One of the first individuals to recognize the economic potential of the east Texas forests was German native Joseph H. Kurth, who came to Angelina County in 1887. He bought a sawmill from charles L. Kelty and in 1890, with Sam Wiener and S. W. Henderson of Corrigan, formed the Angelina County Lumber Company. A leader in innovative forestry, including reforestation and employment of professional foresters, the firm played a vital role in the early growth of Lufkin and area industries. Kurth family members headed the company until it was sold in 1966.