The J. G. McReynolds sawmill was listed in railroad directories in 1880 and 1884 at Nechesville. He was reported in the 1880 Census Products of Industry Schedule as John McReynolds operating a 30-horsepower steam circular sawmill. The mill was valued at $4,600. It employed twenty individuals, normally working five at eleven hours a day in summer and winter. Skilled labor made $2.00 daily and unskilled $1.00. Total wages paid were $300. The mill cut 200,000 board feet in three months of operation from $4,050 worth of logs and mill supplies into a gross value of $2,000. Logging was done in the neighborhood.