Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 December 1902 — Early Steam Mill. [ARTICLE]

Early Steam Mill.

In “Anecdotes” published In London In 1822, is the following reference to an early use of steam for power: “In 1785 a flour company was originated In London, to grind com by force of steam instead of wind or water; and In consequence an Immense building, called the Albion Mills, was erected at the southeast corner of Blackfriars Bridge, of capacity sufficient to supply the greater part of London. The circumstance excited the jealousy of millers and others, aud, after the proprietors had received 1 numerous threatening letters, the establishment wai set on fire by some means in March, 1791, and burned to the ground, presenting the most rapid destruction by fire which had been seen. The loss to the proprietors aud the persevering Jealousy of persons concerned in the flour trade, led to the dissolution of the company, and the site of the mills was converted into dwellings, since called Albion Place.