“This mill [Halsey’s mill] was built by Jacob M. McCormick and sold to Halsey’s before 1841. They added greatly to its capacity. In April, 1844, the mill was struck by lightning but not burned. The mill dam was nearly 200 feet east of the building which stood directly opposite the present Bell Cowdry residence. This dam went out in the great flood of June 17, 1857. It was rebuilt nearer the mill and the second structure was washed out some years after. Steam was then put in and later the whole mill burned and the business was abandoned.”