Following information rec'd from current owner: Dear Cindy: This is perhaps going to be an odd message in that I am not in any way related to the Keim family. However, my family and I recently moved into an old stone farmhouse in Berks county which I have found to have been in the Keim family at one time. In fact, I believe the Benneville Keim you have mentioned in a message to rootsweb dated April 2000. In any case, the particular Benneville Keim you are speaking of (and there are a number with the same name) was born in 1809 in Pike township and died in 1873 in Rockland township. He had two daughters Susan who was married to Moses Everhard (Everhart) and Emma married to John Y. Shade. When Benneville died his property went to his surviving wife(he had two, one Margaret and the other Rebecca) until she died in 1894, at which time it reverted to the two daughters. John Y. Shade with his wife Emma (Keim) purchased the sister's share from Moses and Susan (Keim) Everhart in 1895. This I would note is a different property from the one your message talks about which is not far from my home, but I am certain it is the same Benneville. They owned a lot of land in the area over time through various members of the family and with marriages. Benneville Keim's father would seem to have been a George Keim senior from whom he bought the property in 1858 shortly before his father's death in 1859. George Keim's wife was named Susannah. I know there were a number of other children including a George M. Keim, William Keim among probably 5 others but have not yet had an opportunity to sort out further yet. _______________________ Most of the information I've gotten has been by tracking back the deed to the property and then checking out those wills that are on file in Reading. Both George Senior and Benneville are on file there. Benneville was one of the executors for George though it doesn't appear Benneville receives anything through the will directly. However it seems the purchase of the property prior to his fathers death is in part set up to provide him some inheritance. I'm told this sometimes happened, that is, selling out at least part prior to death with some early distribution. Maybe it was so Benneville would be a more neutral executor? Interestingly, it took some twenty years before the whole will thing was closed. As far as the second wife, etc. one is mentioned in the will the other in the deed by reference. Also, the children were baptized at the church in Lobachsville with mention of parents. George Keim and his wife were god parents. I believe that Rebecca was the first wife, had one daughter, and then died. Benneville remarried and they had a daughter. I'll have to dig up my files to get a last name for Margaret and dates. I am not certain where any of the various family members are buried, but haven't looked yet. If you would like to share this info, it is fine with me. I've found the messages there interesting and sometimes helpful for my search. I am still interested in filling in some blank spots on the family as relates to my home. I've found every shred of information helps with the puzzle. I would note that I did not see all of the letters related to the property about Moses Everhard you noted in your message, but I do not think it is this house (my home). I suspect it is one nearby as I mentioned earlier, but would be interested to know more precisely what property the letters spoke of. There are some old time local people who have a lot of information in their heads who can sometimes be useful. _______________________ Keeping in mind I've been researching the home ownership more than the family per se, I've only been aware of three children of Benneville, the two daughters mentioned and a son. The son was named, if I remember correctly, Jeseriah or some variation of that and because I haven't found any other reference I assumed he died at a young age. Also if I recall correctly the baptismal records at St. Pauls Lutheran in Lobachsville show different mothers for the two girls. I am now rather interested in delving a bit further into the family. Carl NOTE: Carl is NOT a subscriber to this list, but any add'l information may be posted to the list, or send it to me and I'll forward the data to him. Cindy