I just wanted to announce to all that our membership is currently at 50 after only the first 5 days. I know there are some of you who have been waiting to send your queries and messages until the list had grown sufficiently to possibly provide you with the answers you are looking for, or to connect you with others researching your lines. We are a friendly group of cousins and potential cousins--so now is the time to post your queries and your information. Let our other members know you are out there, what lines you are researching, and what information you have to share. Thanks! Joan

As a member of this list, let me introduce myself. My name is Walter John Kiger, and I presently live in Lancaster County Pa. I was born and raised in Marshall County Indiana, in a small town named Bourbon, named after Bourbon County Kentucky, not the whiskey. My ancestry traces back from Marshall to Kosciusko, Whitley, Huntington and Rush Counties in Indiana. My gggrandfather Hiram married Amelia Lewis in Rushville, Rush County in 1850 and I'm still trying to get to the other side of the brick wall. I have a 1st cousin who believes my Hiram was the son of Emanuel Kiger who was born in Clermont Co. Ohio who was son of Adam Kiger from Virginia. It's my fondest wish to find a Kiger cousin, I was told in my youth that we had Kiger relatives in Ohio, but I never met them. And I hope to be an active member of this list and I know I will enjoy sharing information with all of you Geiger/Kiger researchers. Walter John Kiger

You might ask from reading that subject line what does THAT have specifically to do with Geigers! Well I will tell you. Last night a couple messages were posted on this list about Christian Geiger and his son George Geiger from whom listmember Helene Pockrus descends. As a part of the early research into this line it was learned that George Geiger in 1779 inherited the farm in Lancaster County, PA, that I wrote about last night in my message to this list. He sold that land in January, 1783 and moved to Shenandoah County, Virginia. He purchased land there in the same month--January, 1783. There is NO doubt both George Geigers are one and the same person. In the Virginia deed George is identified as being from Lancaster County, PA, and the witnesses to the deed include George's wife Barbara Kline's brother-in-law John Bowman/Baughman, and Johannes Huber--Christian Geiger's next door neighbor in Lancaster County and the man who purchased Christian's farm from George Geiger. This proves conclusively that we are talking about the same George in VA as the one who left PA. The only problem is--Barbara Kline Geiger signed (by mark X) the deed selling the land in Lancaster County but she is not mentioned at all in the Virginia deed of the same month. For a long time it was thought that this was some indication that Barbara might have died that month. We had seen the name of Catherine Beeler tossed around as being maybe a second wife for George Geiger--but we now can rule that thought out. I have recently learned that it was the law in colonial times that a man could buy up all the land he wanted to and his wife had no say--nor did she have to sign any papers. However, he could NOT sell any property without his wife's consent. This came about to protect the wife. A husband would not be able to run off with another woman and sell his property, leaving his wife and children penniless. This had to do with a wife's "dower rights." This was her entitlement by virtue of being a wife to a certain portion of her husband's estate. This is the reason that Barbara Kline Geiger in NOT named in any way on the Virginia deed which involved a land purchase but IS named in (and signed) the PA deed selling land. The estate papers Barbara later signed in Dauphin County, PA in resolving her father's estate, prove she was living many years after George purchased the VA land. It is most likely that she died not too long before George's second marriage in 1793 to Anna Creek Artz/Ortz, widow. It also helps us to understand that Barbara, and not some second wife, was the mother of the two children for whom we have no baptismal records--Jacob and George, Jr. Joan

In a message dated 98-06-11 18:29:22 EDT, wkiger@epix.net writes: > I have the Land Bounty records for Isaac and Lydia Kiger, Isaac > was in the war of 1812. It shows William G. Kiger resident of > Winchester, Va., as son of Isaac and Lydia and heir for a Land > bouty applied for by Lydia, widow of Isaac. Do we know all of > Isaac and Lydia's children? Does the William G. Kiger, resident > of Front Royal and also veteran of the war of 1812 have any > relationship to Isaac and Lydia? Could he possibly be a > brother? John, I don't have much more than you do but I did find a couple tidbits in the IGI listings for Virginia. First of all William G. Kiger is listed in the household of James Mathias Kiger on the 1850 census in Clarke County. Clarke County would put the family just above Front Royal and to the east of Winchester. This may be significant in regard to your question about the OTHER William G. Kiger living in Front Royal and who is a War of 1812 veteran. Second of all, the marriage of Isaac Kiger and Lydia in 1814 is listed and her name is given as Lydia Rutter or Pierce. I had not seen a reference to the Pierce surname in this regard elsewhere. I have no idea of the significance of that reference. I don't believe we know anything about the children of Isaac and Lydia other than what have already been included on this list. They are somewhat of a mystery family--as are most of the Winchester, Virginia Kigers. Joan

DEAR GEIER/GEYER/GEIGER/etc/etc. RESEARCHERS: My GEIER/GEYER family arrived in INDIANA in 1861 and 1868; still need to research which German town(s) they originated from. If you have possible GEIER/GEYER connections with this, send me a note. I will forward my family info. MANY THANKS, IN ADVANCE!!! I LOVE THESE NEW LISTS... DIANE A. (GEIER/GEYER) HARKINK 6/11/98 20:58pm PST

I have the Land Bounty records for Isaac and Lydia Kiger, Isaac was in the war of 1812. It shows William G. Kiger resident of Winchester, Va., as son of Isaac and Lydia and heir for a Land bouty applied for by Lydia, widow of Isaac. Do we know all of Isaac and Lydia's children? Does the William G. Kiger, resident of Front Royal and also veteran of the war of 1812 have any relationship to Isaac and Lydia? Could he possibly be a brother?

Hi - I'm looking for info on Sophia Geiger b: May 8, 1845 in Mulhausen, Alsace (Elsass). She married Georg Maschino (or Maginot) also from Alsace. They had two children that we know of Racy (female) and Georg who married Anna Maria Haas (my ggrandparents). They all came over (Sophia included) between 1890 and 1892. They came to Boston and settled in Roslindale (b/c that's where there were other German speaking people were). Then they headed to Maine by 1902. It's quite possible there are other kids b/c a brother of Georg (the son) came over and went west and didn't make contact again - he'd be a Maschino. All the info on the brother is family rumor so I don't know how true it is. There are tons of Maschino's in Indiana that the Maine Maschino's haven't been able to find a connection to but they are also from Alsace so the connection is out there just waiting to be discovered. If any one has any info on these folks or can suggest any places to search I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Sara (jadikjr@erols.com) [searching Maschino, Maginot, Geiger, Haas, Walmer]

In a message dated 98-06-11 10:29:14 EDT, you write: > If any one has any info on these folks or can suggest any places to search > I'd appreciate it. Sara, I have a great number of various Alsace Church record copies from the LDS but mostly for the 1600s and 1700s as my own Geigers emigrated to America in 1738 from Lembach, Alsace. When the time comes that you need to get back further into those records let me know and I will be happy to help. If anyone else needs a particular record from Alsace for this period of time I can check my copies to see if I have your Geigers listed but bear with me since the Catholic records are in Latin and the Protestant records are either in German or French. Some are transcribed but many are handwritten and difficult to decipher. I am still in the process of collecting the records (with much help from a friend) but have many of the villages of Northern Alsace. When time permits I will post some of these records to this list. Joan

In a message dated 98-06-11 02:26:28 EDT, you write: > It's been so many years since I did active > research on this family! Was unaware anyone other than you > were keeping any records Joan. I'll have to see if there is > more on this line and will check what you have against > mine. I believe a year ago I sent you most all of what I > had at that time. Helene, yes--we have learned much about Christian Geiger. We continue to learn. I still have questions about the previously held ideas that Christian's son George was born in Dutch Valley and that he once had a wife named Catherine Beeler. I have searched high and low and can't find that anywhere that I can verify. I think there may have been some confusion at one time between George and another George Kyger who had a wife named Mary Beeler. But they are two dififerent Georges. Also, we have come to the conclusion that at one time people must have referred to the area where George was born as Dutch Valley but we can't verify that there ever really was a Dutch Valley. Joan

Hi Cindy, Thanks for your help. I am a member of BCGS. I also spend way too much time at the local FHC, which is where I rent most films. I have no idea what holdings the BCGS has, but I'll look into it. Nancy ---------- From: CindyHB@aol.com[SMTP:CindyHB@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, June 11, 1998 12:20 AM To: GEIGER-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [GEIGER-L] John GEIGER Nancy, I'll see if I have anything more on John s/o my John but I saw you mentioned microfilm. Do you belong to berks Co gen So? They have a wonderful microfilm by mail rental program. My husb bought me a reader a few years ago to keep me home cause I had discovered it!!!!! (and the kids were babies) Cindy

I'm overwhelmed! It's been so many years since I did active research on this family! Was unaware anyone other than you were keeping any records Joan. I'll have to see if there is more on this line and will check what you have against mine. I believe a year ago I sent you most all of what I had at that time. Looks like you have been busy! Will look up the website! Thanks so much. Helene JYoung6180@aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 98-06-11 01:05:45 EDT, you write: > > > FIRST GENERATION > > > > 1. Christian GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1710 in > > Wurttemberg, Germany.

Elmore Isaac R GRIER Elmore iamabravesfan 06/11/1828-03/08/1896 Elizabeth (BERRY) GRIER Elmore iamabravesfan 08/17/1832-02/10/1910 Sarah Fannie (GRIER) HOLMAN Elmore iamabravesfan 10/15/1866-08/28/1932

Descendants of Christian GIGER (Geiger) - 10 Jun 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FIRST GENERATION 1. Christian GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1710 in Wurttemberg, Germany. Christian GIGER (Geiger) had the following children: 2 i. Charles GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1730. 3 ii. Henry GIGER (Geiger) was born before 1749 in Wurttemberg, Germany. +4 iii. Johan George GIGER (Geiger). 5 iv. Jacob GIGER (Geiger) was born before 1749 in Wurttemberg, Germany. He died after 2 Jan 1773 in Dunsmore Co., Virginia (later renamed Shanandoah Co.). SECOND GENERATION 4. Johan George GIGER (Geiger) was born on 9 Jun 1748 in (or Wurttemberg, Germany), Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He died about Dec 1826 in Jefferson Co., Tennessee. He Resided in Mannheim and Warwick Townships, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. He was married to Catherine BEELER (daughter of BEELER) about 1764 in of, York Co., Pennsylvania. Catherine BEELER was born between 1740 and 1744 of York?, Pennsylvania. Johan George GIGER (Geiger) and Catherine BEELER had the following children: +6 i. John GIGER (Geiger). +7 ii. Johan George GIGER (Geiger). 8 iii. Catherine GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1770. THIRD GENERATION 6. John GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1765 in , of Dutch Valley, , PA. He died on 17 Apr 1826 in Marine Township, , Madison Co., Illinois. He was buried in Marine City Cem., Madison Co., Illinois. He was married to Susanna CREEK (daughter of Johannes CREEK\KRICK and Rebeckah WICKS) on 5 Feb 1798 in Jefferson Co., Tennessee. Susanna CREEK was born in 1763 in Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. She was christened on 8 Dec 1769 in Maytown, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. She was buried in 1856 in Marine City Cem., Madison Co., Illinois. She died on 8 Apr 1856 in "age 93". She was buried in Marine City Cem., , Madison Co., IL. John GIGER (Geiger) and Susanna CREEK had the following children: +9 i. Jacob GIGER (Geiger). +10 ii. John GIGER (Geiger). +11 iii. Joseph GIGER (Geiger). +12 iv. Moses GIGER (Geiger). +13 v. Catherine GIGER (Geiger). +14 vi. William M. GIGER (Geiger). 7. Johan George GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1768. He was married to Anna CREEK (daughter of Johannes CREEK\KRICK and Rebeckah WICKS) on 7 Jan 1793 in Shanandoah Co., Virginia. Anna CREEK was born on 19 Nov 1765 in Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. She was buried in Oct 1837 in Oak Hill Cem., Sagamon Co., Illinois. She died on 12 Oct 1837 in Sagamon Co., Illinois. Johan George GIGER (Geiger) and Anna CREEK had the following children: 15 i. Susanna GIGER. 16 ii. Mary GIGER. 17 iii. Henry GIGER. 18 iv. Benjamin GIGER. 19 v. Anna GIGER. FOURTH GENERATION 9. Jacob GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1800 in Jefferson Co., Tennessee. He died on 14 Apr 1847 in Madison Co., Illinois. He was married to Sarah FLINN on 6 Oct 1841 in Madison Co., IL. He was married to Mary CLEVELAND on 19 Dec 1822 in Madison Co., IL. Mary CLEVELAND was born about 1805. She died before Jul 1838 in Madison Co., IL. Jacob GIGER (Geiger) and Mary CLEVELAND had the following children: 20 i. #1 GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1823 in Madison Co., IL. 21 ii. #2 GIGER (Geiger) was born between 1825 and 1830 in Madison Co., IL. 22 iii. #3 GIGER (Geiger) was born between 1825 and 1830 in Madison Co., IL. He was married to Sally BREEDLOVE on 1 Jul 1838 in Madison Co., IL. 10. John GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1804 in Jefferson Co., Tennessee. He was born in 1804 in , , Jefferson Co., TN. He died on 1 May 1851 in Madison Co., Illinois. He died on 1 May 1851 in Madison Co., IL. He was buried in Marine City Cem., Madison Co., Illinois. He was buried in Marine City Cem., , Madison Co., IL. He was married to Nancy ARMSTRONG on 15 Jan 1832 in Madison Co., IL. John GIGER (Geiger) and Nancy ARMSTRONG had the following children: 23 i. Joseph GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1833 in Illinois. 24 ii. John GIGER (Geiger) was born on 28 Jan 1835. He died on 30 Jul 1845 in Madison Co., IL. 25 iii. Lavina GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1839 in Illinois. +26 iv. Emily GIGER (Geiger). 27 v. Catherine GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1844 in Illinois. He was married to Lavina HUSONG on 16 Sep 1847 in Madison Co., IL. Lavina HUSONG was born in 1814 in Illinois. John GIGER (Geiger) and Lavina HUSONG had the following children: 28 i. Latitia A. GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1849 in Illinois. 11. Joseph GIGER (Geiger) was born in Aug 1806 in Jefferson Co., Tennessee. He died on 27 Dec 1861 in Or 17 Dec 1861, , Madison Co., Illinois. He was buried in Marine City Cem., Madison Co., Illinois. He was married to Nancy MCADAMS on 12 Jun 1823 in Madison Co., IL. Nancy MCADAMS was born about 1805. She died before 1835. Joseph GIGER (Geiger) and Nancy MCADAMS had the following children: 29 i. #1 GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1825 in Madison Co., Illinois. 30 ii. William GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1828 in Tennessee. 31 iii. Elizabeth GIGER (Geiger) was born on 4 Nov 1831 in Madison Co., Illinois. She died on 25 Oct 1843 in Madison Co., Illinois. 32 iv. Rhoda GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1833 in Illinois. He was married to Mary CHANCE on 28 Jun 1835 in Madison Co., IL. Mary CHANCE was born about 1823 in Kentucky. Joseph GIGER (Geiger) and Mary CHANCE had the following children: 33 i. Jordan GIGER (Geiger) was born on 24 Jul 1836 in Illinois. He died on 3 Jun 1861 in 24yr 5mo 9da, , Madison Co., IL. He was buried in Madison Co., IL. 34 ii. Henry GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1837 in Illinois. 35 iii. Maria GIGER (Geiger) was born on 2 Feb 1838 in Madison Co., IL. She died on 29 Jan 1851 in 12yr 11mo 27da, , Madison Co., IL. She was buried in Marine City Cem., , Madison Co., IL. 36 iv. Minerva GIGER (Geiger) was born on 24 May 1843 in Madison Co., IL. She died on 30 Oct 1843 in Madison Co., IL. 37 v. Charles GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1845 in Illinois. 38 vi. Catherine GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1846 in Illinois. 39 vii. James GIGER (Geiger) was born on 14 Jun 1847 in Madison Co., IL. He died on 8 Oct 1850 in Madison Co., IL. He was buried in Madison Co., IL. 40 viii. Joseph GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1850 in Madison Co., IL. 12. Moses GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1807 in Jefferson Co., Tennessee. He died about 1846 in Madison Co., Illinois. He was buried in Madison Co., Illinois. Permelia HARRISON (daughter of Joseph HARRISON) was born about 1809 in Indiana. She died in Still alive 1863. Moses GIGER (Geiger) and Permelia HARRISON had the following children: +41 i. Mary Ann GIGER (Geiger). +42 ii. John Stuart GIGER (Geiger). +43 iii. Andrew Jackson GIGER (Geiger). +44 iv. Eliza Ann GIGER (Geiger). 13. Catherine GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1809 in Madison Co., Illinois. She died aft 1880 (see notes) in Missouri. She was married to Benjamin RIMMER Sr. (son of Thomas RIMMER and Jemima JACOBS) on 17 Apr 1828 in Madison Co., Illinois. Benjamin RIMMER Sr. was born in 1803 in Bushy Fork on Flat River, Granville Co., North Carolina. He resided Jasper & Newton Cos. in Missouri after 1870. He died between 1891 and 1900 of Newton Co., Misssouri. Catherine GIGER (Geiger) and Benjamin RIMMER Sr. had the following children: 45 i. Susan RIMMER was born in 1841 in Madison Co., Illinois. 46 ii. John RIMMER was born about 1829 in Madison Co., Illinois. 47 iii. James RIMMER was born in 1831 in Madison Co., Illinois. 48 iv. Elisabeth RIMMER was born in 1835 in Madison Co., Illinois. 49 v. Jacob RIMMER was born in 1837 in Madison Co., Illinois. +50 vi. Benjamin RIMMER JR.. +51 vii. Laura Malinda RIMMER. 14. William M. GIGER (Geiger) was born on 6 Sep 1811 in Madison Co., Illinois. He died on 22 Jun 1870 in Madison Co., Illinois. He was buried in HoltzgangGigerCemetery, Madison Co., Illinois. He was married to Susannah DECK on 21 Nov 1832 in Madison Co., IL. William M. GIGER (Geiger) and Susannah DECK had the following children: 52 i. Henry GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1834 in Madison Co., IL. 53 ii. Daniel GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1845 in Madison Co., IL. He was married to Susan LONG on 3 Jun 1845 in Madison Co., IL. He was married to Malinda VINEYARD (daughter of ) on 11 Feb 1847 in Madison Co., IL. Malinda VINEYARD was born in 1826 in Madison Co., Illinois. William M. GIGER (Geiger) and Malinda VINEYARD had the following children: 54 i. William M. Jr. GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1848 in Madison Co., Illinois. 55 ii. Mary M. GIGER (Geiger) was born in 1849 in Madison Co., Illinois. Prepared by: Helene Pockrus

In a message dated 98-06-11 01:05:45 EDT, you write: > FIRST GENERATION > > 1. Christian GIGER (Geiger) was born about 1710 in > Wurttemberg, Germany. Helene, if we are talking about the same Christian Geiger I have the following information on him and his descendants: Christian Geiger was born December 1700 most likely in Germany but we don't know where for sure. We have yet to find him listed in European records. It is thought to be possible that he was a Mennonite in Europe since he came to Philadelphia on a largely Mennonite ship. He arrived in Philadelphia on the Charming Nancy which qualified on 8 October 1737. He settled in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he had a land warrant dated 26 March 1752 which was patented to him on 19 June 1761 for 119 acres and 27 perches. The known children of Christian Geiger from three marriages are as follows: >From first marriage to Barbara (his presumed wife): Wilhelm Geiger born in the early 1720s (on the ship with his parents in 1737--Wilhelm is the only child on board the ship with Christian and Barbara) Wilhelm died in Virginia in 1759 leaving a widow and children. >From second marriage to Anna Maria Eskuchin 18 March 1739: Johannes (unproven) presumably born soon after arrival in America (died without issue prior to his father's will) John Jacob born 13 December 1739 Lancaster County (died without issue prior to his father's will--in Dunmore later Shenandoah County, Virginia) Ursula Elizabeth born 26 April 1741 Lancaster County (married Peter Leib) Maria Margaretha born 29 May 1742 Lancaster County (married John George Bender) Christian born 5 March 1744 Lancaster County (married Barbara ???) Anna Maria born about 1746 Lancaster County (married George Dumm and George Unger) Frederick (unproven) presumably born about 1747 Lancaster County (died without issue prior to his father's will) Johan George born 2 June 1748 in Lancaster County (married first Barbara Kline/Klein and second in 1793 Anna Creek) Christina born "8th day before Easter" 1750 Lancaster County (most likely died young) >From 3rd marriage to Christina Fyde/Viet/Veith (widow): Maria Christina born 16 June 1754 (married Michael Wyland) Note--we aren't absolutely sure which Christina married Michael but presume it is the younger one and that the older had died before the younger daughter was given the name Christina. Christian Geiger died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on 6 May 1779 and is buried at Manheim Lutheran Church (although we aren't certain of the exact location of his grave--he is listed in the burial book). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ George Geiger named above, son of Christian Geiger and Anna Maria Eskuchen, married Barbara Kline and had the following children baptized at Manheim Lutheran Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: John Geiger born 3 February 1777 Catharina Geiger born 27 December 1778 Susanna Geiger born 27 December 1780 In January 1783 George and Barbara sold the farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and bought land in Shenandoah County, Virginia in the same month. There they had two more children that we don't have baptismal records for: Jacob Geiger George Geiger, Jr. Barbara Kline Geiger died sometime prior to 1793 since we know that George remarried in that year to Anna Creek Artz/Ortz (widow). We had previously thought that Barbara Kline Geiger had died around 1783 but now know that this is incorrect. She signed by mark X to a release form resulting from her father's estate settlement involving land in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania in either the late 1780s or the early 1790s. She was listed at that time as being the wife of George Geiger (who also signed the papers). So it is now clear that Barbara is the mother of all of the above children. Their were 5 children born to George Geiger and his second wife Anna: Susannah born 26 September 1795 Mary born 11 June 1797 Henry born 14 May 1799 Benjamin born 25 July 1803 Anna born 4 November 1807 All of the children of this second marriage were born in Jefferson County, Tennessee where George and Anna moved in 1793 as pioneer settlers. Russ Kyger, a descendant of Christian Geiger, has established Web Pages listing 14 generations of this Geiger/Kyger/Giger family at the following addresses: http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/k/y/g//Russell-A-Kyger/ and at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/3251/ Joan

In a message dated 98-06-11 00:51:30 EDT, you write: > I don't think I have > anything on Christopher's kids. I will drop Barbara Campbell a note and see if she has anything further on either John Geiger. She isn't online so it may take some time to get a reply. Joan

In a message dated 98-06-10 20:46:42 EDT, you write: << But the one I had really been considering as a possible is YOUR John's (who married Christina) brother Christopher's son John baptized at Trinity Lutheran, Reading, Berks Co. on 16 June 1792. Do you have anything on him at all? All I have is what is in the files that Barbara Campbell sent me--which only includes his baptismal record. >> I looked at my john's son john and only have bapt. I don't think I have anything on Christopher's kids. 'Cindy

Nancy, I'll see if I have anything more on John s/o my John but I saw you mentioned microfilm. Do you belong to berks Co gen So? They have a wonderful microfilm by mail rental program. My husb bought me a reader a few years ago to keep me home cause I had discovered it!!!!! (and the kids were babies) Cindy

Thanks for the replies Joan and Cindy. I suppose it's quite possible Sarah may have come from Berks Co. to Orwigsburg. I know that many Freehafers lived in Manheim township in the late 1700s to early/mid 1800s and Manheim was situated in both counties. The obituary did mention that Sarah was a member of St. Peter's ME church in Reading, and I have ordered some microfilm records of this church. I also have on order some records of Trinity Lutheran in Reading (although I ordered it for another purpose) so I'll check both of these for any leads. Thanks. Nancy ---------- From: JYoung6180@aol.com[SMTP:JYoung6180@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 1998 2:34 AM To: GEIGER-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [GEIGER-L] Sarah Geier/Geyer/Gier In a message dated 98-06-10 01:52:36 EDT, you write: > Yes, it's only 2am, I have at least 1 eye open. The dates don't add up for > Sarah. Here is my husband's ancestor. Cindy, actually it is now 2:27 AM and I still have one eye open also. I hadn't really been thinking about YOUR John Geyer/Geiger but I do see your John and Christina DID have a son John born 26 Aug. 1796 shown on your group sheet. Do you have any more on him? He could be a candidate to be the one in Orwigsburg in 1820 and be Sarah's father, maybe? But the one I had really been considering as a possible is YOUR John's (who married Christina) brother Christopher's son John baptized at Trinity Lutheran, Reading, Berks Co. on 16 June 1792. Do you have anything on him at all? All I have is what is in the files that Barbara Campbell sent me--which only includes his baptismal record. He would be 30 years old when Sarah Geier/Geiger was born in Orwigsburg (and remember there is a John Geiger on the 1820 census living there) so age wise it would fit. I just can't shake the feeling she is a part of this family--with the surname confusion. We don't know for sure whether Christopher and John's father Adam was really a Geyer or a Geiger. The records are about 50/50 which would fit with the records in Sarah's family--plus she died in Reading--the home turf of this family. Any further thoughts (obviously not at this hour of the morning)? Joan

In the International Genealogical Index I found the following Kiger entries for Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Please note these entries were submitted to the IGI by a relative and have not been verified by me (but they are suported by the other information below). Children of James Mathias Kiger and Mary Ann Elizabeth Jackson: William Jackson Kiger born 1845 Edward Mitchell Kiger born 1847 Charles Wonderly Kiger born 29 January 1850 Mary Elizabeth Kiger born 10 January 1852 Also from the IGI for Maryland I found the marriage of the above James Mathias Kiger and Mary Ann Elizabeth Jackson in July 1742. But wait it gets better: In the book The Genealogy of the Cleveland and Cleaveland Families on page 2205 (yes it is a BIG book) I find the following: #16897 Mary Ann Elizabeth Jackson (Ann, Elijah, Alex, Alex, Alex, Alex) died Clarke County, VA, Jan 10, 1852, married Frederick City, MD, July 1842 to James Mathias Kiger, born Winchester, VA April 14, 1814, died Frederick County, VA Aug. 4, 1886, son of Isaac N. Kiger and Lydia (Ritter). Lived in Clarke County, farmer. Children: Emma Smith Kiger born Aug. 17, 1843, Winchester, VA William Jackson Kiger resided Sunbury, Northumberland County, PA, in 1896. Edward Mitchell Kiger of Sunbury Charles Wonderly Kiger born Jan. 29, 1850. Mary Elizabeth Kiger born Jan. 10, 1852. So Sue, it now looks as if we know just who your William Kiger is! Joan

In a message dated 98-06-10 11:26:07 EDT, you write: > I also > did not know that "Kiger" is a possible variation of the name. I have 2 > Kigers in my family records in Pennsylvania. An Annie Zeiser, daughter > of Antonia's brother, married a William Kiger in Sunbury PA. I have no > marriage date, but they had a son Edward Kiger born 1905, died 1944. > Edward left no children, but perhaps Annie and William had more. may be > a clue for someone. Sue, that is quite interesting in that it could possibly indicate a tie in some way between your Geigers who arrived in America later on and other Geigers who arrived much earlier (or it could also be just a coincidence). When researching European ancestors you not only need to look at the family itself but also at the families they were allied with. You will almost always find a group of families who intermarry with the others over a period of many years and generations. This can help in your search. I am not certain of the identity of your William Kiger in Sunbury, Northumberland County, PA, BUT there was a Geiger family that settled in Sunbury by the 1770s. Joan