Some lucky people find that their ancestry extends to a noble family of the land, and ultimately to William the Conqueror. You would be amazed just how many people are related to William the Conqueror ! For the rest of us, we have to overcome the disappointment when we discover that our ancestors were mere labourers, and probably serfs before that. Or do we ? In past generations, the principal task of most men and women has been survival. These people brought up their families through amazing adversity, threatened by hunger and disease. Infant mortality rates were appalling and life expectancy poor. Yet we are all descendants of those who survived into adulthood and had families of their own. We can only guess at their bravery, at their determination, and at their will to go on. We owe them our very existence. The records of christenings, marriages, and burials give few clues to life's bitter struggles. I am, however, blessed with a rare surname and that has made my search somewhat easier. Every individual with the surname BURGUM has become a target of my enquiries and my search has extended around the world. Some of the stories I have uncovered are contained within these pages. I have found the unfolding tales to be remarkable, surprising, and inspiring. Above all, they are true.

Doug Burgum (July 1995)

For Chapter One "Henry Burgum, Pewterer" click here ->