Ernest Thode's dictionary has "gewesen, gewest- - been; former; late" Ruth Cherecwich In a message dated 5/29/2004 9:58:24 AM Mountain Standard Time, zzurlauben@mindspring.com writes: I saw this word in the heading of a church record and I believe it meant deceased - there are other meanings on line via Google but I need a copy of a church record using Gewester - appreciate your help ---best regards- Hal