Our history: 1800’s

The following is a History of Hazel Creek Mill as written by Mrs. Edith Nash in 1995. Edith was the wife of Robert Nash. Robert and Edith are the last and current owners of the Mill and Shoals Property. 

Hazel Creek Mill has been a part of Habersham County’s History for almost 150 years. The property, on which the “Mill Shoals” is located, is part of Lot 8 of the 12th District and was in the 1820 Land Lottery which established Habersham County. Arthur Willis of Jasper drew lot 8 which contained 250 acres more or less.

Arthur Willis received title to the 250 acres in late 1823 according to county records. Almost immediately, in early 1824, Mr. Willis sold his winnings – 250 acres – to a Habersham Businessman named James McCrackin for $250.00.

Records show that in the 1850’s James McCrackin deeded to his sons “Water Power” rights on the “Mill Shoals”. There is also a Quitclaim Deed allowing water to be backed up the creek in 1859. These records seem t date the “Mill” sometime during the 1850’s or early 1860’s. There are also references that there was a Mill Pond at one time. According to Homer Ansley, his Grandparents said the first “Mill” was on the other side of the creek. Another Old Timer says the “Mill” was always on the side of the creek where it now sits. He says the Clarkesville-Mt. Airy Road has been moved, that at one time it was above the “Mill”.  He said that old road maps at the Courthouse would show this. (These old maps are not available. Must go tot Archives in Atlanta to get copies.). According to Tom Loundermilk’s son Connie, the present “Mill” was built in 1880 by Tom Loudermilk. (Research has not been completed on this. No records have been found nor does anyone remember stories about the “Mill” being moved).

The property changed hands in 1870. Starlin Yearwood purchased 500 acres which included the “Mill Shoals” and ½ interest in the “Water Power”. In 1876, Yearwood sold to W.D. Grant 115 acres which included the “Mill Shoals”. Grand deeded the 115 acres to his wife, S.J. Grant in 1884.

In 1892, W.D. Grant sold to Habersham County 262 acres which included the “Mill Shoals”. The county operated a “Pauper’s Farm” on the land. The people lived in one and two room houses and farmed the land. The Grand Jury records of that time reflects $3.53 per woman and child was allowed from county taxes. The farm had to generate the balance of its operating funds from farming activities. The corn raised on the farm was ground at the “Mill”. The last manager of the farm was Eric Loudermilk.  Hazel Creek Baptist Church Cemetery is the final resting place of a number of the paupers who died while living on the “Farm”. You can still see the rock wall that was built around the Manager’s house. It is on Hazel Creek Road across front the church. A new house has been built on the land. However, the owners have retained the old rock wall.