The grist mill was built about 1732 by James Buckley as part of his plantation on "Acterara Creek". About the middle of the 18th century, Buckley conveyed his 251 1/2 acres to Samuel Mickle. Near the close of the 18th century, after various owners, the mill and property was sold to Jacob Baily, who built a paper mill on part of the property in about 1788, which ran until about 1840.

In 1794, Baily sold most of the tract, including the grist mill but not the paper mill, to Col. James Thompson, a Revolutionary War Colonel, stipulating that water brought from the dam by the headrace was to supply both his paper mill and Thompson's Grist mill.

A different system of floor joists that sort of connected with the roof rafters through the stone walls. Col. Thompson, who died in 1807, left the mill to his son Robert, who in turn doffed it to his brother, Andrew Thompson. The mill tract, which included also a saw mill, was purchased by George Brinton for unpaid back taxes.

He then sold it, in 1831, with 4 1/2 acres to Gen. James Steele, a War of 1812 Inspector General of Pennsylvania State soldiers. Gen.Steele possessed qualities of noble bearing, exceptional integrity, and imposing horsemanship. There was no greater comliment than to be said of that "he rides like Steele".

The multi-colored structure was built using primarily black/gray sandstone; but, there are some tans and red sandstones interspersed amongst the darker colors. The building is used primarily for storage and features a three car garage addition on the rear.

The rear door/side door along Schoff Road. Window placement along this side of the structure almost indicates a slit-level floor system inside. The paper mill of Jacob Baily was located where the grist miller's wife used to plant her garden many years ago.

The outlet arch incorporated in the Schoff Road Bridge for the tailrace that came from the mill and discharged the used water back into Octoraro Creek.