The Merriweathers & Hardiman, see description of photo #5, built the grist mill and cotton gin in 1874. The water wheel was added in 1883, increasing the amount of water available to the town. By this time, the mill had been purchased from the builders by Fritz Zedler, Bob Innes, John Orchard & J.K. Walker. Zedler, having about a dozen years milling experience, became the miller, while the other three partners provided financial and other support.

Zedler added a sawmill, and made his son, Berthold, a partner after buying out the other three silent partners in 1888. About this same time, the cotton gin of three stories burned to the ground. The community, however, rallied to the occasion and helped Fritz financially, physically, and in other practical ways. The new cotton gin was operable in 7 weeks, using new equipment Fritz & J. K.Walker had purchased. Zedler's sons had cleared debris, rebuilt the gin, and cotton was processed that had been willingly held back by customers until the gin was rebuilt-a cooperative effort of owners, customers, & friends in a time of desperate need.

Either the pit for the turbine, about 30'-40' deep, which was added later or something to do with cotton ginnning. The mill also provided water for the town of Luling, Texas on contract. Herman & Charlie bought out their father near the turn of the century, and brother Berthold went to Ottine, Tx. and started a new cotton gin mill.

Electric power was provided to the town in 1884. Hermans holsings were sold to Charlie in 1917, and in 1930, Charlie's two sons joined inmpartnership with Charlie. The mill branched out about this time to include animal feeds & chicken scratch along with the favorites of corn meal & flour. A new flour mill, oil and steam engines required aa addition of a fire alarm system also. Paul Zedler operated and owned the mill in 1951 and closed it in 1960. The mill can be seen from the Sh 80 bridge over the San Marcos River. The miller's housen of Fritz Zedler is still at the end of S. Laurel St. at Sh 80.

The dam on the San Marcos River at the Zedler Gin Mill, built originally by James & John Merriweather & Leonidas Hardiman in 1874. The dam was rebuilt various times thru the years. *info gleaned from the website and the Texas Historical Commission* *Thanks to Ted R. Hazen for updated website address - 10/25/2010*