Zumbrun Genealogy

Life Sketch
Burkhard Zumbrunnen was likely born in the mid-1200s, and was named after his father Landammann Burkhard Zumbrunnen. He was sometimes called “the younger” and sometimes “Schüpfer” which seems to be a nickname meaning something like “puncher” or perhaps “fighter,” as in a fist fighter. I assume he used a nickname to distinguish himself from his father, as he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become the Landammann of Uri from 1273 to 1287, and thus the nickname was a useful way to distinguish himself. He was the seventh Landammann of Uri.

Because there are two or three generations of men all named Burkhard, I believe there is some confusion in the records about which is which. A Burkhard Zumbrunnen, along with Conrad Zumbrunnen, are mentioned as Knights in the Order of St. Lazarus in 1296. I believe that the Burkhard in the Knights of St. Lazarus and Conrad are the sons of this Burkhard. But it’s possible this is the same Burkhard later in life.

Sources agree that Burkhard Zumbrunnen was the father of Heinrich Zumbrunnen who died in the Battle of Laupen, as well as Johann Zumbrunnen who was still alive in 1360.

For Burkhard “Schüpfer” Zumbrunnen to be the father, he must have had children very late in life, and also have been a very young Landammann. Thus it’s more likely that Burkhard “Schüpfer” Zumbrunnnen had a son, also named Burkhard, who was the father of Johann and Heinrich.

Burkhard is possibly memorialized in the Yearbook of the Monastery of the Order of St. Lazarus on April 29. He is included in an entry alongside Conrad Zumbrunnen, who was either his brother or son. Since the Landammann typically served until their death, it’s quite possible April 29, 1287 is Burkhard’s date of death.

Vital Information

Name: Burkhard Zumbrunnen
Sex: Male
Birth: Mid-1200s
Residence:
Offices: Landammann of Uri, 1273-1287
Death: Possibly April 29, 1287

Family Members

Father: Burkhard Zumbrunnen
Mother: Unknown
Siblings:

Spouse: Unknown
Children: Burkhard Zumbrunnen, Conrad Zumbrunnen (while it’s possible Conrad is his brother, I believe it’s more likely that Conrad was his son)

First cousins: Arnold Zumbrunnen
Second cousin: Werner Von Attinghausen and Von Schweinsberg
Uncle: Herman Zumbrunnen
Grandfather: Walter Zumbrunnen

Sources

Burkhard Zumbrunnen entry in the Nobiliaire Militaire Suisse

The Zumbrunnen entry in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland mentions a Burkhard and Conrad Zumbrunnen who are Knights in the Order of St. Lazarus. I believe they are likely the sons of this Burkhard.

Burkhard Zumbrunnen entry at Stammler Genealogie

Burkhard Zumbrunnen entry at FamilySearch.org where his birth year is incorrectly estimated as 1275.
This birth year makes more sense for a son of this Burkhard.

Burkhard Zumbrunnen entry at the Urner Geschlechter genealogy website

Burkhard Zumbrunnen is included in Bucelin’s genealogy of the Zumbrunnen family from the 1600s. (He is in the four generation of people; his name is written in Latin as “Burcardus zum Brunnen, alias de Ettickahusen”.)

Burkhard is possibly memorialized in the Yearbook of the Monastery of the Order of St. Lazarus on April 29.