A 1696 baptism with unusual godparents
The newborn was Christiane Dorothée, daughter of Monsieur Jean Fattet and Loÿse Chenauer. This christening was unusual in that the godfather was Duke Christian II of Birkenfeld (referred to here as the “Prince Palatine”) and the godmother was Countess Anne Dorothée de Ribeaupierre, Christian II’s sister-in-law. These noble people honored the Fattet family because of their relationship with the child’s father. The latter was the “bailli”* of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, a town belonging to Duke Christian II of Birkenfeld, of whom he was also a close adviser.
In addition to the quality of the godparents, this christening also stood out for another reason. They did not attend the ceremony in person, but were represented, the Duke by his Grand Veneur, Mr Haering, and the Countess by a councillor, Mrs Schmidt.
* A “bailli” is an officer representing the lord who reigns over the region. He is responsible for enforcing justice and controlling the administration.
