Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of 34 field books created by James Frost from 1811 to 1838 as he surveyed lands for individuals to help settle disputes over property boundaries or for appraisal. Periodically, Frost was also hired by New York State for similar purposes and worked under the direction of the State Surveyor General. The information found in each volume varies, but most of these volumes contain survey notes and topographical sketches. The field books may include some or all of the following information: the reason the survey was conducted, and who requested it; survey location; date; and names of any assistants to Frost. A few of the volumes contain journal entries, most of which are concerned with the actual survey work; some volumes have personal remarks or notes.

Survey information found in these volumes pertains to the following geographic areas: the county line between Montgomery and Fulton; Bauk, Corey, Costy, Pliny Moore and Saratoga Patents; Brant Lake Military Tract and Old Military Tract; Duanesburg, Glenville, Rotterdam, and Schenectady townships; Elizabethtown, New Jersey; and the eastern shore of the Hudson from Schodack to Troy. Individuals for whom Frost created these surveys include John Landers; Jacob A. Vrooman; George Clark, Jr. and G.W. Featherstonhaugh; David Cady Smith; Charlotte J. Devendorf; Mary Smith and Antoinette Smith; James Duanes; P. Smith; Peter Bradt; C.E. Delyraff; Teunis Van Wechten; and Perks Rulofson. One public-sector customer was the New York State Land Office.