Blanchard Published April 1884 - Pg 214
The first grist mill in Posey was constructed by Thomas Vest, in Section 24,
and was operated by horse power. The buhrs were constructed manufactured
out of native rock, and constituted the entire machinery. The building was a
mere shed resting upon four forks driven into the ground, and was made large
enough to shelter several teams. Each person bringing a grist was obliged to
furnish his own team to do his grinding, and many were the hurryings to get
to the mill first, as it required several hours to convert a single bushel of
corn into meal.
People from a distance brought provisions enough with them to last several
days, and the scene around the mill sometimes presented the appearance of an
emigrant encampment, there being frequently eight or ten persons waiting their
respective turns. Vest operated the mill a short time, when he disposed of
it ot other parties, who moved it to the north east corner of the township on
land belonging to Nathan Williams. It was in operation five or six years,
at the end of which time it was allowed to fall into disuse.
Pg 287
Other settlers that came in 1832 werer Thomas Vest, George B. Zenor, James
Edwards, William Moore, Thomas L. Moore, David Moore, Levi Cromwell, and
George Lucas. The first named came from Kentucky, and was a man of character and
influence in the little pioneer community where he was highly respected by
all his neighbors and friends. He subsequently moved to Posey Township, and
later to Iowa, in which State his death occurred many years ago.
There are also listings for: Jackson J. Vest, Pg 222 and
Roda Vest, Pg 373
Let me know if you want info on them as well.
Alan McCullough