The abstract of title does not clearly indicate just how the interest was divided, but at no time did any one person own entire interest. In 1856 the mill built by Goudy was undermined and washed away by high waters roaring over the dam. It had stood out in the river and grain was carted to it by a board tramway. Baker and Ranck, apparently partners, rebuilt, settling the new structure on the north bank and building a short mill race to operate the waterwheels. So well did they plan and construct this building that it has withstood the elements over 130 years, characteristic of the sturdy pioneers who settled in this part of the country.
Huge timbers support the floors.
Fifty foot beams were hand hewn by broadax from oak, walnut, and poplar, and one is of hickory elm. It is a marvel how the builders ever managed to raise those timbers to all floors without a hoist. The building has three stories and a basement, there is little perceptible sag even though the first foundation rotted away and had to be replaced with concrete. After the war, Thomas Goudy had an active connection with the mill. In 1881 James Madison Deck came to Stockadale from Hamburg, Berks Co., Pennsylvania.