FEB. 5 ISSUE ANSWERS: In 1840, a water powered saw mill was located on the southwest quarter of section 15 in Ray Township. Josiah Lee purchased this land on the North Branch of the Clinton River in April 2, 1825. He constructed a trip mill to saw logs for the locals. Homes, businesses, churches, schools and plank roads would all need his services. Later, these sawmills would incorporate the circular blade being invented in the East and would use steam for power. But Josiah would use the long flat blade and water power. The drawing illustrates the three most common water wheel types. The top overshot wheel was 75% efficient and most desirable if the geography allowed. The head is the height the water falls. The higher, the head the more power of the falling water. The water falling over the top of the wheel uses the speed and the weight of the water. The breast wheel is 65 percent efficient because it only relies on the weight of the water. The miller also has to deal with suction at the base using flaps over holes in the buckets. The undershot wheel at the bottom of the drawing is 30 percent efficient. It simply uses the speed of the water. Selecting the perfect site for the mill is based on the surrounding topography, volume of the stream and the proximity of other mills. R. Beringer, Romeo Historical Society Curator