Bayer, Adèle (1814–1892)

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Bayer, Adèle (1814–1892)

American Catholic welfare worker. Name variations: Adele Bayer. Born Adèle Parmentier, July 1, 1814, in Enghien, Belgium; died Jan 22, 1892, with a requiem mass celebrated in her honor on the Vermont in the Navy Yard; m. Edward Bayer, Sept 8, 1841.

Known chiefly for her Catholic ministering and welfare work among naval seaman during Civil War, drew a sizable following with her visits to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and other points of embarkment; established a private allotment system to oversee the accounts of sailors; was instrumental in securing an appointment for the 1st Roman Catholic chaplain by the US Navy (1888).