Bill Bundschu is a retired practicing attorney. He became interested in early American history from bicycling (over 40,000 miles) most of the major historic trails in the United States, including the Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge Parkway, C & O Canal, and parts of Route 66. He completed a solo and unsupported ride in 2004 of the Lewis and Clark Trail from St. Charles, Missouri, to Astoria, Oregon.

Bill has authored several published historical and law journal articles. His first book Karl Gregor Bundschu, To and in America: 1851-1892 was published in 2000. His book Abuse and Murder on the Frontier, The Trials and Travels of Rebecca Hawkins: 1800-1860 was published in 2003 and his latest book The A. J. Bundschu Company, The Dominant Store of Independence in 2005.

In December 2004, Bill received the Master of Arts in History degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the institution from which he received a Master of Laws (Taxation) degree in 1979. He received the Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Duke University in 1954 and 1956. He is currently a director of the Jackson County Historical Society and Heritage League of Greater Kansas City and a member of numerous historical, trail, and bicycling organizations. Bill and wife Betty have four children and seven grandchildren.

updated 12/07