Albert Washington and H. C. Hayes bought a small sawmill in San Jacinto County at Westcott in 1940 from a Mr. Miller. Some of the equipment included a Buick motor, belts, pulleys, shafting, track, saws, an edger, and 12-foot carriage. Because the primary power was a gasoline automobile engine, the mill was probably portable. R. F. Croom must have bought out Washington by the time Croom and Hayes appear on a mortgage register, dated March 13, 1941.