Blanton & Harmon operated a steam-powered sawmill, worth $2,000, in Rusk County during 1879-1880, according to the Census. The firm employed fifteen men at peak production and ten normally. The men earned $1.00 to $3.00 daily, working eight-hour shifts. The firm paid out $1,200 total in wages. The sawmill manufactured from $3,300 of supplies and sawlogs a total of 600,000 feet of lumber, valued at $6,000.