The interchange re Benjamin Elias Kesler, son of Stephen & Sophia Sink, of Wirtz, Franklin Co, VA, was of interest to me as I knew of his brother, Samuel L. Kesler b. 1885, d. 1954 & wife Martha Jane Ingram, who came to Colorado in 1910 looking for a homestead. Homesteads were all taken so they rented initially, then bought land north of River Bend, Elbert Co, CO and land west of of River Bend where they lived until 1936, when they moved to Limon, Lincoln Co, CO. Samuel Keslers had 6 children. Lincoln Co, Colorado is where I was raised, and while I did not know the Kesler's personally I am certain my grdparents did. This information came from "Where the Wagons Rolled" - The History of Lincoln Co and people who came before 1925 - compiled by the Lincoln Co. Historical Society Mary Ann Rhodes <milrho@bellsouth.net> wrote: Andrew, I have your grandfather in my file because of your Half Grandaunt Pearl's marriage to William Henry Beachel the son of Emerson Henry Beachel and Katherine May Nedrow related to Elder Henry Meyers. When I read the Kesler entries, ran a copy of what I had to see if they matched. The file was sitting in the holder next to the computer when I read your message. Elder Benjamin Elias Kesler, Sr. son of Stephen Kesler and Sophia Sink, born 06 Mar 1951 in Franklin Co., VA and died 01 Aug 1952 in Goshen at age 91. Most of what I have is from a very long article about his Brethren and Dunkard work and the census. There also is a photo of Elder B.E.in the Brethren Encyclopedia. In 1900, lived at Union, Greene Co., Arkansas with wife Mattie L.; 5 children. Mattie was the mother of 5, all living. He was a minister In 1910, lived in Precinct 5, Elbert, Colorado with wife M.L. and 4 children. Mattie was the mother of 11 children, 4 living. He was farming on a homestead. Daughter Pearl and son-in-law Henry lived on the same land. In 1920, lived in Poplar Bluff, Butler Co., Missouri with wife Lulu M. and son Maury, step-son of Lulu. He was a minister and pastor. At the time of daughter Pearl's death in 1927 was still in Poplar Bluff. After 1937, Benjamin lived in Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN. "The Goshen Indiana Dunkard Brethren Congregation was organized on Nov 30, 1926 by a group of 15 members with Leander P. Kurtz as presiding elder. Over the years, several ministers moved into the vicinity. Elder B. E. Kesler spent his last years here after 1937." In 1885, married Mattie Laura Hurt, Born 12 Oct 1862. 11 children In next married Lulu Matilda Thurman She had a son Benjamin Elias, Jr. born 13 Aug 1920 in Poplar Bluff, Butler co., MO. Died Apr 1981 in Goshen. I do not have his wife. I presume it is Mariam. >From your message; Jr. had Steven who had Andrew? I can not attach to this. If you would like what I have with the sources, let me know. Mary Ann Rhodes