Mill Details

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill

Harford Co. | Maryland | USA
Known Dates: Earlier Mill 1771-1781, this mill early 1800's
Township: Marshall's District #4
Watersource: Deer Creek.
Location / Directions

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill

This mill is located in the northwest corner of Harford Co., on Jolly Acres Road. Just before Md 439/Old York Road enters Harford Co., from Baltimore Co., go east on Jolly Acres Road for 1.9 miles. After crossing the bridge over Deer Creek, the mill property is located on the right. It is on private property.

Verse for Thought
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I've lost sight of all beside--So enchained my spirit's vision, Looking at the Crucified. "All for Jesus" by Mary D. James
({From the hymnal - Sing to the Lord})
Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

The present mill is located on a tract that was patented originally by the McKemson Brothers in 1771, a 115 acre tract known as "Black Rock".

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

The first mill was built on this site between 1771 and 1781. At the latter date, Matthew Wiley Sr., the son of David Wiley, acquired this property.

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

The Wiley family had operated mills in Chester Co., Pa. Matthew Wiley constructed this mill in the early 1800's, giving him a total of 3 mills along the tributaries of Deer Creek,(including Ivory Mills and Amos Mills).

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

The property was passed from the elder Matthew to his son, Matthew, in 1840, and then to George N. Wiley in 1878. The mill was used for lumbering and cider making, as well as for flour production.

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

The current owner called this building the carriage house; it is rented out as various apartments.

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Gordon Miles Callison

Originally Upper Wiley Gristmill located in the northwest portion of Maryland's Harford County, as it appeared in the 1800s. Shown is the creek flowing from left to right, behind the outcrop behind the mill is the log-crib dam and at least 2 original stone cabins. The road comes in to the mill from the right. Coming in from the left is the headrace from the dam with its control gate and flume to the mill's 18 foot overshot waterwheel. On the right side, at the peak of the roof can be seen the catshead which protected grain from the elements as it was being hoisted from a wagon or cart.

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

This is a utility shed/garage. Notice the close end that was arched before being enclosed. It is similar to an old Amish or Quaker buggy shed. The carriage shed is in the background.

Jolly Acres Mill / George N. Wiley Mill / Matthew Wiley Jr's Upper Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 06/15/2009

The owner, who's livelihood is in remodeling, has done many repairs to the structures that make up the mill comlex, with more planned. The owner lives in the mill/log structure, while his parents, live in the millers house pictured above.

 
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