Researching my least-documented grandparent, Lillian Drayer Myers, I stumbled upon another “famous” ancestor (of mine, my siblings, and relatives on the Myers/Drayer side). A 7th great-grandfather in this line was one Johannes Bechtel (1690-1777), a German immigrant and religious leader who was prominent in the Pennsylvania Dutch community, and was an acquaintance of Benjamin Franklin. For a brief article about him and a photo of his gravestone, click here. Back among those Bechtels, Gebharts, and Drayers, there is an Elizabeth Myers, wife of Peter Drayer, and great-great-grandmother of Lillian Drayer (Myers). Stay tuned for another possible case of marriage between distant cousins.
Hi,
He is my 7th great grandfather thru the Weygandt side. I am hoping to find information on him where I can claim him as ancestor with Colonial Dames. I have already claimed Cornelius Weygandt his son-in law. For Colonial Dames he must be 1. Clergy ordained in a duly established religion or 2. Founder of church of a duly established religion. Do you think John Bechtel qualifies as #1. Thanks for your time. Anne Barrett
I’m afraid I don’t know any more about Johannes Bechtel than I wrote in this post. My “source” (which I linked to) gave only the following as his/her source:
Taken from the book Weygandt Family Record found in the Marx Room of the Easton Library.
I do not know if he was properly ordained (for your purpose) or recognized as “founder of a duly established religion.”