Mile (Michael) Kangerga, a Serbian from Croatia (now part of Yugoslavia), immigrated to Texas in 1887 at age 13. He joined his uncle, George Grozdanic, in the mercantile business in Henderson. Kangerga's brother, Rade (age 14) came to Texas in 1890 and joined the business in 1895. Known as M. Kangerga & Bro., the company eventually diversified into other businesses, including cotton brokerage, real estate, and oil leasing. A landmark business in downtown Henderson for over a century, M. Kangerga & Bro. has played an important role in the area's economic development.