Duff Mill was once a major employer in Coagh village employing more than 100 people at its peak
A plaque has been unveiled marking the major contribution the Duff family have made to the village of Coagh down the generations.
Duff's Mills were once a significant employer in the village and surrounding area for generations employing more than 100 people at its peak.
The family also had a Saw Mill and Blacksmith shop on the Urbal Road site.
At one stage Duff's also supplied electricity to Coagh village.
Back in 1820 Thomas Duff married Miss McMoran who owned a Spade Mill in Urbal Road.
The Spade Mill closed down in 1837 and a Mill opened on the site to scutch flax and toe, continuing until 1930.
In 1845 Flax spinning began. In 1858 the business changed from Thomas Duff to Duff Brothers with a new Mill opening North of the water wheel in Urbal Road.
In 1870 the Upper House and Mill Chimney was built and lower House rebuilt. Turbine took over from the Water Wheel. In 1880 the Mill started weaving woollen blankets and in 1926 Linen weaving began at the Mill.
The factory eventually closed and in 1970 the Corn Mill and shop also closed.
Dr Robert Finch, who was the GP in Coagh for over 30 years before he retired some 20 years ago, was recently joined by the two surviving members of the Duff family, from Coagh – Mrs Rosemary Shearer and Ian Duff - when he unveiled a plaque in recognition of the service of the Duff family to Coagh and surrounding area down the generations.