According to San Augustine county records, J. W. Bowlin was enumerated for taxation for $500 worth of engines and boilers. On 15 December 1905 Bowlin and J. W. Luman mortgaged for 35,000 shingles and one shingle machine. By 1909 Bowlin had expanded his plant, according to a chattel mortgage, to include besides the shingle mill, a 15-horsepower steam engine, a 15-horsepower boiler, a grist mill, a shingle mill, and one Pratt cotton gin and stand.
In December 1912 J. W. Bowlin mortgaged to J. W. Graves for $180 a 25-horsepower boiler and a 25-horsepower steam engine.