Boerum, Simon, 1724-1775

<p>Simon Boerum (February 29, 1724 – July 11, 1775) was a farmer, miller, and political leader from Brooklyn, New York. He represented New York in the Continental Congress in 1774 and 1775. He signed the Continental Association and is thus considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.</p>

<p>Boerum's family settled on Long Island when it was a part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. His parents were William Jacob Boerum (1687–1766) and Rachel (Bloom) Boerum (1690–1738), who farmed in the town of New Lots, in Kings County, New York, which is now part of Brooklyn. Simon was born there on February 29, 1724, and was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church on March 8. He attended and graduated from the Dutch school in Flatbush. Boerum farmed and operated a mill in Flatbush. In 1748, he bought a home and garden at what is today is the southwest corner of Fulton and Hoyt streets in downtown Brooklyn. On September 30, 1724, he married Maria Schenck (1726–1771), and the house became their home for the rest of their lives.</p>

<p>In 1750, Governor George Clinton appointed Boerum as county clerk for Kings County. He would hold that office for the rest of his life, as well as a seat in the Province of New York Assembly after 1761. In 1774, the Assembly could not reach agreement about the Continental Congress. Kings County selected him to represent them, and on October 1, 1774, the Congress added him to the New York delegation. In the Congress, he supported the non-importation agreement and the more radical members in general. He helped to defeat the Galloway Plan for union and reconciliation with England.</p>

BOERUM, Simon, a Delegate from New York; born in New Lots (now Brooklyn), Long Island, N.Y., February 29, 1724; attended the Dutch school at Flatbush, N.Y., from which he was graduated; engaged in agricultural pursuits and milling; appointed county clerk of Kings County by Governor Clinton in 1750; also became clerk of the board of supervisors and held both positions until his death; member of the colonial assembly, 1761-1775; deputy to the provincial convention in April 1775; member of the Continental Congress, 1774-1775; died in Brooklyn, N.Y., July 11, 1775; interment in Old First Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery, Brooklyn, N.Y.; reinterment in Green-wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, N.Y.

<ul><b>RACES</b>
<li>12/31/1774 NY Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
<li>09/01/1774 NY Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
</ul>