Research: Sawmill Database

Alpha-Numeric Key:	PK-85
Corporate Name:	Macomb & Carr
Local Name:
Owner Name:	John F. Carr. Macomb and Carr.
Location:	Menard Creek, near Smithfield
County:	Polk
Years in Operation:	10 years
Start Year:	1850
End Year:	1859
Decades:	1850-1859
Period of Operation:	1850s
Town:	Smithfield
Company Town:	2
Peak Town Size:	Unknown
Mill Pond:
Type of Mill:	Lumber and cornmeal Sawmill Pine Sawmill Hardwood Sawmill Cypress Sawmill Planer Planer Only Shingle Paper Plywood Cotton Grist Unknown Other
Power Source:	Unknown Horse Mule Oxen Water Water Overshot Water Turbine Diesel Unknown Pit Steam Steam Circular Steam Band Gas Electricity Other
Maximum Capacity:
Capacity Comments:	Unknown
Produced:	Rough Lumber Planed Lumber Crossties Timbers Lathe Ceiling Unknown Beading Flooring Paper Plywood Particle Board Treated Other
Equipment:	Sawmill and grist mill
Company Tram:
Associated Railroads:	None
Historicial Development:	John F. Carr ran saw and grist mills at Smithfield, on Menard Creek. Carr was a steamboat builder, and possibly used the saw mill for his own consumption as well as commercially. By 1856, he had taken a partner named Macomb. Their advertisement in November 17, 1856, issue of the Liberty Gazette read: “STEAM SAW MILL At Smithfield, Polk County, Texas. Having our mill in complete operation at the above mentioned place, we are prepared to fill all orders for lumber at the shortest notice and at low rates. All kinds of upper country timber will be sawed. Orders sent by mail will be promptly attended to. Corn Meal ground at all times.” His sternwheeler, the John F. Carr, served the Confederacy in Galveston Bay and Matagorda Bay. It participated in the Battle of Galveston.
Research Date:	JKG 11-17-93, MCJ 02-27-96
Prepared By:	J. Gerland , M Johnson