James Leffel , the son of a Virginia-born miller who settled near Springfield, was determined to build a better waterwheel.  In the 1840s Leffel, described as a perfectionist who sought to improve efficiency, expanded family milling operations by adding a foundry and machine shop.   The cast-iron stoves (Leffel may have been Ohio's first stove maker) and machine castings arising from the latter enterprises made Leffel rich.  Meanwhile, he tested new waterwheels and turbines.  The Civil War required an increase in agricultural foodstuff to feed distant, marching armies.  Leffel answered the national need by introducing the American Double Turbine in 1862.  Gristmills installed with Leffel's turbine doubled flour production.  His turbine proved to be faster (RPMs), smaller, more adaptable, and cheaper than rival turbines and waterwheels.  By 1864, demand for the American Double Turbine had tripled.  In 1862, a 56-inch turbine cost $700,  a 10-13- incher $200.  The James Leffel Company still manufactures hydraulic turbines in Springfield.

Text courtesy of Steve Ostrander