 Christie , who was still in military service , was frequently away from the land , so Hazen developed the land while Christie provided the funding . Hazen constructed a manor house at Iberville , and two mills , and set about selling timber and other business endeavours . In 1765 , Hazen was also appointed a deputy land surveyor , and a justice of the peace . As part of his business dealings , he offered General Thomas Gage , then in command of British forces in New York City , facilities and lumber for military use . Gage was uninterested at the time , letting Hazen know that he would keep the offer in mind , if the need for military movements became necessary in the area . 
