Lufkin, Angelina County
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.