The first mill of which I find any record was built by John Mitchell
in 1782, just above the Moulton Mills. It was a rude affair, the water
being conducted through a hollow log onto an overshot wheel. Mr.
Mitchell lived on the lot now owned by Archie Tozier, near the Moulton
Mill.
Henry Farwell built a sawmill about one-half mile from the junction of
the Half Moon and Sandy Streams, on the latter, which he afterwards
sold to Benj. R. Stevens. Pettie & Farwell built a grist mill at the
junction of the above named streams, then sold it to Benj. R. Stevens,
who sold it to his son, Benj. Stevens. He sold to his brother, Otis
F. Stevens, he to his brother, Joseph Stevens, his heirs to Joseph
Farwell. John Stewart heired it from Joseph Farwell and sold it to the
Pendletons.
In 1810, Richard Cornforth built at Farwell’s Mills a wool carding
and cloth mill, said to be the first in the state. The machinery came
from England. Mr. Cornforth sold to Benj. Nickerson and Hall Scribner,
they to Abner Young, he to Benj. Stevens, he to his brother, Otis F.
Stevens, he to his brother, Joseph Stevens, his heirs to Joseph Farwell.
In 1831, a Mr. Pingrey of Salem, Mass., erected a large tannery at
the village. Mr. Joseph Larrabee superintended the building, and
Thomas Snell took charge of the business. His office and store were
in the first story of the building now owned by Frank Fairbanks. Mr.
Southwick of Vassalboro became the owner. For several years it was a
prosperous venture. In time, the supply of bark failing, the business
was abandoned, the buildings soon became valueless, and were consumed
by fire in the late 50’s.
Col. James Conner and Lemuel Bartlett built the grist mill at the
village in 1840. Later, Bartlett sold his interest to Conner. Mr.
Conner built a mill on the west side of the grist mill for threshing
grain, which was taken down in a few years. Mr. Chase built a carding
mill on the north end of the dam, which was swept away in a freshet.