J.H. Rodbourn & Co.

 

Lumber was one of the area’s biggest industries. James H. Rodbourn came to Erin in 1865.  Two years later he built a large sawmill and the town’s first general store.  The sawmill burned in 1881 but he rebuilt it the same year.  His older brother, Joseph, was also involved in the lumber business. He had built a sawmill in Breesport in 1857.  When Joseph died, James took over all operations and moved the headquarters to Erin.  In 1905, James passed away and his sons, Joseph E. and Charles, took over the business.  They dismantled the sawmill in 1912 and sold the general store in 1938.