The Bigger They Are…
The book is about my great grandfather,
Will Burfening, the son of German immigrants. The story tells of his lifelong
battle with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Company in
Minneapolis. He fought to keep his home and land, which he had settled under
the Homestead Act of 1862. The book chronicles the story behind a landmark case
of the American justice system. Over time, his court battles included state and
federal district courts, the Minnesota State Supreme Court and the United
States Supreme Court. Even the President of the United States became involved!
I have known of Will Burfening’s plight since I was a child. Not long ago my thoughts turned to sharing his sad, tragic story with the rest of the world. The story is one of personal courage from which lessons can be learned.
Here’s what the publisher has to say: “This is a fascinating story. Overall it’s an excellent family history and sure to be appreciated. The entire format is … professional and really adds to the author’s credibility. The scans (pictures) are interesting even in just showing the print type of days gone by. I have to admit not knowing much about islands in the Mississippi, and you do a good job of relating the events, which took place long ago to events still occurring in our justice system.” Another publisher, after reviewing this work, wrote several glowing comments, but I have not obtained permission to quote them directly.
This book is currently available. You can obtain it at any major bookstore, such as Barnes & Noble or Borders, or you can find it on line at the following, and other, Internet sites. The book is being produced under the new “Publish on Demand” program, so you might not find it on the shelves at the bookstore. Instead, they will order it for you.