Schurman, William

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: Ross Graves, “SCHURMAN (Schureman), WILLIAM,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 5, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/schurman_william_5E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Businessman, politician, and office holder; b. c. 1743 in New Rochelle, N.Y., third child of Jacob Schureman and Jane Parcot; d. 15 Sept. 1819 in Wilmot Valley, P.E.I.
    • Events leading to the revolution and the revolution itself polarized families in New Rochelle as they did elsewhere; while Schurman’s two brothers-in-law adhered to the patriot cause, his own brother was imprisoned for two years after signing a protest against sending local representatives to the 1775 Continental Congress. William, too, cast in his lot with the loyalists.
    • Taking what property he could salvage, and in his own ship, with wife, five sons, and two slaves, he sailed first to Port Roseway (Shelburne), N.S., and then on to Tryon, St John’s (Prince Edward) Island. 
    • William Schurman was a man of ability and intelligence, with the courage and versatility required for success in his time. He was conspicuously practical as well, apparently able to turn his hand to almost anything, from shipbuilding to coopering and blacksmithing, and able to ride out the forced move from New Rochelle and later losses to arrive at a comfortable old age, a man of substance, entrusted with dispensing justice to those of his neighbours who appeared before him in court.
  • Proven United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=7335
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