Town histories recount that Schuneman was well known in upstate New York because of his imposing physique; he was six feet three inches tall, and weighed nearly 300 pounds.
In 1792 he was appointed a justice of the peace for Albany County, which then included Catskill.
He operated a successful general store, and owned an inn in Madison, now called Leeds, as well as gristmills and other business ventures.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1798 to 1800 when Catskill was part of Ulster County.
He resumed his former business pursuits and died in Catskill on February 21, 1827.