Mining was very difficult work. French engagés and farmers would work in the lead mines only if they received high wages. Farmers and engagés came to the mines in April, after the crops of corn and wheat had been planted. They left in October when it was time to harvest.
Lead mines that made their owners rich depended on slave labor. Captured in Africa, slaves were brought to the American Continent to work for those who bought them. According to the 1726 census, Philippe Renault, owner of the lead mine "La Motte," had 20 slaves. These men would have been forced to do the most back-breaking work in the mines.
© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96