Johannes BATTENFELD

                   BIOGRAPHY: Johannes became a member of the Reformed Church in 1700. He seemingly had an interest in bible study for he was  impressed with Moses. The church entry of 30 Dec 1721 states "Moses, son of Christopher Stahl and Catharina, born in Viermunden and baptised the 30 th. The grandfather held the child in baptism and gave him such an unusual name, thus the parents were greatly shocked. He didn't tell them a word of his plan before. The other day the father came here and said to me that his wife was so distressed because of this action that she lay in her bed unable to utter a word. He asked me to change the name from Moses to Johannes." This was not done, the grandson has to live his life as Moses Stahl. Source:Viermunden Reformed Church Entry, 30 Dec 1721, by Angelika Laudert, 2001.