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Early steam mill era marks West Union growth in Iowa
In 1861-2 Gabriel Long and Joshua Wella built the county’s first steam saw mill on Block 19 in West Union, followed by a brick mill by Redfield and Maxson later owned by Hart. The piece chronicles early mills along the Turkey and Volga, then shifts to hotels and hospitable inns that served travelers in the county before Fayette and West Union rose as towns. It notes the shift from local flour and feed from farms to broader markets and the changing economics of farming and dairies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gabriel Long
Joshua Wella
West Union
Norman Churchill
Monroe Wilfron Winch County
William Wells
Redfield and Maxson
Redfield and
Stafford
H.W. Hart
Naver
Supreme Court of Iowa
West Union Creamiary Co
Milla
Turkey
Volga
Grud Uy
Clerpiont
Fayette County
McGregor
Clermsont
A. A. Phillips
Thomas ‘Turner
Wi Hin
Th. W. Blocumephew
Soyoketown
Widow Fiveh
Travelucland
Warner
A. EK. Flint
Ash. Flint
Tray Burbank
Alivaya
Fayette and
Ty Fox
Wilson Grove
Wilkows Grove
Corbieys Grove
Westgate
Bow Corbley
N. W.speare