The Bairds ran a sawmill and grist mill in Polk County according to the 1870 Census. Their mill had a capital investment of $2,000 and $6,000 in logs and $2,500 worth of corn (2,500 bushels). In a six-month operation, they employed three men whom were paid a total of $300. They manufactured 90,000 of lumber of a value of $600 and ground 2,500 bushels of cornmeal at a value of $3,000. They also earned $100 for out-custom work.
Ruth Peebles identifies the Jim Baird sawmill, during the 1870s, as located at Rocky Creek.