Thanks for the advice. I am only concerned about the beam's function. It is an 8"x8"x12' hemlock beam that was originally 14" foot long and I cut off 2' of it. The shake is considerably diminished at the the new end showing only a single and slight annular separation.I was planning on using it as a horizontal bent beam in a 1-1/2 story 24'x36' 4-bent, 3-bay barn. The beam has a 2"x4" mortise in its top for a queen post and 2 mortises on its bottom for knee braces. I have cut the mortises and there is no evidence of shake at these points. I am new at this and don't the propensity for shake to worsen over time. The live load on the beam will be low other than snowload as there will be little weight on the second floor. The pegging advice sounds good and I can easily do that. All advice is gratefully appreciated. Thanks, JEK