I have my line traced back to Johannes Andreas / Johwn Andrew Bennethum, tanner of Womelsdorf, who married Maria Barbara Minnich. Earlier than that, I have only bits and pieces that I cannot fit together. His line uses the Bennethum spelling but other lines favor Benadum, Benedum, and even Benadom.

A Henrich Benadum left Ulmet, Germany in 1754 (if I recall correctly) without being manumetted

A Henrich Benadum appears on a Reading, PA tax list in the 1760s.

A Wilhelm Benedum from Berks Co. served in the Revolution.

George and Peter appear in the 1790 Census. (John was too young.)

A George Benedum helped establish the United Brethern Church in Ohio.

A Peter went south ca. 1800 to Frederick, MD and then on to Loudon Co., VA.

Some of these folks may have been John's brothers or else his uncles. Does any one have this sorted outPlease send e-mail