James Schureman

James Schureman

James Schureman (born February 12, 1756 in New Brunswick , Province of New Jersey , † January 22, 1824 ibid) was an American politician who represented the state of New Jersey in both chambers of Congress .

Life

Early life

Little is known about the origins of James Schureman; it is certain that he had Dutch ancestors. After attending compulsory school, he graduated from Rutgers University in his hometown of New Brunswick, where he graduated in 1775. Schureman then earned his first money as a businessman .

In the War of Independence , Schureman fought on the side of the Continental Army ; he also headed the Middlesex County militia . In the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, Schureman was taken prisoner by the British . It was not until the spring of the following year - 1777 - that he managed to escape; he was reunited with his unit at Morristown .

Political career

In the following years Schureman worked again as a merchant and dealer. But in 1783 he began a political career as a member of the Federalist Party , which initially led him to the New Jersey General Assembly , in which he held a seat until 1785. In 1786 and again in 1787 he was elected to the Continental Congress for his state ; before he succeeded in 1789 to hold a seat in the newly established House of Representatives of the United States . Schureman served from March 4, 1789 to March 3, 1791.

After the resignation of Senator Franklin Davenport in March 1799, Schureman was appointed his successor in the United States Senate . But Schureman's tenure as senator ended after two years, on February 16, 1801, when he also announced his resignation. In 1801 Schureman ran successfully for the office of Mayor of New Brunswick, and ran that city for a period of twelve years until 1813. At the same time he sat on the State Council of New Jersey from 1808 to 1810.

In 1812 Schureman ran again successfully for a seat in the US House of Representatives and moved again to Washington on March 4, 1813 . But even this time he did not succeed in completing a second term; on March 3, 1815, he left office again. Between 1815 and 1821 Schureman retired from active politics. In 1821 he was re-elected Mayor of New Brunswick, an office which he held until his death three years later.

Private life

James Schureman married Neiltye Williamson on January 23, 1778. He was married to her until her death in July 1823. The two had a son, John (1778-1818), who was an adult pastor of the parish in Bedminster Township .

Web links

• James Schureman in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)