I'm wondering whether any researcher has come across the name of Martin Baer (or Bar, or Bare) of Hempfield Township, Lancaster County, in the 1760s or 1770s? Baer purchased a Northampton County rifle in 1773--an odd fact, if you think about it, since Baer would have been surrounded in Lancaster by a range of accomplished gunsmiths from whom he could have purchased a high-end rifle. Yet he purchased one from a maker 90 miles away.
I suspect "my" Martin Baer was one of two Mennonites, father and a son, both identified as “Martin Bare,” who were listed in 1775 among “Non Subscribers and Non Associators” in Earl Township, Lancaster County. But the name Baer/Bar/Bare is not uncommon in Lancaster County at the time. One of the early Mennonite pioneer preachers was a Martin Baer, who died in 1758.
I'm heading, tomorrow, to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, and so any leads would be much appreciated. I realize I'm posting this query late to expect replies by then. But any help, at any time, would be welcome. Identifying the buyer of the gun isn't necessary but would be interesting.
Scott Gordon
Lehigh University
