Miller

Description

Millers ground wheat, barley, rye and other grains into flour using wind, water or horse power to drive the mill stones. The miller occupied an important position in rural communities as most households depended on him to process their grain. Millers were often suspected of taking more than their fair share of the grain they ground — the dishonest miller became a stock figure in folklore. Mills were substantial pieces of infrastructure and millers were typically men of some means. The arrival of steam-powered roller mills in the late 19th century transformed the industry and drove many small local mills out of business.