Feed Mills
Updated - 10/23/2023
Feed Mills and similar farm-related industries were an important part of Auburn's development. This industry sold food products for livestock and pets, sold seed for crops, processed grains for farmers, provided an income for a few Auburn residents and, like many early business establishments, provided residents a place to briefly socialize before returning to the demands of their day.
While the machinery and processes utilized by these old feed mills were considered "state of the art" at that time, the exposed mechanisms and massive gears would give any O.S.H.A. inspector nightmares by today's standards. Yet, thanks to the ingenuity, perseverance and hard work of our ancestors, these devices were used to improve their lives. |
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NOTE: The mills, and their millers, are listed in chronological (date) order when known.
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Kershner's mill -
An excerpt from a piece titled in part "History of Schuylkill County" published in 1888 states that a "pioneer grist-mill was Kershner's mill, built near Auburn about a century ago. It was remodeled many years since, and it is now known as "Fisher's Mill". It is believed that this historical article made a definite mistake in its assertions. Prior to 1821 (or 1850* - see the explanation listed below regarding the conflict of dates) when the "new" mill building was constructed near Auburn by John and Catherine Fisher, an earlier mill structure existed a little further west on the Bear Creek "near a small waterfall" according to mill historian and enthusiast Warren Malone. If the above-mentioned excerpt is correct, it would have been built circa 1788. Very little of this structure remains, and when that earlier mill had outlived its usefulness, a "new" structure was built closer to the settlement that would eventually become the borough of Auburn. Therefore, "Kershner's Mill" was most likely the prior, earlier mill that no longer exists; and "Fisher's mill", known officially at that time as the "Auburn Mills", is the one that was in existence in 1888 when the article was published. |
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Fisher's mill -
(a.k.a. - Auburn Flouring Mill; Auburn Mills; Auburn Roller Mill(s); Brommer's mill; Clauser's mill; Fahl's mill; Fisher's mill; Frederici's mill; Grill's mill; Phillips' mill; and Wert's mill) In 1821 (or 1850* - see the explanation listed below under "Fisher, John and Catharine" regarding the conflict of dates), a husband and wife constructed, owned and operated a mill alongside of Bear Creek just west of the settlement that would eventually be known as Auburn, PA. The building was a handsome but functional three-and-one-half story sandstone and mortar structure whose dimensions were approximately 40' x 50'. The building originally had a cedar-shake roof which was later covered over with steel roof sheeting. The millpond, fed by Bear Creek, turned the 12' double "Fitz" mill waterwheel through the penstock and into the distribution box according to photographer Robert T. Kinsey, who posted beautiful pictures pertaining to the mill on the website https://millpictures.com. The grain was ground in flour product on the third floor, transported there by a series of pulleys which in turn were powered by the water wheel. The resulting marketable product was then separated from the waste product, or chaff, through a series of gravity-feed tubes that were installed through the floors of the mill, taking these items to the first floor where they were stored in separate bins. The chaff would then be used to make animal fodder. The original bucket-elevator remains on the top floor of the mill while the grindstones remain in the basement level. The original pulleys for the operation were also found within the mill. The operation included a "hammer-mill cyclone air separator" at one time. Auburn-area amateur historian Kermit Mengel (now deceased) stated that the grindstones used to have to be sharpened with a chisel. He also provided an explanation for the quaint saying "Keep your nose to the grindstone". Kermit said "At the mill, the grain was made into flour by pressing it between two large (grind)stones. The miller had to be careful in setting the (grind)stones because if they were too close, the (grind)stones would grind (stone particles) into the flour." Kermit further stated that the grindstones produced a distinct odor when they came into contact, so if the miller smelled that odor, he knew he needed to reset the (grind)stones so they wouldn't contaminate the product. Therefore, the miller was advised to "keep your nose to the grindstone" to prevent this contamination from occurring. Presumably the Fishers also constructed the beautiful two-story house sitting adjacent to the mill around the same time the mill was built. However, modern real estate records reflect that the original house was built in 1845...closer to the conflicting, yet more reasonable, 1850 date. The mill structure still exists but obviously is no longer operational. The residence still exists as well and is beautifully maintained. The property containing both structures was purchased in 1972 by Warren Malone and his wife Doris. They spent considerable effort, money and time in restoring the house, the mill and the property to its former glory over the next three-plus decades, actually making great improvements to the residence while maintaining a vintage appearance. These building are located on private property and owner permission should be clearly obtained before any visitation of the site is allowed. Below you will find a list of proprietors and operators of this mill listed in chronological order. In addition to those names listed below, this page also includes the names of at least two prior presumed owners whose proprietorship is believed to have been inaccurately portrayed in publications but are still listed on this webpage to possibly refute the erroneous information. |
An 1855 hand-drawn map of the settlement that would soon be established as "Auburn" shows a path which is labeled "Old road to Fisher's Mill"...this "old road" consisted partially a path that went north then south of the current Market Street, partially of what might have been "Liberty Alley" at one time and partially of a reclaimed portion of land that no longer has a roadway evident.
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Fisher, John and Catharine Kramer -
The website https://millpictures.com informs us that the mill structure once known by many varied names was constructed, owned and operated by John Fisher and "Catherine" Fisher in 1821 (or 1850* - see the explanation listed in the next paragraph regarding the conflict of dates*). Under what name they operated the mill is uncertain. *The aforementioned website has a notation by a photographer, Robert T. Kinsey, that the cornerstone of the mill itself is engraved with the date "1821" and that Catherine's name is still legible on it. (The photographer misspelled Catherine's name in his captions). However, a newspaper article printed on July 31, 2003, indicates that the owners names and the "date of construction" were on two different and totally separate stones. The owners names were supposedly located on a stone at the side of the structure, while the alleged date of construction, "1821", was "crudely cut into one of the stones on the rear of the building". Neither of these location is a standard placement for a building's cornerstone as stated by Kinsey. Additionally, a biography of John Fisher, printed in 1893, states John didn't even relocate to this area until 1836, and that he built the mill in 1850. Furthermore, modern real estate records indicate that the house was built in 1845...much closer to the presumed 1850 date of construction rather than the house having been built twenty-four years after the mill was presumed to have been built in 1821. It seems highly improbable that John would have had the ability or finances to construct such an expensive mill structure, in 1821, at the age of seventeen, and that he and Catharine together (two teenagers) would have built it three years prior to their marriage in 1824. A correction request has been submitted to the aforementioned website in hopes that they might correct their information. The booklet "Turning the Pages of Time", produced by "The Call" newspaper, has an article which reads "Charles Fisher built a sawmill on Bear Creek just west of (the settlement that would eventually become) Auburn to work in conjunction with his grist mill operation. Fisher's grist mill was operated in 1851 by John Fisher". In 1875, the DeBeers Atlas Map of the Auburn-area (located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania) shows a structure labeled "S & G Mill" located in the approximate area of the still existing, but non-commercialized, mill building. The "S & G mill" obviously stands for "Saw and Grist Mill". However, there is no record of a "Charles" Fisher of this era having been interred anywhere within Berks or Schuylkill County on the website findagrave.com, so the information may not be accurate as to who built the mill originally since other articles from the same line of booklets state that John Fisher built the mill. Catharine Kramer Fisher born on 09/16/1802. She was the daughter of Henry Kramer and a currently unidentified mother. She was married to John Fisher on 03/20/1824. John Fisher was born in Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania on 03/15/1804. He was the son of Johann Fischer and Rebecca Griste Fisher. He was a brother of Elisabeth Fisher Schollenberger. As a young boy, he relocated with his father to Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, PA. As a youth, he apprenticed to learn the milling trade with Orwigsburg-area resident Daniel Faust, following that trade for six or seven years. He then briefly relocated to Port Clinton, Schuylkill County, PA. John married Catharine Kramer Fisher on 03/20/1824. They had the following eight children: Benjamin Kramer Fisher, Charles Fisher, Daniel K. Fisher, Elijah K. Fisher, Elizabeth Fisher Heck, John K. Fisher (a Civil War veteran), Louisa Fisher Wildermuth and William Franklin Fisher. In 1836, John and Catharine relocated to South Manheim Township near a settlement that would eventually be established as Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. According to John's biography featured in the publication "Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Schuylkill County Pennsylvania" published in 1893, in the year 1850 he "built a stone grist mill on Bear Creek, one mile west of (Auburn), which he owned and operated for a number of years. In addition to the grist mill, John owned a one-hundred-fifty acre farm and considerable property in the town of Auburn, both in the form of houses and lots. It is believed that John Fisher and his wife Catharine relinquished their ownership of the mill to their son, John K. Fisher, possibly as early as 1863 or as late as 1875. A notation in John's biography states that he re-married five years prior to his death on 01/18/1880 (yet Catharine would have still been alive). John was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. Catharine died on 03/25/1881 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery in a plot next to John's with matching grave markers. |
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"S & G Mill" -
A notation of "S & G Mill" is listed on the 1875 DeBeers Atlas Map of Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. This notation most probably indicates the "Saw & Grist Mill" owned and operated by John Fisher (see above). |
Fisher, John K. -
Business invoices dating from April, 1876 until August, 1885 indicate that an individual named "J. K. Fisher" owned and operated the "Auburn Mills" previously owned by John Fisher and Catharine Kramer Fisher. John K. Fisher was born in approximately 1839, presumably in the general area of the settlement that would eventually be known as Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John Fisher and Catharine Kramer Fisher. He was a brother of Benjamin Kramer Fisher, Charles Fisher, Daniel K. Fisher, Elijah K. Fisher, Elizabeth Fisher Heck, Louisa Fisher Wildermuth and William Franklin Fisher. John was a Private in Company E, 27th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry Militia, serving from 06/18/1863 until 07/31/1863 in response to General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania. A presumption is made that John Fisher and Catharine Kramer Fisher, the original owners of the mill, relinquished their ownership to their son John K. Fisher, possibly as early as 1863 or as late as 1876. The aforementioned invoices indicate he operated that enterprise until at least August of 1885 if not later. By August of 1885, the name "Auburn Mills" was no longer appearing on the printed invoices for the mill. John died on 09/05/1892 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
Fisher, Jemima -
Two business invoices, dated September 14, 1894 and March 28, 1895 are indicative of ownership by a "J. Fisher" and a "Mrs. Jemima Fisher" respectively. A presumption is made that "J. Fisher" represents "Jemima Fisher" in this case. Based on other sources, it is assumed that Jemima owned and operated this mill no earlier than September of 1885, and no later than August of 1895, and possibly much less than that time period. She did not appear to reuse the prior name of the mill, that of "Auburn Mills", but instead operated the enterprise under her own moniker. What relationship Jemima was to either John K. Fisher, the prior owner, or John Fisher and Catharine Kramer Fisher, the original owners, is uncertain. Unfortunately, the website findagrave.com has no listing for a "Jemima Fisher" of this era as having been interred anywhere within Pennsylvania. Additionally, an Internet search for the criteria of a "Jemima Fisher" and either the term "Auburn" or "Schuylkill County" failed to produce any relevant results, so presently little is known about this individual. |
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Wert, William (Jr.?) -
William Wert (Jr.?) is presumed to have taken ownership of the mill previously identified as the "Auburn Mills" no earlier than April, 1895 and retained that ownership no later than December of 1900, possibly having control of the mill for even a lesser period of time. He is presumed to have obtained the mill from prior owner/operator Jemima Fisher, and presumed to have sold the mill to latter owner operator Aaron Krause "A. K." Frederici. Based on his printed invoices, William (Jr.?) did not have a business name for the mill but simply operated it under his own name. However, the booklet titled "Turning the Pages of Time", printed by "The Call" newspaper, causes some confusion. That periodical has a specifically detailed article which states "Daniel Fisher (a presumed relative or heir of either John and Catharine Fisher, John K. Fisher or Jemima Fisher...all prior operators of the mill) sold the business to A. K. Frederici, a prominent Auburn merchant. Frederici sold the mill to Clara (Fisher) Wert in 1905 for $5,000. Mrs. Wert and her husband conducted the business for five years, selling it to John Fahl for $4,000. In 1929, Harry Brommer bought the property and mill from Fahl. In April, 1935, the property was sold to Francis C. Phillips." As specific as these individuals, dates and prices appear to be, they seem to be contradicted by the physical evidence that William Wert and his wife Clara Fisher Wert issued business invoices for their mill in the mid-1890s, whereas A. K. Frederici issued business invoices dated in the early 1900s, indicative that the Werts transferred their mill interest to A. K. Frederici, instead of Frederici selling the mill to Wert as the article stated. As a result, the accuracy of all information contained within the article is questionable. Other contradictions found directly indicate that the information provided in the booklets "Turning the Pages of Time" cannot be trusted to be 100% accurate or factual. William (Jr.?) was born in Pennsylvania on 05/20/1850. He was the son of William Werdt (Sr.?) and Elizabeth Freeman Werdt. He was a brother of Catharine Wert Emrich, Elizabeth Jane Wert Webber, Franklin F. Wert and Jonathan Wert. William (Jr.?) married Clara Fisher Wert...who happened to be the grand-daughter of the original mill owners, John Fisher and Catharine Kramer Fisher. What relationship Clara was to the prior owner, Jemima, is uncertain at this time; but she was also the niece of prior owner John K. Fisher. William (Jr.?) died in South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA on 11/04/1909 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
Frederici, Joseph -
Joseph Frederici was born February 1, 1841. He was the son of Jonas D. Frederici and Anna (Kraus or Krause) Frederici. He was a brother to Aaron Krause Frederici, Anna Catharin Frederici Teter, Daniel Krouse (Krause) Frederici, Franklin Frederici and Uriah Henry Frederici. Joseph married at least twice. His first wife, Abigael Frederici, gave birth to Anna Elisabeth Frederici in 1862. The child, Anna, died February 11, 1863, less than three months old. His wife, Abigael, died June 11, 1863 at the age of 20 years, just four months after the child passed. Neither cause of death is known at this time. His second wife, Amanda Koch Frederici, gave birth to Ida I. Frederici in 1867. Ida passed in 1892 at the age of 24. Her cause of death is unknown as well. Joseph Frederici operated a general store located at the southeast corner of Front and Market Streets, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. The span of operation was estimated to have been at least from 1879 until the 1910s and possibly longer. A news snippet from the Reading Eagle newspaper dated Monday, February 24, 1879 reads "Joseph Frederici & Bro., who were keeping a store at Auburn, Schuylkill county, have dissolved partnership." (The brother to which this refers was most likely Aaron Krause Frederici who opened his own store in Auburn). An unidentified and undated news article circa 1880 contained the snippet "Last week thieves entered the store of Joseph Frederici at Auburn and carried off $50 worth of clothing and jewelry". An news snippet from the Pottsville Republican dated January 11, 1886 reads "Joseph Frederici, the well-known Auburn merchant, was in town today, on business. He is proprietor of one of the finest general stores in the county, and always serves his customers with the freshest groceries and latest styles of dry goods." An undated and non-sourced news snippet reads "It is reported that Joseph Frederici rented the grist mill about a mile west of town and will take possession April 1, 1896". This would have been the mill previously known as the "Auburn Mills", owned by the Fishers since its opening, based on the date and the location documented. It is uncertain for exactly how long Joseph owned the mill, if at all. The possibility exists that the news snippet was incorrect and that Joseph's brother and business rival, Aaron K. "A. K." Frederici, was the one who was seeking control of the mill. A conflict exists on dates of ownership, as dated business invoices have been located that indicate the mill was owned by a William Wert from at least August of 1895 until at least June of 1896 (two months after Joseph Frederici was supposed to have rented the mill). Additionally, by 1901, business invoices list Joseph's brother (and potential rival), Aaron Krause "A. K." Frederici, as the owner and operator of the mill, now calling it the "Auburn Flouring Mill". Whether or not Joseph ever had control of the mill is doubtful. Joseph died on March 3, 1922 and is interred in the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. He is interred within the same cemetery lot as his second wife, Amanda, and his second daughter, Ida. Both his first wife, Abigael, and his first daughter, Anna, are also buried in St. John's Church Cemetery, six rows distance from Joseph's final resting place. |
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Frederici, Aaron Krause "A. K."
Aaron Krause "A. K." Frederici was born in Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1850. He was the son of Jonas D. Frederici and Anna Kraus Frederici. He was a brother to Anna Catharin Frederici Teter, Daniel Knouse Frederici, Franklin Frederici and Uriah Henry Frederici. He married Ida Rosamund Trivitz Frederici and was a father to Clarence Jonas Frederici, Edna Aurora Frederici, Herbert Claude Frederici and Ina Alice Frederici. A brief biography is featured in a history book of stained glass windows installed in the St. John's Church of Auburn. The A. K. Frederici family donated a stained glass window to St. John's Church designated as "Praise Ye - Golden Trumpets". The book states that A. K. Frederici was "a merchant in Auburn, conducting his business at the corner of Market and Second Streets". The biography also states he died in 1932. Based on these clues, we are able to determine the identity of "A. K. Frederici". A. K. Frederici is believed to have opened and operated a general store at the location of 140 Market Street, Auburn, PA circa 1870s - 1880s. The building later became the site of the Harding store, the Harding and Heffner store, and subsequently the Heffner store. The structure is now a private residence. Aaron Frederici also acted as President for the Auburn Shale Brick Company. He is perhaps best known for serving as a Justice of the Peace for an impressive fifty-three years, the longest term ever served in Pennsylvania. An 1896 unidentified news article source states that "Squire A. K. Frederici" arraigned someone from the Auburn-area. Business invoices dated 1901 and 1902 for the Auburn Flouring Mill indicate that as some point, A. K. Frederici took ownership of the mill previously best known as the "Auburn Mills" located approximately one mile west of Auburn adjacent to Bear Creek. A. K. could have taken possession of this business possibly as early as April, 1896, and presumably definitely has possession of it in the 1890s based on his preprinted business invoices date-lines. He promptly renamed the business the "Auburn Flouring Mill". He is believed to have retained possession of the mill until approximately 1910 when he sold the business to John Howard Fahl. Aaron Krause "A. K." Frederici died in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania on January 4, 1932. He was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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Fahl, John Howard -
John Howard Fahl purchased the previously named Auburn Flouring Mills circa 1910 (probably from Aaron Krause "A. K." Frederici). He is believed to have possibly paid $4,000 for the property. John renamed the business the "Auburn Roller Mill(s)", which he owned and operated until at least 1929 and possibly as late as 1937. A news snippet from an unidentified and undated source stated "The plant has up-to-date equipment (and a) full roller process". The mill produced the "White Lily" brand of flour. He is believed to have sold the property to Francis C. Phillips. A booklet titled "Turning the Pages of Time" produced by "The Call" newspaper indicates that Fahl sold the property in 1929 to Harry Brommer and that Brommer, in turn, sold the property to Francis C. Phillips in April, 1935. However, according to another booklet titled "Turning the Pages of Time", produced by "The Call" newspaper, John Howard Fahl sold the mill property to a Howard Ney, who in turn sold the property to Francis C. Phillips sometime in the "late 1920s". These articles are in total disagreement with the information they provide. Clearly, the information provided in the booklets "Turning the Pages of Time" cannot be trusted to be 100% accurate or factual. John Howard Fahl was born in West Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County, PA on 05/26/1872. He was the son of James William Fahl and Amanda Dietrich Fahl. He was a brother of Charles Edward Fahl, George Washington Fahl, Joshua W. Fahl, Lewis Fahl, Maurice A. Fahl and William H. Fahl. John married Elizabeth Louise Ebling Fahl on 12/09/1895. They had the following children: James Ebling Fahl, Louise Jeanette Fahl Hoy, Martha Amanda Fahl, Mary E. Fahl Kellogg and Ruth Anna Fahl Nuss. In or about that same year, John relocated to Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. He accepted employment at the Delaware Seamless Tube Mill for approximately six years. He then left that employment when the mill temporarily shut down and began his life as a hotelier. Circa 1901, John Howard Fahl had purchased and rechristened the structure, previously known as the "Eagle Hotel" and "St. Elmo Hotel", as the “Hotel Auburn”. He promoted his business venture as “Rebuilt”, “Newly Furnished”, with “Steam Heat” and “Good Stabling and Delivery Accommodations”. He offered such "luxuries" as access to a “Bell Telephone” and to “a bar supplied with fine liquors and cigars”. On the third floor was “Fahl’s Auditorium” which was available “To Rent for Balls and Entertainments”. The same auditorium was also used for practice by the Auburn Band. John operated this hotel for approximately ten years. A Miners' Journal newspaper article dated Tuesday, January 11, 1910 read "While coasting (sledding) Mary, the fifteen-year-old daughter of John H. Fahl, of Auburn, sustained probable fatal injuries." NOTE: We are happy to report that Mary E. Fahl Kellogg not only survived her injuries, but she later married and lived to the respectable age of 82. As mentioned above, John also purchased the mill property circa 1910 and may have retained the property until 1937. However, in the publication of the Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania genealogy published in 1916, there is a biography of John H. Fahl in which it states that he purchased the mill from William Wert. This seems to contradict the physical evidence that exists in the form of business invoices issued by both Aaron Krause "A. K." Frederici and William Wert. William Wert's invoices are dated in the mid-1890s while Aaron Frederici's invoices are dated in the early 1900s. Therefore, it stands to reason that John Howard Fahl would have had to purchase the mill from Frederici, not Wert. In the same publication of the Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania genealogy published in 1916, there is a biography of Charles H. Krammes. The publication states that Krammes later purchased the "Auburn House" (hotel) from John H. Fahl on February 1, 1911. In 1911, John became a director of Auburn's first bank, the First National Bank of Auburn. He also was a director of the thriving Auburn Shale Brick Company and a trustee on the Auburn Board of Trade. He served as a member and secretary of the Auburn School Board. He was employed as the Auburn Borough's tax collector and served as the President of the Auburn Borough Council. On April 1, 1915, he was appointed postmaster of the Auburn Post Office. John also was one of the founders and treasurer of the Auburn Hose Company. On the social level, John was a member and served as treasurer for three different Auburn-based groups: the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), the I.O.R.M. (Improved Order of Red Men) and the P.O.S. of A. (Patriotic Order of the Sons of America). John died in Auburn on 10/12/1935 and was interred within the St. John's Church cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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Brommer, Harry -
According to a booklet titled "Turning the Pages of Time" produced by "The Call" newspaper, Harry Brommer purchased the mill property from John Howard Fahl. The same article states that Brommer sold the property in April, 1935 to Francis C. Phillips. This article, and the one posted directly below this entry, are in total disagreement with the information they provide, and the information provided in the booklets "Turning the Pages of Time" clearly cannot be trusted to be 100% accurate or factual. Presently, there is no information that factually indicates that Harry Brommer ever owned or operated the mill. |
Ney, Howard -
According to a booklet titled "Turning the Pages of Time", produced by "The Call" newspaper, John Howard Fahl sold the mill property to a Howard Ney, who in turn sold the property to Francis C. Phillips sometime in the "late 1920s". This article, and the one posted directly above this entry, are in total disagreement with the information they provide, and the information provided in the booklets "Turning the Pages of Time" clearly cannot be trusted to be 100% accurate or factual. Presently, there is no information that factually indicates that Howard Ney ever owned or operated the mill. |
Phillips, Francis Cleveland -
Francis Cleveland Phillips is believed to have purchased the mill property from John Howard Fahl in either 1936 or 1937. A newspaper clipping states that on February 5, 1937, "Francis C. Phillips moved his family and household good...into the feed mill house located on the west end of town". Francis owned and operated the mill under the name of "Auburn Roller Mill(s)". He advertised "Kasco Feeds" as well as the products and services of "grinding, mixing, flour and grain". The mill had its name, "Auburn Roller Mills", proudly painted upon the roof of the structure. A person could contact the mill by calling telephone number "2365". Francis gave his favored customers promotional calendars and thermometers as pictured on this webpage. Francis C. Phillips was born in Maiden Creek Township, Berks County, PA, on 08/03/1889. He was the son of Elmer T. Phillips and Sarah M. Heiter Phillips. At age three, his family moved to Port Carbon, Schuylkill County, PA. In 1903, his family relocated to the Auburn area. In 1920, he married Gertrude “Gertie” Mae Hummel Phillips. They had at least two children: a daughter named Bernice C. Phillips Clauser, born in 1925, who eventually married John R. Clauser (a future owner and operator of the mill property); and a son, Ernest F. Phillips, born circa 1921. In his later years, Francis was a member of the Auburn Fire Company, Auburn Lions Club and the Jefferson Grange #1384 of Auburn R.D.. He may have also collected coins as he was in correspondence with a William Hesslein of New Haven, CT. An Internet excerpt dated circa 1903 reads "William Hesslein was a prominent coin dealer and auctioneer in New Haven, CT" Francis died "suddenly" in his home (outside of Auburn) on 03/12/1964 and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA. Although surprisingly little is known about Francis, his family, and life at the mill, were well-documented in photographs which we are sharing on this website. These pictures are dated from the 1900s to the 1950s. A special thanks goes to Bernice C. Phillips Clauser who shared the wonderful, early vintage pictures of Francis and his family with the AAHS. |
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S. F. Grill and Sons -
During at least the 1950s, S. F. Grill and Sons, Inc. are believed to have purchased (from Francis C. Phillips) and operated the business previously know as the Auburn Roller Mill(s). The corporation renamed the mill enterprise after their own incorporation name of "S. F. Grill and Sons". The business advertised "B-B and MA-CO Feeds"; Mash; Crumbles; Pellets; Wayne Feeds; Schell's Seeds; Fertilzer and Lime. A customer could contact the business by calling "Auburn 2836" or "Auburn PL 4 - 2011" depending upon when the switch in telephone numbers were made. A caption beneath a photograph by Robert T. Kinsey which was featured on the website https://millpictures.com states "(Francis C.) Phillips ran the mill roughly for about 30 years, selling to Harold Grill in the mid-1950s". An excerpt from "The Call" newspaper printed on 08/07/2003 states "The mill was sold by Harold Grill (presumably a relative or heir of S. F. Grill, possibly even one of the "sons" that was in business with him) to John R. Clauser...". Based on the above-cited information, the purchaser and seller of the mill property in the 1950s/1972 was an individual named "Harold Grill", yet the mill was obviously operated under the name "S. F. Grill and Sons". The relationship between "Harold Grill" and "S. F. Grill (or his sons)" is presently unknown. An Internet search of the terms "S. F. Grill"+"Auburn"+"Mill" failed to produce any relevant results. Another search of the website findagrave.com revealed that the site has no listing for an individual whose criteria would fit that of the previously mentioned "S. F. Grill" or "Harold Grill" as having been interred anywhere in the United States. As a result, no further information is currently known about these individuals. |
Clauser, John R. -
An excerpt from "The Call" newspaper printed on 08/07/2003 states "The mill was sold by Harold Grill (presumably a relative or heir of S. F. Grill, possibly even one of the "sons" that was in business with him) to John R. Clauser, who owned it for a brief period of time before selling it to (Warren) Malone". John R. Clauser's son, also named John, recalls helping his father at the mill, traveling to Reading, Berks County, PA, with his father to obtain 100 pound bags of grain. He also recalls that the mill of the roof had the brand name "Bold Brand Feeds" painted upon it at one time. John R. Clauser is believed to have been the last person to operate the mill commercially. John R. Clauser was born on 09/06/1925. He was the son of Roy Edward Clauser and Sara Rebecca Reber Clauser. He was a brother of Donald R. Clauser. He married Bernice C. Phillips Clauser, who was a daughter of one of the prior owners, Francis C. Phillips, and his wife Gertrude "Gertie" Mae Hummel Phillips. They had at least four sons, (James?) "Jim" Clauser, Jeffery I. Clauser, Jere Clauser and John F. Clauser. John R. Clauser died on 02/20/2011 and was interred within the St. Paul's Church cemetery, South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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Malone, Doris J. and Warren E. -
In 1972, Warren Elgin Malone and Doris J. Finnicum Malone purchased an 11 acre property in South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania that contained the structures of the prior "Auburn Rolling Mills" and the miller's house. The mill itself was no longer in use. As stated above, the Malones spent considerable effort, money and time in restoring the house, the mill and the property to its former glory over the next couple of decades, actually making great improvements to the residence while maintaining a vintage appearance. In addition to improving the appearance of the house, they added a cozy porch to the front of the structure. These building are located on private property and owner permission should be clearly obtained before any visitation of the site is allowed. Warren Elgin Malone was born on 07/17/1935 in Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio. He was a son of Norman Malone and Olive M. Jackson Malone. He was a brother of Edward Malone, Margaret Malone Tanner and Sarah Malone. After his schooling was finished, Warren joined the U.S. Marine Corps Active Reserves from 1952 until 1957. On 12/24/1954, he married Doris J. Finnicum Malone. They had two sons: Michael A. Malone and Troy D. Malone. Warren worked in the agricultural field his entire career. He owned and operated a feed store for fifteen years along with his wife Doris. He then supervised operations for various farm feed mills in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. He finally started his own business, Shamrock Enterprises, in 1982, designing and building feed mills, retiring in 2000. Warren died in Hamburg, Berks County, Pennsylvania on 04/24/2022 and was interred within the Schuylkill Memorial Park, North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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"Moyer's Auburn Mill" -
(a.k.a. - Moyer's gristmill; Moyer's mill) The 1875 DeBeers Atlas Map of Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA, indicates a structure labeled "Moyer's Mill" located south of Auburn. A road leading in the general direction of this location is known as "Mill Road", but a secondary road branched off Mill Road to actually lead to the mill. The actual date of construction of this mill is uncertain. The enterprise was owned and operated by Joseph K. Moyer. His brother, Samuel K. Moyer, owned significant tracts of land around the Auburn-area and adjacent to the mill property. Joseph operated the mill from at least October, 1869 until at least 1875 and possibly much longer, although a biography of a Nicholas Bachert mentioned that Moyer's mill (and much of the surrounding property) was sold to the Auburn Shale Brick Plant company (probably circa 1880) (see listing below for Nichola(s) Bachert). The mill advertised that it manufactured "flour, feed, &c.". The mill structure no longer exists but remnants of its foundation are still present; however, these remnants are located on private property and owner permission should be clearly obtained before any visitation of the site is permissible. Joseph K. Moyer was born on 01/01/1815. He was the son of Abraham Mayer (Sr.?) and Elisabeth Kimmel Mayer. He was a brother of Abraham K. Moyer (Jr.?), Benjamin K. Moyer, Charles K. Moyer, Daniel K. Moyer, George K. Moyer, Hannah Mayer Christ, Heinrich K. Moyer, Jacob K. Moyer, John K. Mayer, Mary K. Moyer Berntheisel, Rebecca Mayer, Samuel K. Moyer (mentioned above), Sarah Mayer and William K. Moyer. Joseph married Eliza (Elizabeth?) Lengle Moyer. They had the following children: Albert L. Moyer, Joseph L. Moyer and William L. Moyer. Joseph died on 02/13/1889 in the vicinity of Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA, and was interred within the Auburn Church of God cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA. |
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Bachert, Nichola(s) -
An record of 1890 Census of the Auburn-area was transcribed from the original documents by a Karla Mahlberg in 1999 and that transcription contains the following listing "BACHERT, Nicholas, 26, miller. Kate D., Sabina M., Housekeeper." Due to either human error or difficulty in interpreting illegible print, the entry is believed to contain an error in the first name, as well as the age, of the head-of-household. In 1890, a "Nicola Bachert" of the Auburn-area would have been 76 years old (easily misinterpreting the number "7" for a number "2"). His wife predeceased him in 1884 and would not have been listed on that census. Nicola had two daughters named Catharine ("Kate") and Sabina. Sabina would have been either twenty or twenty-one years of age (young enough to still be living at home but old enough to be listed as a "housekeeper") and "Kate" would have been either sixteen or seventeen years of age. Whether or not Nicola owned his own mill is unclear, but it is more likely he was simply in the employ of a mill and his occupation was listed as "miller". An on-line Schuylkill County genealogy lists a Nicholas Bachert of the Auburn area having been employed by Moyer's Mill prior to the property being purchased by the Auburn Shale Brick Company (possibly circa 1880), which in turn closed the mill. Nichola Bachert was born on 01/19/1824. He married Sarah Kramer Bachert. They had the following children: Amanda Jane Bachert Zimmerman, Catharine "Kate" Drusilla (or T.?) Bachert Fromm, Christianne Bachert Crist, Elisabeth (or Elizabeth) Catherine Bachert, (Emmaline or) Emeline Bachert Dewald (the first wife of Samuel Dewald who later married her sister, Sabina), George Washington Bachert, Mary Ann Bachert Luckenbill, Sabina Bachert Dewald (the second wife of Samuel Dewald who previously had married her sister, Emeline), Sophia Bachert, (Sabilla or) Sybilla Bachert Strausser and William H. Bachert. Nichola was listed in the Auburn-area census of 1890 as having been employed as a miller and the record indicates his two daughters, Kate and Sabina, were still living with him. He died on 11/19/1913 and was interred within the St. Peter's Church cemetery, Pine Grove, Schuykill County, PA. |
Stein's Mill -
A rather puzzling post card (pictured on right) was post-marked July of 1906 and was addressed to "Camp Happy, Stein's Mill, Auburn, PA - R.F.D. (Rural Free Delivery)". There is no record of either a "Camp Happy" nor a "Stein's Mill" ever having been located in the immediate Auburn-area during that era. A "Stein's Mill" was once located in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, PA. That Stein's Mill appears to have been in operation from at least the 1750s until 1885 when it was renamed "Stoudt's Mill". The distance between the town and the township is at least twenty miles. As a result, this website will not consider "Stein's Mill" as a mill affiliated with the town of Auburn, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. |