Bill,
I don't think your information about destruction is correct, at least not
100%.
I can't speak for the rest of the country, but I have used the 1860
industrial census data here in Michigan (original on microfilm). Very detailed
coverage of sawmill I was working on ... Even included how big the waterwheel was.
I suggest that whoever started this thread keep looking ...
Mark C. Branstner
Great Lakes Research, Inc.
210 E. Sherwood Road
Williamston, MI 48895
1.517.347.4793 / [log in to unmask]