was owned and operated by George E. Kent (left) and M. R. Seynour.
This was also located at the site of Porter Pool (now the Chamber of Commerce).
Picture from Boetcker's Picturesque Shelbyville, 1902.
~ ~ ~
This flouring mill was located at the site of Porter Pool, using the Big Blue River for its power.
Picture compliments of George Young
Kent & Seynour Mills was owned and operated by George E. Kent (left) and M. R. Seynour.
This was also located at the site of Porter Pool (now the Chamber of Commerce).
Picture from Boetcker's Picturesque Shelbyville, 1902.
From Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, page 318
The Water Mill, usually styled the "Shelby Mills," was the old original mill, to which the successor commenced operations many years ago, even before the settlement of the county had amounted to much. Year after year its ponderous wheel revolved and its machinery clanked under the burden of its load. The first saw and flouring mill in Shelby county was built by John Walker in 1822, upon the present site of the Shelby Mills. Early in 1842 James Elliott purchased this mill property; it then consisted of an old grist mill with two run of buhrs, and the remains of an old saw-mill. The latter was immediately rebuilt. In the spring of 1844 John Elliott came to Shelbyville and took a a half interest in the property, and the same year a wooden mill was erected just above the race bridge, between the race and the river. In 1846 the sawmill was removed and the present flouring mill built on the same site. It was greatly enlarged in 1856, being increased also to six run of buhrs. Its output was one hundred barrels a day at that time. The property in 1850 passed into the hands of Jacob Vernon and W. O. Rockwood. The latter was soon succeeded by Evans Elliott, under the name of Elliott & Vernon. Steam was added to the water power furnished by the river. On account of an accident the health of Mr. Elliott failed and he was compelled to retire from the business. In 1859 the mill passed to the hands of Alexander Cory, who held the same at the date of his death in 1864. It was then purchased by David Kemp, but a year or two later it was purchased by William Elliott, David P. Campbell and A. O. Porter, who operated under the firm name of D. C. Campbell & Company. J. M. Elliott was admitted to the firm in 1866. Later the firm was known as Elliott, Kennedy & Company. In 1870 G. W. Kennedy sold his interest to John Messick, now president of the First National Bank, after which it was operated as Elliott & Company. In 1881 George E. Kent became a partner, and two years later William Elliott retired, Mr. Kent taking his interest, after which the style of the milling firm was Elliott, Messick & Company. The mill was overhauled, remodeled and "roller mill" machinery placed in instead of the old time buhr system. In 1884 John Messick disposed of his interest to George W. Senour, and the firm consisted of the equal partners, J. M. Elliott, George E. Kent and George W. Senour, but worked under the name of Elliott, Kent & Senour. As it stood in 1887 this mill was fifty by eighty feet, and four stories high. It was about 1894 when this milling plant was remodeled and the patent, or "roller process" was installed, having a daily capacity of two hundred barrels. It is under the present proprietorship of C. H. Billman & Son.
The Shelbyville Republican
----------
Thursday, October 25, 1883
Page 3
----------
Big Rush.
----------
Everybody who has tried
the fine flour made at the Shelby Mills is pleased with it. It makes bread
as white as snow.----------
Thursday, October 25, 1883
Page 3
----------
Big Rush.
----------
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
From Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, page 317
It was the law and custom at an early date to obtain what is known in legal parlance as an ad quod danum, or a permit to construct a mill-dam, which provided for damages in case of overflow on crops, etc. Sometimes this right was waived, as settlers wanted mills, and they did not require the process to be perfected before actual milling was done. The record shows that Isaac Drake built and operated a flouring mill on the northeast quarter of section 25, township 11, range 6, on Flat Rock river, some time prior to the summer of 1823, when the writ was actually fulfilled. To nearly all of these mills was attached saw-mill machinery, as well as grist mill appliances. A few years later this branch of milling proved the better paying of the two, and large quantities of lumber were cut and sold for building purposes. Oak, poplar, wild cherry, black walnut, maple and other varieties of native timber were also cut and shipped to distant sections of the country, where suitable timber was scarce.
Coming to an account of the various mills that have been built and operated in Shelby county from the early-day to now it should be said that in addition to those already mentioned the Star Mills [see newspaper article below] were established in 1856, erected by H. P. Johnson, who was a noted grain dealer and pork-packer. The mill was located at Shelbyville and the upper, or fourth story was all in one large room, fitted up for a hall, and it was called "Johnson's Hall." This place was used for all public gatherings, such as balls, theatrical performances, conventions, mass meetings, etc. In a few years Johnson, the proprietor, failed in business and badly involved many of his numerous friends here. He removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was succeeded by the firm of Porter & Dixon, grain dealers, and they in turn by Jasper H. Sprague, who dealt in grain. Next came Alonzo Swain and Lewis Neibel, of Jackson township, who dealt in grain and manufactured hominy. In 1867 Mr. Swain bought his partner's share in the business, and put in milling machinery, converting the grain ware house into a mill for the production of a good grade of flour and continued in such industry up to the date of his death, which occurred in 1872. After his death the Star Milling Company was formed and was composed of Squire L. Vanpelt, Sidney Robertson, William A. Moore, George W. Kennedy, James Y. Stewart and Michael Snyder, of Hendricks township. It was sold to Peyton Johnson in 1875, and he conducted the same until 1879, when it was sold at Sheriff sale to Samuel Hamilton, a banker of Shelbyville, who bid it in for the amount of his mortgage against it, amounting to something like five thousand dollars. In 1883 George W. Kennedy and John M. Brown, a local lumberman of prominence, bought and remodeled the mill and put in a "new process" or the patent milling appliances known as the roller system of flour-making, then first coming into general use. It then had a capacity of one hundred fifty barrels per day, and these men continued to successfully operate until the spring of 1887, when James B. Kennedy, son of George W. Kennedy, bought Mr. Brown out, after which the firm was George W. Kennedy & Son, who operated the mill for years. In 1892 the full roller process (latest improvements) were added, and it now has a daily capacity of two hundred barrels of excellent grade flour. It is now the property of the G. W. Kennedy Milling Company.
Star Mills
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
Coming to an account of the various mills that have been built and operated in Shelby county from the early-day to now it should be said that in addition to those already mentioned the Star Mills were established in 1856, erected by H. P. Johnson, who was a noted grain dealer and pork-packer. The mill was located at Shelbyville and the upper, or fourth story was all in one large room, fitted up for a hall, and it was called "Johnson's Hall." This place was used for all public gatherings, such as balls, theatrical performances, conventions, mass meetings, etc. In a few years Johnson, the proprietor, failed in business and badly involved many of his numerous friends here. He removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was succeeded by the firm of Porter & Dixon, grain dealers, and they in turn by Jasper H. Sprague, who dealt in grain. Next came Alonzo Swain and Lewis Neibel, of Jackson township, who dealt in grain and manufactured hominy. In 1867 Mr. Swain bought his partner's share in the business, and put in milling machinery, converting the grain ware house into a mill for the production of a good grade of flour and continued in such industry up to the date of his death, which occurred in 1872. After his death the Star Milling Company was formed and was composed of Squire L. Vanpelt, Sidney Robertson, William A. Moore, George W. Kennedy, James Y. Stewart and Michael Snyder, of Hendricks township. It was sold to Peyton Johnson in 1875, and he conducted the same until 1879, when it was sold at Sheriff sale to Samuel Hamilton, a banker of Shelbyville, who bid it in for the amount of his mortgage against it, amounting to something like five thousand dollars. In 1883 George W. Kennedy and John M. Brown, a local lumberman of prominence, bought and remodeled the mill and put in a "new process" or the patent milling appliances known as the roller system of flour-making, then first coming into general use. It then had a capacity of one hundred fifty barrels per day, and these men continued to successfully operate until the spring of 1887, when James B. Kennedy, son of George W. Kennedy, bought Mr. Brown out, after which the firm was George W. Kennedy & Son, who operated the mill for years. In 1892 the full roller process (latest improvements) were added, and it now has a daily capacity of two hundred barrels of excellent grade flour. It is now the property of the G. W. Kennedy Milling Company.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Edward H. Chadwick. B. A., B. F. Bowen & Co, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1909, pp 317-318.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
| The Star Roller Mills, operated by Geo. W. Kennedy & Son. The firm composed of George W. Kennedy and his sons, James B. Kennedy and Fred W. Kennedy. They manufacture the celebrated "Our Star" flour, the name of which is a household word in almost every home in this city and county. They also deal largely in all kinds of grain, besides handling a large business in grain, flour and mill feeds in the great consuming eastern section of the country. |
The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, July 2, 1920
----------
AN OLD STAIRWAY OF FINE LUMBER
----------
BLACK WALNUT LUMBER WORTH
FABULOUS PRICE IN THE
STAR MILL.
----------
NO MORE BOARDS TO BE CUT
----------
Blemished as this lumber is with nail holes and one side rough by having been walked on for years, a value of $300 per 1,000 feet was placed on it by experts.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Republican
----------
Thursday, October 25, 1883
Page 3
----------
You can now order your
flour from the Star Mills by telephone. Try it once.----------
Thursday, October 25, 1883
Page 3
----------
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
Hanover Mills
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
At an early day what was styled the "Hanover Mills," in the northern part of the county, did a large flour-making business and rivaled, if not exceeded the mills at Shelbyville. But these mills have long since gone to decay, and little left to mark the spot once so busy with the grinding of golden grain, by water power and the old mill-stone system. In 1876 there were three different flouring mill plants in Shelbyville and many here and there throughout the county. Saw-mills and tanneries were also located in various sections of the county, but owing to a changed condition of industrial life and activities in the country many of these once prosperous concerns have disappeared, having been swallowed up by trusts and different methods which have come to obtain in our progressive land. The chief milling business of the county is now done at the two great flouring mills at Shelbyville.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Edward H. Chadwick. B. A., B. F. Bowen & Co, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1909, pp 317-318.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Democrat
Thursday April 17, 1884
Page 4 column 4
----------
HANOVER MILLS BURNED
----------
The Hanover Mills,
situated three miles this side of Morristown, was set on fire a few minutes
before ten last Thursday night, and in less than half an hour the whole building
was totally consumed, with all its contents, which, besides machinery, consisted
of about a ton of flour, two tons of feed and some household furniture belonging
to William Folger, the miller. The mill belonged to Church
& Ayers, of Indianapolis, whose loss is estimated at $10,000.
The mill was insured some time ago for $5,000 by Indianapolis agents, but it is
not known whether the insurance is still in force or not. Mr. Folger, the
Miller, lost about $100 worth of tools and furniture which were in the mill.
Frank Cory, whose farm adjoins the mill property, had about seventy-five
rods of hedge and the same amount of board fence burned. There is no clue to the
incendiary.Thursday April 17, 1884
Page 4 column 4
----------
HANOVER MILLS BURNED
----------
Contributed by Barb Huff
Swain's Mill
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
|
There are two possible locations for this mill: southwest of Arlington, Rush County,
Indiana, or the Rush-Shelby County line, between township 14N and 13N, sections 33, 34, 4 and 3. This above print was found in family belongings along with a sale bill for real estate in section 3, T13N, R8E. The mill in the photo above is not the mill owned by Alonzo Swain and Lewis Neibel, referred to Chadwick's article above. |
Bailey's Mill
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
An abstract of title to the following described Real-Estate, in SHELBY County, in the State of INDIANA, towit:
Beginning at a stone on the west line of section Fourteen (14) in township Fourteen (14) North and Range Seven (7) East, 77 poles and 17 links North of the South West corner of said section: and running thence East to the Bank of the Blue River; thence North and North East, up the bank of said River, to the South East Corner of a tract of land formerly owned by the heirs of Hopkins Harris; thence North, along the East line of said tract of land, to the center line of said Section; thence East to the East Bank of the blue river; thence down the East Bank of the blue river to a point 40 feet below the lower end of the grist mill; thence West to the West line of said section; and thence north to the place of beginning.
The West Half of the South West Quarter of Section 14, in Township 14 North and Range 7 East, containing 80- Acres was entered by Eben Lucas. Entry made Nov. 7th 1820, See U.S. Tract Book, in the office of the Recorder of Shelby County, Indiana.
EBEN LUCAS
and Mary Lucas, his wife,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
to
Ira Bailey
(of Shelby County Indiana.)
Warranty Deed, Jany 31st 1825, $110.00 Recorded Feby 5th 1825 in deed book "A" page 96; for all that part of the W.1/2 of the S.W. Qr of Section 14,--14,--7, [section 14 of Township 14 North of Range 7 East] which lies West of the East Bank of Blue River that the Common Stage of Water with all water privileges for mills, machinery, and to build a DAM 3 feet & 6 inches high from the top of the water of the common state of water, with the privilege to build IN the East bank of the River at the East end of the DAM sufficient to secure the same from Floods.
Deed: in fee-simple signed and sealed it pelage [?] by the Grantors before Moses Flood, a J.P. of Shelby County Indiana.
Article of agreement
between
Ira Baley
and
Jesse Shaw and John Stephenson.
Agreement and Bond for a Deed, Executed Dec. 5th 1837, Recorded Jany 3rd 1838, in Deed Book "G" on page 704;
This instrument sets forth "that in consideration of and upon payment of $6000.00, to be paid $150.00 at the expiration of every 3 months for 10 years from date, with lawful interest on the notes for the last 2 years, the said Bailey binds himself his executors &c., to give a good and sufficient Warranty deed to said Shaw and Stephenson for all that part of S,W, Qr. of Sec.14,--14,--7, [section 14 of Township 14 North of Range 7 East] described as follows, towit: Beginning of a stone on the West line of said Section 77 rods & 17 links North of the S,W, corner thereof: & running thence East to Blue River; thence North and North East, up the bank of said River to the South East corner of the lands owned by the heirs of Hopkins Harris; thence North along the East line of said lands to the center line of said Section; thence East to the East bank of Blue River; thence down the East bank to the ford below the mills; thence North West to the West line of said Section; and thence North to the place of beginning; with all the Water Privileges thereon, with a privilege to raise a DAM 3 feet & 6 inches high from the top of the water at a common Stage of the water, and the privilege to build into the East bank sufficient to secure dam from floods and all water privileges thereunto belonging."
Note: No deed appears to have been made in pursuance of the above contract to the said Shaw and Stephenson, but evidently a deed was made to the grantee named at # 6 below, as the assignee of said Shaw and Stephenson; Else there was a rescinding of the above contract which does not appear of record.
---------
Ira Bailey,
and Huldah Bailey, his wife,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
to
Harry D. Huntington
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
Warranty deed April 3rd 1843, $2700.00, recorded June 23rd 1847, in Deed Book "N" on page 107;
For the following real-estate
(See the same property description is listed above.)
Deed: in fee-simple, regularly Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged by the Grantors before William Blivin, a J.P. of Shelby County Indiana
----------
Harry D. Huntington
and Zerriah Huntington, his wife
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
to
William Silcox
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
Warranty deed, Nov 18th 1844, $2000, Recorded Feby 26th 1845, in Deed Book "K" on page 629; For the same tract of land and privileges as described above.
Deed: in fee simple, regularly signed sealed and acknowledged before Ira Bailey, and associate Judge of Shelby County Indiana.
Joseph L. Silcox
and Letitia Silcox, his wife,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
to
Alexander Cory and
Alexander Rittenhouse,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
Warranty deed November 20, 1852, $4300, recorded November 22, 1852 and deed book you [? U ?] on page 149; For the same tract of land and privileges as described above.
Deed: in fee simple, regularly Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged by the Grantors before Cyrus Wright, a N.P. of Shelby County Indiana.
Note:
It is a matter of common repute that William Silcox, Grantee named in deed noted above died intestate, leaving no children and leaving a wife, who is now Lucenia Pearson, still living at Greenfield Indiana, and leaving one Brother Joseph L. Silcox above named.
---------
Alexander Cory,
and Loretta Cory, his wife,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
To
Alexander Rittenhouse,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
.
Warranty Deed Jany 15th 1856, $3000.00, Recorded Mch. 3rd 1856 in deed book "Z" on page 424; for the same tract of land as described above, "With all the Water privileges and all the mills and machinery thereunto belonging."
Deed: in fee simple, regularly Signed and Sealed and Acknowledged by the Grantors before James Millison, Recorder of Shelby County Indiana.
Alexander Rittenhouse,
And Elizabeth Rittenhouse, his wife,
(of Shelby Co, Ind.)
To
David Kemp,
(of Shelby County Indiana.)
WARTY Deed, Aug, 8th 1859, $4000,00,
Recorded May 29th 1861, in Deed Book "HH" on page 347;
For the same tract of land as described above, "together with the mills, machinery, rights, privilegs and water ways thereunto belonging."
Deed: in fee-simple, regularly Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged before Samuel Engle, a Justice of the Peace of Shelby County Indiana.
David Kemp,
And Matilda Kemp, his wife,
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
To
Jacob Corman
(of Shelby Co. Ind.)
Warty Deed, Jany 12th 1864, $2167.00, Recorded Feby 16th 1864 in Deed Book "LL" page 56; For the same tract of land described above "together with the mills and machinery, rights, privileges thereunto belonging, Upon this EXPRESS CONDITION: that said mills and water privilegs shall never be used for grinding grain of any kind."
Deed: in fee-simple, regularly Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged by the Grantors before David Louden, Recorder of Shelby County, Indiana.
Contributed by Larry Shaw
Additional notes: The Bureau of Land Management site lists two land purchases by Eber Lucas. The first purchase was December 17, 1821 for 80 acres in the west half of the southwest quarter of section 14 of Township 14 North of Range 7 East. This corresponds with the description above. I will check the book at the courthouse to see if it has the November 7, 1820 date. The second purchase was February 27, 1822 for the west half of the northwest quarter of section 23 in Township 14 north of Range 7 east.
Pictures of Bailey's Mill
Unidentified Shelby County mill, 1908