B. H. Ahrenbeck, according to the Census of 1880, owned and operated a sawmill in Enumeration District #58 of Grimes County. The mill was d to be of a value of $3,700. The work force consisted of three to five men, who earned $1 to $3 per each 8-10 hour day; they were paid a combined wage of $50. This small mill operated for three-quarters of one month during the reporting period. From $325 worth of raw materials, the circular and muley saws cut lumber valued at $500. The workforce did its own logging along the Brazos River.