N. C. Carson operated a steam-powered sawmill, worth $1,750, in Rusk County during 1879-1880, according to the Census. The firm employed twelve men at peak production and five normally. The men earned $.75 to $2.00 daily, working eight-hour shifts. The firm paid out $200 total in wages. In four months, the sawmill manufactured from $550 of supplies and sawlogs a total of 50,000 feet of lumber, valued at $1,000.