Christian was probably the son of two of the 3,000 German Palatines that emigrated to New York in the early 1700s. In 1709, thousands of Germans fled famine, war and religious persecution. They had been displaced by French invasions and famine during the Nine Years' War and Spanish Succession wars.

The end of the 17th century and into the 18th, the wealthy Palatinate region was repeatedly invaded by French troops during two wars. At that time the region had not yet fully recovered from the Thirty Year's War. The French imposed a scorched earth policy and continuous military requisitions which caused widespread devastation and famine. The winter 1708 was notably cold, resulting in further hardships.

The English transported nearly 3,000 German Palatines in ten ships to New York in 1710. Many of them were first assigned to work camps along the Hudson River to work off the cost of their passage. Close to 850 families settled in the Hudson River Valley. They produced stores for the Navy in work camps on each side of the Hudson.

Christian was born circa 1721; baptized Kingston, Orange County (previously Ulster County), New York; died after June 12, 1775.

He married MARIA ROBISON/ROBERTSZ Bef.1746. She was born September 23, 1722 in Kingston, Orange County, New York. She was the daughter of Jacobus Jeems/James Robertsz and Wyntgen (Weyntgen Klaarwater. CHRISTIAN MENGES/MINGUS: Reference James Anderson, John M. Mangus, James L Powell and LOS FHC. Baptismal information found in the "Register of the Dutch Reformed Church at Kingston," p.134, no. 2836. Baptismal sponsors included: Christiaan (sic) Meyer and Anna-Geeftruy 1,',eyet. See also Jones at p. 615.

The Menges family moved to Kingston in approximately 172l. The Reformed Church of Montgomery was formed in 1732 (from the notes of Jim Powell). According to the "Old Brick Church" records from Montgomery, Christian Menges and Frederick Buckstaver (sic) were listed as 1st Deacons on August 27, 1737. Also listed were Deacons Johannis Moul and Jacob Krist, two surnames closely related to the Menges family. But see " History of Orange County, New York," by Ruttenber & Clark, at p. 391.

In May of 1739, Christian Menges is listed as one of five members of the Reformed Church of Montgomery. On Maya, 1739, a Christian Menges appears as a sponsor in the church books; however, no further details are available. On May 29, 1749, Christian Menges is listed as "Consistory of Church," and again on August 20, 1756. According to Jim Powell, the "Consistory is the governing board of a local church or congregation in certain Reformed Churches."

According to notes obtained from Donna Cook, Christian Menges was a witness on August 26, 1758 at the wedding of his nephew, Johannes Christ and his bride, Christina Schmidt (widow). No specific church is listed for this reference.

The will of Hieronimus Mingus of Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, Western Division of the Province of New Jersey, written on June 12, 1775 and proved December 9, 1780 provides that Hieronimus' half-brother, Christian, is his only heir at law and also mentions the son of Christian, also named Hieronimus.

In the "History of Orange County, New York," by Ruttenbur & Clark {ls.Sl) at p. 375, Christian and David Mingus appear on the town records including Crawford from 1768·78. Also, the town of Hannover from 1772•1782, which was later renamed Montgomery. Also see, "Origin of Orange County, New York," by Mildred F. Roberts (1970) on p.12 (Index) listing persons from the "History of Orange County," by Eager (1846) and providing that Christian Mengus and David Mingus were on the list.
NOTE the spellings of both Christian and David's surnames on that list. Also note that the "Town Records," for the town of Montgomery at p. 17, compiled by Crawford & Wallkill (1768-1778) do not list a Christian or David Mingus (or any alternative spelling).

PLEASE NOTE the following from Jim Powell: "Note that Johannes (1) and Christian (2) are in the DUTCH Reformed Church of Kingston in 1721. In 1736, Christian is• Deacon in the GERMAN Reformed Church. The Dutch who colonized New Netherland {New York) early in the 17th century were chiefly members of the Reformed Dutch Church

Only a small minority being Lutherans. Members of the GERMAN Reformed Church began to emigrate (sic) to America in the first quarter of the 18th century. MOST OF THEM FROM THE PALATINATE, when the church had its beginning. The Reformed Churches, the Presbyterian Church (begun by John Knox in Scotland) and the Huguenots of France were based on John Calvin." The Dutch Reform Church and the Dutch Presbyterian Church were the same church, according to Mr. Powell.