This is in response to a much earlier message from Kay Haltmach re: the name "Beyreis". One branch of my family is from Saxe-Weimer-Eisenach but I have not been able to find their town of origin or the original spelling of the name. Currently "Beirise" is used but earliers documents include such spellings as Beihreis, Beireis, Berrice, Byreis and some others. The original ancestor in my line was John Christopher Beihreis who emigrated in May 1861 and settled in Darke county Ohio. Sorry for the delay in this response but any information would be appreciated. Neal