George Cress relates that Middleton had three mills operative by the time he got to know Middleton. He also had a foundry in Emeryville where he made iron stoves and a really good mercantile store. Middleton expected good customer service and it was always a challenge to keep a horse and buggy ready to go for him. He had a house on Bear Creek Road where his mistress stayed and he always stayed there and would make trips into town to do business.