Castorland Journal: An Account of the Exploration and Settlement of New York State by French Émigrés in the Years 1793 to 1797

Appendix E Overview of Castorland Workers

344 appendix e Overview of Castorland Workers Over the course of several years, Pharoux and Desjardins hire numerous workers . The following synopsis is meant to give a general idea of these individuals and their functions and relationship to Castorland. Through these people, we gain an idea of Castorland’s progress and its relation to the region and its population. 1793. Upon arriving in America, Pharoux and Desjardins (with Brunel) travel to Albany and then by water up the Mohawk to Oswego, Lake Ontario, and the mouth of the Black River. They hire Major de Zeng as guide and three boatmen: Simon, a German; and two Yankees, of whom one is named Briton (7 October 1793). 1794. Hiring surveyors is the primary concern. In April, Desjardins hires M. Frey, who will be the chief surveyor. In May, Frey arrives in Castorland with two other surveyors, Cantine and Webster. In June, additional workers are hired; and in July, we learn of the following groups and assignments as the surveying of the Castorland tract begins: Frey, chief surveyor + 4 men. Cantine, surveyor + 4 men. Webster, surveyor + 4 men. Pharoux + 2 men. S. Desjardins, G. Desjardins, Baptiste + 5 men. Charles Brodhead: this surveyor is first mentioned 25 July 1794. He becomes progressively more trusted and relied on. William and James Cockburn: father and son, respectively, surveyors working for James and William Constable. Benjamin Wright, Calvin Guitteau, a certain Van Allen, are other surveyors mentioned. 1795–1796–1797. As the surveying of the Castorland tract continues, the work of establishing settlements begins. To this end, “waggoners,” carpenters, and then blacksmiths are the primary workers hired. Workers are recruited from the surrounding area, and include Native Americans. Some of the workers are related to each other. The work includes building the first loghouse, located at the Great Fall (Lyons Falls). Another log house is begun after, at the Long Falls (Carthage). At the Long Falls, work on the construction of a mill and canal is begun. At the Great Fall, the original establishment, gardens are planted, fences raised, improvements to the loghouse are made. Overview of Castorland Workers 345 Many people are hired in the early summer 1795. Louis Ferlent and his family: to stay at Castorland year-round. Dixon, Linus Peck, Trueman, and Robinson all appear to be carpenters. Cross and Roggers are hired too. Hobby is hired as a driver; his two brothers appear to have been blacksmiths, one of whom seems to be named Warren (22 August, 2 October 1795). An Indian named Hitto is hired, apparently from the Oneida Indians. He worked perhaps as a carpenter (14 June 1795) or as a surveyor. The following year, other workers are hired. Root, a cooper, is hired 6 May 1796; Gilsemain, a gardener, is mentioned 15 October 1796. Wampy, perhaps one of the Brotherton Indians, is mentioned 19 June 1796: he was also part of the surveying party of 1794. ...