Jefferson County Online A part of the IAGenWeb and USGenWeb Projects Mills and Elevators

The first flouring-mill built at Fairfield was erected by Rahman McGinley, in 1855-56, half a mile south of the square -- a large three-story mill with four runs of buhrs. Three years afterward, it was transformed into an elevator, which was destroyed by fire in 1870.

The second mill was a three-story, with three runs of buhrs, erected in 1857 by F. B. Huntzinger, at a cost of $20,000. It stood on ground adjoining the present Lutheran Church. Six months after completion, it burned down, and Mr. Huntzinger having no insurance, his investment was a total loss. The next year, however, he built the City Mills, now owned by J. R. & J. W. Millspaugh, having three funs of four-foot stone.

In 1875, Mr. Huntzinger built the Globe City Mills, which he still owns and operates, with three runs of buhrs. These mills are all operated by steam power.

To accommodate the grain trade of Fairfield, three elevators have been erected, two on the track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and one on the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad. On the first-named road one has been owned and operated by J. P. Manatry since 1876; capacity, 75,000 bushels. His heaviest business is in grass-seed, 100 cars of which were shipped out in 1877. The present year (1878) will show an increased business.

The elevator built by D. W. Templeton, in 1875, was purchased by Jordan Bros. & Co., in the summer of 1878, and is still operated by them; capacity, 56,000 bushels.

The Rock Island elevator is small and not now in operation.