What is a Burseman?

Dad always told a story about a lady coming into his office and being floored by such an unusual name as she read his name plate on his desk. "Burse...what kind of name is Burse?", she would ask. To which he replied, "No, it's Bruce, not Burse," to no avail. He got a kick out of the story and later gave himself the nickname The Burseman which evolved into The Burseman of Matthews. He referred to himself and often introduced himself around town as The Burseman of Matthews, much to my mom's chagrin. Big Goofball! His buddy Gilligan got him an embroidered hat with the name on it (actually two hats, because he wore the first one out) and he would often answer the phone "Burseman Industries" when he new it was one of us kids calling. Sometimes he would say "Burseman Industries" and then when I would start to talk he would joke around, pretending to be an answering machine - "We are away from the office at this time, but if you will leave a message..." I always tried to order the Burseman Special but they were usually out! I would also answer the phone "Burseman Industries. Columbia Office." I wish I could let that lady know how many jokes we shared all because she couldn't read the name Bruce!