Research: Sawmill Database

Alpha-Numeric Key: PK-90
Corporate Name: Monroe Drew
Local Name:
Owner Name: Monroe Drew. James P. Collins and Monroe Drew.
Location: Mariana (Drew's Landing), on the Trinity River
County: Polk
Years in Operation: 7 years
Start Year: 1843
End Year: 1849
Decades: 1840-1849
Period of Operation: 1843 to at least 1849
Town: Mariana (Drew's Landing)
Company Town: 0
Peak Town Size: Unknown
Mill Pond:
Type of Mill: Lumber
Sawmill Pine Sawmill Hardwood Sawmill Cypress Sawmill
Planer Planer Only Shingle Paper
Plywood Cotton Grist Unknown
Other
Power Source: Unknown
Horse Mule Oxen Water
Water Overshot Water Turbine Diesel Unknown
Pit Steam Steam Circular Steam Band
Gas Electricity Other
Maximum Capacity: 
Capacity Comments: Unknown
Produced:
Rough Lumber Planed Lumber Crossties Timbers
Lathe Ceiling Unknown Beading
Flooring Paper Plywood Particle Board
Treated Other
Equipment: Sawmill
Company Tram:
Associated Railroads: None
Historicial Development: Webb noted that Monroe Drew founded a store and hotel on the east bank of the Trinity River in southern Polk County in 1838. The settlement was known as Mariana and the landing as Drew's landing. The coming of the railroads caused the decline of the settlement, and the post office was closed in 1896. Ruth Peebles noted that Monroe Drew had a sawmill at Drews Landing in 1843. In 1846, Drew and James P. Colins had a sawmill in Polk County. The county tax roll for that year reveals both names but the word “sawmill” on Colins' name has been erased. The mill was valued at $1,900. Monroe owned no land or slaves, but Colins owned 181 acres on the John Waugh original grant and six slaves. In 1847, Drew is listed as the sole owner of the mill. He did not own land or slaves but had three town lots in Liberty. In 1848, Drew is listed as having an “interest in sawmill.” In 1849, Drew had four horses; 132 cattle, oxen and hogs; a sawmill; but no land or slaves.
Research Date: JKG 11-17-93, MCJ 02-27-96
Prepared By: J. Gerland, M Johnson