Near his home, Isaac Ruddell built a gristmill in 1788 on the north side of Hinkson bridge, and in 1795 he built a sawmill to be operated by his son Abram. In 1828, Thomas and Hugh Brent erected a 720-spindle cotton mill 500 feet west, but it burned in 1836. Abram Spears soon rebuilt it, and it also spun wool until about 1855. Ruddell also gave land for Stoner Mouth Church and cemetery.