The Defiance Flour Mill

Lloyd Tuttle wrote in 1963:

"During the First World War, the Defiance Flour Mill depicted here was torn down as the federal government had practically taken over the Defiance Machine Works for the manufacture of machine tools and anti-aircraft guns.  It was feared the old flour mill that stood at the northeastern corner of Perry and Fourth streets, where a gas station is now located, might burn and endanger the machine tool plant.

The flour mill was one of the pioneer industries of Defiance.  It was at first known as the Wilhelm Mill.  At the time it was razed, it was operated by the Defiance Grain and Milling Co.

At one time, the mill was operated by water power from a raceway in the old Miami and Erie Canal.  Later, steam furnished the power and, still later, it was one of the first industries to use Auglaize River hydro-electric power.  It was a four story frame building of heavy construction.  The top story was a mass of chute and beams.

The building adjoining the mill, part of which is shown, was a mill where wool was carded.  It was operated by the Jarvis interests.  It was also torn down.  The picture was furnished by Edward S. Bronson." 

***John R. Wilhelm was born in Independence, Ohio, on July 28, 1848, according to his obiturary.  In 1852, his father, Adam, sold their farm and purchased a grocery and packing business in Defiance.  In 1871, Adam bought the Defiance Flouring Mill and John entered into business with him, eventually becoming part owner and manager of the mill.
Head miller there for many years was August Spring, of Holgate Avenue. In June, 1900, John and his father sold their holdings in the mill.

The mill went through various names, including the Defiance Milling Company and the Maumee Valley Milling Company.