Every person performing labor for any person, company, or corporation, in the operation of any railway, canal, or transportation company, or any water, mining, or manufacturing company, sawmill, lumber or timber company, shall have a prior lien on the franchise, earnings, and on all the real and personal property of said person, company, or corporation, which is used in the operation of its business, to the extent of the moneys due him or her from such person, company, or corporation, operating said franchise or business, for labor performed within six months next preceding the filing of his or her claim therefor, as hereinafter provided; and no mortgage, deed of trust, or conveyance shall defeat or take precedence over said lien.