Ole Larson's Folks

Ben Franklin connection

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.

Samuelson->way, WAY back
Aunt Lucy's Photos, part 1

2 Comments

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  • Anne Barrett

    Jan 20, 2011

    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

  • George

    Jan 20, 2011

    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.”

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