Burdick Family Genealogy & History

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick is a renowned 1984 picture book by American author Chris Van Allsburg. The book presents a series of intriguing images, said to be crafted by the enigmatic Harris Burdick, who vanished without a trace. Each illustration is paired with a captivating caption, inviting readers to imagine their own narratives. This work has inspired many famous writers, including Tabitha King and Louis Sachar, to create stories based on its illustrations. In 2011, The Chronicles of Harris Burdick was published, featuring tales by fourteen acclaimed authors. The book's mysterious allure has even led to a film adaptation by Walt Disney Pictures and 20th Century Fox.

Quentin Northrup Burdick was a prominent American politician and lawyer who significantly impacted North Dakota's political landscape. As a member of the Democratic-NPL Party, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1959 to 1960 and then in the U.S. Senate from 1960 until his death in 1992, becoming one of the longest-serving senators of his time. Burdick was known for his opposition to the Eisenhower administration’s farm policies and his advocacy for the Garrison Diversion Project. His political career was marked by a strong alignment with organized labor and the National Farmers Union, emphasizing high price supports and production controls in agriculture.

Quentin Burdick was born in Munich, North Dakota, to Usher Lloyd Burdick, a Republican politician who served as Lieutenant Governor and a U.S. Representative, and Emma Cecelia Robertson, the daughter of the first white settler west of Park River. He was the eldest of three children, with a brother, Eugene Allan Burdick, who became a judge, and a sister, Rosemary, who married U.S. Representative Robert W. Levering. This connection to a politically active family provided a strong foundation for his future in public service.

Jocelyn Louise Burdick was a pioneering American politician from North Dakota, notable for being the first woman from the state to serve in the United States Senate. Appointed in 1992 following the death of her husband, Senator Quentin Burdick, she briefly held office, championing legislation on pay equity and women's rights. A member of the North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party, Burdick was also active in civic duties, contributing to the Democratic Women Plus and advocating against drunk driving. Her career is marked by her dedication to public service and her role in advancing women's presence in politics.

Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Jocelyn Burdick was the daughter of Magdalena Towers (Carpenter) and Albert Birch. She had a notable family background with her great-grandmother being suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage, and she was the great-niece, by marriage, of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. Her family connections to activism and literature highlight a rich heritage of engagement in significant social movements and cultural contributions.

Eugene Leonard Burdick was a prominent American political scientist and novelist, recognized for his influential works such as "The Ugly American" and "Fail-Safe." A Cold War liberal, Burdick's literature often explored political themes, notably critiquing American foreign policy during the Cold War. Having served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism. Burdick was also a respected professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, contributing significantly to the field of political science. His legacy continues through his thought-provoking novels and his role as a member of several esteemed professional organizations.

Eugene Burdick was born in Sheldon, Iowa, to Marie Ellerbroek and Jack Dale Burdick. His father was a socialist, naming him after Eugene V. Debs, an influential American socialist leader. The Burdick family relocated to Los Angeles, California, when Eugene was four, where he developed a passion for surfing. This familial background provided a unique foundation for his later political insights and literary pursuits.