Simon Boerum facts for kids

Simon Boerum (born February 29, 1724 – died July 11, 1775) was an important leader from Brooklyn, New York. He was a farmer and also ran a mill. Simon Boerum represented New York in the Continental Congress in 1774 and 1775. He also signed a special agreement called the Continental Association.

Early Life and Family

Simon Boerum's family came from the Dutch colony of New Netherland. They settled on Long Island a long time ago. His parents were William Jacob Boerum and Rachel (Bloom) Boerum. They were farmers in a place called New Lots, which is now part of Brooklyn.

Simon was born in New Lots on February 29, 1724. He was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church a few days later. He went to a Dutch school in Flatbush and graduated from there. After school, Simon worked as a farmer and operated a mill in Flatbush. In 1748, he bought a home in what is now downtown Brooklyn. He married Maria Schenck in April 1748, and they lived in that house together.

Public Service and Politics

Simon Boerum became involved in politics and public service. In 1750, the governor of New York, George Clinton, chose him to be the county clerk for Kings County. This was a very important job, and Simon held it for the rest of his life.

After 1761, he also became a member of the Province of New York Assembly. This was like being a representative in the government for the colony of New York.

Joining the Continental Congress

In 1774, the American colonies were having problems with England. They decided to hold a meeting called the Continental Congress to discuss what to do. The New York Assembly had trouble agreeing on who to send. Kings County chose Simon Boerum to represent them. On October 1, 1774, he joined the New York group at the Congress.

At the Congress, Simon Boerum supported the idea of not buying goods from England. He also sided with the members who wanted bigger changes. He helped to stop a plan called the Galloway Plan. This plan wanted to keep the colonies united with England, but many people felt it wasn't fair.

Later Years and Legacy

In early 1775, the New York Assembly did not agree with the decisions of the first Continental Congress. The Assembly was quickly closed down to stop more discussions. In April, Simon Boerum was chosen for a new group called the revolutionary New York Provincial Congress. This group then chose him again to go to the Continental Congress.

However, Simon became very sick and had to return home from Philadelphia. He passed away at his home on July 11, 1775. Simon was first buried in the Dutch Burying Ground in New Lots. Later, in 1848, he and his wife, Maria, were moved and re-buried in the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.