William Schurman was born ca. 1743 in New Rochelle, New York to Jacob and Jane (Parcot) Schurman. He was married twice, first to Jane Bonnet, and second to Elizabeth Hyatt. His sympathies being with the British in the American War of Independence he moved with his family to Prince Edward Island in 1783 via Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Settling in the Bedeque area, he quickly became a leader in the community, holding offices such as justice of the peace, and overseer of roads. He also served one term in the Legislature in 1785. Throughout his lifetime he was a shipowner and builder, farmer, lumberman and miller. He exchanged his lumber for merchandise which, along with produce from his farm, he then sold to his neighbours from a store in his home. He dealt in all manner of goods from tobacco and liquor, flour, tea, sugar, salt, potatoes, grain, meat and fish to hardwares, stationary and dry goods. He apparently also supplied some cooperage and blacksmith services. William Schurman died on 15 September 1819.