Strategic
points along both sides of the Rhine made this portion of Germany a coveted
prize by competitive European nations who seemed to be in constant combative
conflict. The lush productive area was invaded on numerous occasions by
the French. Due to these various invasions, ensuing wars, and other persecution,
many inhabitants of the Palatinate fled that section of Europe for what
they hoped would be safer more peaceful havens. Some settled in different
parts of Germany, others sought refuge in Switzerland, Holland and various
locations in Europe. As marine traffic increased, the ultimate destination
for the more intrepid was the new world of North America and the British
Colonies.
The period
of the largest migration from the Palatinate to America was from 1730-1750.
During that period immediately preceding the Revolution, it is estimated
the number of Germans settled in the state of Pennsylvania alone, numbered
not less than 200,000.
Official
documents, census records, gravestones, ships records and other forms of
publication show various ways in which to project the name. The anglicized
spelling BURKET/BURKETT seems to be the most popular selection for our
family. However, the first recorded progenitor to this country chose the
spelling BURCKET.
Old world
German records in the Evangelical Church of Herbrectingen and Fleingen
trace the family to the picturesque village of Herbrectingen, Duchy of
Heidenheimer ,Wurtemburg, Germany in the latter part of the 17th century.
The ancestral
background of the family name of Burkett a.k.a. Burckhardt, Burkhard and
many other varied spellings stems from the section of Germany called the
Palatinate. Formerly, an independent state of Germany, this historical
region was composed of two territorial divisions called the upper (or Bavarian),
and the lower (or Rhine Palatinate. These areas were located along both
sides of the Rhine River. Originally ruled by a Count Palatine, the Palatinate
began to figure in German History in the 11th century.
BURKET/BURKETT/BURKHARDT
Family Tales and Trails
1649-1990
2Vol. Pub. 1990
by
Family History Publishers
Bountiful
Utah 84010
Get your own Free Home Page