JENKINS MILL AND MARKS MILL,
                      JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA

From The Fairbury Journal, 24 Feb 1916, and from Andreas History of
Nebraska (1882). Submitted to the USGenWeb Nebraska Archives 
December, 1997, by Brenda Busing (Brenda@navix.net).

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                                Jenkins Mill
      Built in 1867, Torn Down. Rented, at One Time for $3,000 a year.

                        Source: The Fairbury Journal
                             February 24, 1916

This week marks the passing of the oldest landmark in this part of the
state--the old Jenkins mill--located about a mile south of Steele City. For
almost a half century it has stood on the site of the first little village
on the prairies west of the Missouri River to mark the progress of
civilization and the development of this part of Nebraska by the pioneers.

The mill was built in 1867, and was first used as a saw mill, but a little
later machinery was installed for grinding grain and it was used as both
saw mill and grist mill. In 1871 or '72 the mill was rebuilt, and was
rented to a Mr. Skinner for the sum of $3,000 a year. At that time it was
the only mill within a radius of 40 or 50 miles and was kept busy day and
night grinding flour and corn for the settlers. Besides the mill there was
one general store, a hardware store kept by Andy Stevenson, a hotel run by
D.C. Jenkins and a postoffice to make up thelittle village. The town was
called "Jenkins Mills." The school house stood on the lowest part of the
flat where Art Hamley's cornfield is now, the teacher being Mrs. Forsha
(nee Nannie Phelps) now of Steele City. The first newspaper in the county
was published at Jenkins Mills. It was named "The Little Blue", was
republican in politics, and was edited by D.C. Jenkins and M.J. Kelly in
1868. It was discontinued in 1871.

When the railroad was built in 1870-71 and Steele City established, all the
business places at Jenkins' Mills were moved here, except the mill
building. For the past twenty years or more it has not been on a paying
basis and has changed hands many times. In 1910 it belonged to Thos.
Longdon, who was the last one to operate it. In 1911 Mr. Longdon disposed
of it and since that time it has stood idle.

The building was purchased by Wm. Luhm, Jr. and Joe Davis who are tearing
it down. -- Steele City Press

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                                 MARKS MILL

"The first mill in the county was built on Rose Creek, near Thayer County,
in 1863, by Rev. Ives Marks. Although not very extensive it was the only
mill in the county until 1867, at which time D. C. Jenkins built a mill
just below Steele City on the Little Blue. Marks' Mill, as the place was
for some time called, where Mr. Marks located, became quite a business
point, assuming in a few years the name of Rose Creek. There was soon
sufficient business for two run of burrs, three stores of general
merchandise, two blacksmith shops, one harness shop, one hotel, two livery
stables and a pottery. Mr. Marks built a schoolhouse and organized a United
Brethren Church. The Republican branch of the Burlington & Missouri
Railroad passed to the north of this isolated but flourishing village, and
the place is returning to its native wild appearance. The first sermon
preached in the county was by Rev. Ives Marks, of the United Brethren
denomination, in 1862, and he has been preaching in Jefferson and adjoining
counties ever since that time."

                                 Source: Andreas History of Nebraska (1882)