The Bonadurers of Versam.
A family history, documented since the 14th century. From the Bandur farm above the village of Versam to the wider world — collected, researched, and narrated by Roland (Roli) Bonadurer for relatives, friends, and everyone who wants to learn more about us.
More than just a homepage.
Simply creating my own homepage felt a bit too easy. That is why I am using this opportunity to showcase the history of the Bonadurer family.
The surname Bonadurer — also documented as Banadurer or Panadurer — has been recorded in Versam since the 14th century. It is derived from the field name Bandur, a farm located above Versam.
In 1711, the family settled in Versam, Arezen, and Fahn. The former Wieshus was the family residence for many generations. All Bonadurers originate from Versam — as a local lineage.
In 1945, Martin Josef Derungs of Vignogn officially changed his name to Bonadurer. During the Reformation, one Bonadurer emigrated to Vättis and called himself Bonderer there. The Bonadurers naturalized in Zurich in 1950 also come from Versam. These are the only two known exceptions; all other Bonadurers originate from Versam.
Much of the information comes from the magazine Töndala, a local newspaper for Safien-Tenna-Valendas and Versam (production discontinued). Thanks to Peter Michael, Jeremias Jehli, and Barbara Buchli.
“The Romance-sounding family name
has become a Walser lineage.”
Töndala · Local newspaper for Safien · Tenna · Valendas · Versam
From the Bandur Farm.
From the Romansh bagnaduoira, a new word for an old land emerged through Walser immigration.
From bagnaduoira to Bonadurer.
Romans gave the farm its name. Bagnaduoira means washing tub, vat, or trough, referring to the depression in the terrain.
When the Walsers moved in from Safien, the name remained. But now Walsers lived there — those from Bandur, the Banadurers.
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