The Bigger They Are...

About the Book

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!

About the Author

Don retired in August 1992 after 38 years of military service, having served 22 years in the Michigan Air National Guard, and the remainder in the California Air National Guard. He achieved the rank of Colonel, with an honorary promotion to Brigadier General bestowed by the California Air National Guard.