130 A Bridge To The Past

JOHN BAKER SCHURMAN

A touch of the poet was always showing forth in the life of John Baker Schurman who in 1849 was the school master in The Grove, Wilmot Creek. His habit of saying “comme il faut" to the pupils earned for him the nickname “Cummyfoe” Schurman. Mr. Schurman expressed his thoughts in verse on special occasions. When a member of his family died he would compose a verse to be engraved on the memorial stone.

After various experiences in life, farming, teaching and travelling, he settled in Minnesota, U.S.A., and having reached the age of eighty years, he composed the following poem:

FAREWELL TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Farewell Prince Edward Island dear I now must leave your shore Although the stroke may be severe

I will see you no more.

I many years have liv‘d on you

And walk’d upon your sod.

I now must say a long “adue”

If ‘tis the will ofGod.

John Baker Schurman died in Minnesota, U.S.A. and is buried there.