Who were famous slaves on the Erie Canal?

While the Erie Canal primarily involved free laborers, some enslaved individuals were present during its construction, particularly in the early 19th century. Notable figures include John Smith, who worked on the canal and later became a prominent abolitionist. Additionally, some enslaved workers were hired out by their owners to labor on the canal, contributing to its construction despite the broader context of slavery in the region. However, specific famous individuals are less documented compared to the overall contributions of enslaved people.