In a message dated 98-07-21 16:31:30 EDT, you write: > > 1806 - Peter Bealer to Benjamin Gigher (may or may not be the right > Geiger) - Land in Hempfield Twp., Westmoreland Co., PA > > 1814 - Benjamin Giger to Peter Zimmerman - Mortgage for land - > Benjamin's wife not mentioned - land in Unity Twp., Westmoreland Co., PA > Eleanor, just a couple comments. I am wondering whether Benjamin Gigher from the 1806 deed may actually be a Geyer from Dave Rankin's ancestor Casper Geyer's line. I am copying him on this so he won't miss the question (OK Dave I know you wouldn't miss it anyway--but I hate to wait for you to get your digest to hear what you have to say on the matter). His Casper Geyer was in Westmoreland and the family was allied with the Beelers--which is what is making me wonder about a possible connection in this case. Also, the Mortgage for land in 1814 that doesn't name the wife--am I to assume that this is NOT the sale or purchase of land but actually a mortgage? I would have to wait to see the papers you are sending but it sounds to me as if Benjamin owned or was buying the land and took out a mortgage with Peter Zimmerman. If I am right about this then it would not be necessary for his wife to sign or even be mentioned--in fact I would be surprised if she was mentioned in such a transaction. Again in the purchase deed of 1818 it would not be necessary or expected to find Benjamin's wife named on the deed. I see nothing that would lead me to believe on the face of it that there was more than one Benjamin Geiger at this early time in Westmoreland. How about signatures on these deeds? Could Benjamin sign his name? If so do the signatures match? Joan