J. S. Edens began his milling career in Panola when he bought equipment on mortgage from the Bowen & Crawford sawmill for $250 in 1904. The equipment included an Ames steam engine, forty-five feet of belting, and four yoke of oxen. Edens sold the sawmill machinery, oxen, and wagons to R. L. and Jim Thornton for $4,800 on January 20, 1905.