New Maysville, Putnam Co., Ind., March 1, 1869.
Messrs. Nordyke, Marmon & Co.:—
Sirs:—I must tell you about the mill that I got from you. I am well pleased with it. I can grind from twelve to fifteen bushels per hour, and make first-class flour. I have run twelve hours with a half a cord of wood. I have a good custom and still gaining. I have done the best work with your mill that has been done in this country. There are several mills around me. I have stopped some of them from running; they get nothing to do in the line of custom-work. If I gain in work for the next six months, like I have for the last, I will have to get another mill. I am getting all I can grind now.
Yours,
Lewis W. George.
Mr. George’ mill is driven by a large sized Portable Engine.
N., M. & Co.
From same place we hear from Mr. George again under date of March 20th, 1872. I am still running the mill here that I got of you. I am looking for a larger engine, and can you give me information as to prices, size, &c., for three run of stones, same size as you sent me before? Suppose your prices and terms are the same. I have ground 100 bushels per day on this one on the average, and use ¾ cord of wood per day. I have regular customers that come by the doors of my competitors. Here they say they get better flour and more of it than at the old style water mills, and their own flour from their own wheat. In the four years that I have used your mill I have had but one item or bill of repairs to foot, which was one set of wood cogs. I often grind 15 bushels per hour, and do good work, but find the bolt will not clean it so well at this speed of grinding. I like your larger bolts, as improved, much better. I grind when the stones are in average condition as to sharpness 8 to 10 bushels per hour, and satisfy all in quality and yield of flour. There are two mills at Bainbridge, 7 miles, and two others, 6 and 7 miles in other directions, so you see I have competition all around me. Now, give me figures on the other mills, with your improvements. I have been a miller over 20 years and want a model job.
Yours, respectfully,
L. W. George.
One 3½ ft. Wheat Mill, and One 30 inch Corn in Combined Husk.
Speier, Blue Earth Co., Minn., July 16, ’72.