Throughout most of their lives, Norman R. Burkey and his brother David were unaware of the extensive roots their family had in Berks County, dating back to the early days of William Penn’s establishment of Pennsylvania.
The family history on their father’s side was veiled in tragedy and sorrow. The discussion surrounding their father’s demise during World War II in 1945 was cloaked in silence during their upbringing, profoundly impacting their family dynamics.
Their paternal grandfather and his siblings also grappled with the loss of a parent at a tender age. Their great-grandmother, Kate Witman Burkey, passed away in her early 20s, while their great-grandfather, John A. Burkey, struggled with alcoholism and mental health challenges, resulting in their children being dispersed among various relatives.
The shroud of secrecy enveloping their family lineage began to dissipate in the mid-1990s when Norman stumbled upon the American World War II Orphans Network (AWON) in an article, evoking a wave of emotions and recollections linked to his father’s passing. This revelation spurred Norman to delve deeper into his familial background, forging connections with AWON to unearth more details about his father’s military service and actively participating in the organization’s endeavors.
Norman and David embarked on a quest to unveil their ancestral heritage, with David spearheading the research into tracing their Burkey forebears back to 17th-century Switzerland. Despite David’s physical ailments, his commitment to the family legacy remained steadfast, culminating in the identification of their Swiss ancestors’ homestead in Berks County from the early 1700s.
Through meticulous investigation and with Norman’s assistance, the siblings unearthed a vibrant tapestry of their family’s legacy, illuminating their ancestors’ challenges as Huguenots or Mennonites fleeing persecution in Europe to seek a fresh start in America.
The narrative unravels with insights into their ancestors’ journeys, from Christian and Barbara Buerki in Switzerland to Jacob and Elizabeth Burkey’s migration to Philadelphia in the 18th century, eventually putting down roots in Berks County. The enduring spirit of resilience and determination persisted through the generations, culminating in John A. Burkey, Norman and David’s great-grandfather, who tragically lost his life in World War II.
Norman’s retelling of his father’s wartime experiences, including a poignant visit to the battlefield where he perished, serves as a heartfelt homage to his legacy. The brothers’ thirst for knowledge extended to locating their ancestors’ original homesteads in Centre Township, a testament to David’s relentless pursuit of their family history.
Sadly, shortly after reaching this milestone, David passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to preserving and commemorating their family’s heritage.