In addition to the population census, in 1880 the census also collected information on grist mills, on Special Schedule of Manufactures #7, which included only mills producing more than $500 in goods. The mill in Dayton was operated by David Green’s sons. It was the only grist mill of that size in Dayton Township. From the enumeration we learn the following:

The mill was operated by D. Green and Sons, who had invested $10,000 in the business. The greatest number of hands employed at any one time was two. The average number was also two, described as 2 males over 16. These would be David’s sons.

The ordinary working day was 10 hours long, year round. The average day’s wages for skilled workers was $2.50, for unskilled, $1.00. The total amount paid in wages for the year was $110. The mill was in operation on half time for 6 months and idle for 6 months.

They had four runs of stone, which could produce a maximum of 550 bushels per day. Eighty percent of their business was grinding for customers who brought their grain to the mill. The miller retained a portion of the output as a toll for his work. For the other 20 percent the Greens purchased grain and sold the resulting products in their store.

The mill was located on the Fox river, which flows into the Illinois river. The height of the fall of water was 18 feet. They had five wheels producing 120 horsepower.

Products for the year: 80 barrels of wheat flour; no rye flour; 500 pounds of buckwheat flour; no barley meal; 6000 pounds of feed; no hominy; total value of all products, $1500.

from November 22, 1884 edition