Baraboo News Republic April 6, 1876

Death Of The First Miller In Sauk County

From the Augusta Eagle we learn of the death of Mr. Harris Searl, one of the pioneer settlers of this valley. Mr. Searl came here at a very early day, we believe in 1841. He was a millwright by trade, and immediately interested himself in the construction of a grist-mill on what is known as the Middle Power, a few rods above where now stands the Island Woolen Mills, which was the first grist-mill erected in the Baraboo Valley. Some years after the dam washed out and the mill was allowed to decay. In 1844 Mr. Searl removed to the town of Merrimack and built a small mill on section four. This was barely completed when it, too, was washed away by a freshet. Disheartened and almost penniless he for a time gave up the project of establishing himself in that business. During his residence here he served several terms as justice of the peace, and is kindly remembered by Judge Remington and others of our citizens who were brought into professional relationship with him. From here Mr. Searl wet to Lemonweir; thence, as we are informed by the Eagle, to Yellow River, Necedah, and in 1859 to Augusta. He built the first grist-mill in that valley, and continued his residence there until his death. At Augusta he had been a merchant, lumberman, post-master, and held public offices in the village, town and county. He was twice elected clerk of the circuit court, and was serving the public in that capacity when stricken down by disease.
Contributed by Jill Fyall Livesey