Christopher Bayer (Johann Christoph Beyer) was born about 1677 in the
neighborhood of Grunstadt in Dackenheim, Palatinate, Germany, according to
information recorded about 1751 by the Old Goshenhoppen Lutheran Chruch, U
pper
Salford Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa. He was still living in 1751, but no reco
rd
has been found on his death or burial. The Lutheran Parish Records of
Gross-Karlbach and Dackenheim indicate that he resided at Dackenheim fr
om 1716
to 1728. He came to America from Rotterdam on the ship Pennsylvania Mercha
nt,
John Stedman, master, landing at Philadelphia September 11, 1731. With him
came his wife and children. They settled in Frederick Twp., Montgomery Co.
,
Pa., and became identified early with the Old Goshenhoppen Church. A warra
nt
for 50 acres of land in Upper Salford Twp., Montgomery Co., was issued to
Christopher on March 3, 1737. The tract of land was near Spring Mountain
House. He married in 1702 in Germany, Anna Maria Kuehleisen. He and his wi
fe
may be buried in the old graveyard of the Old Goshenhoppen Lutheran Churc
h, but
their graves are not identifiable.