Notable South Australians/Frederick Charles Bayer, M.D.
Frederick Charles Bayer, M.D.,
BORN at Munich, Bavaria, and studied at the University of Erlangen. He subsequently visited several of the German Universities, with a view to perfect himself in the various branches of the profession to which he devoted his life. The circumstances which led to his leaving his native land show in a marked degree excellent traits of character, and the nice sense of honour which actuated him. Having attended a duel in Bavaria as a medical man, and refusing to give up to the authorities the names of the principals, he was denied any official employment in his native country, and resolved to emigrate to South Australia. He arrived here in the "Heloise," March 17, 1847, as surgeon superintendent of the vessel, and shortly after settled in Adelaide. Though he laboured under the disadvantage of being a foreigner, and had but a scanty knowledge of the English language, he speedily took a good position as an accomplished and skilful medical practitioner. His fame spread rapidly, and his practice increased to an inconvenient extent. In 1859 he re-visited his native land, and spent some time in the continental hospitals, where his active mind was ever on the alert to make his own whatever was new and valuable in his profession. On his return from Europe his popularity and practice increased, and his energies were stretched to their utmost point of tension. He may be truly said to have died in harness, as within a short period of his decease by apoplexy he was giving advice to patients. The sad event occurred on August 15, 1867, in his 52nd year of age. Dr. Bayer married a daughter of the late Dr. Kent, and left behind a large family. He was a man of large heart and wide benevolence. Eor any cause of charity his generous aid might be confidently reckoned upon, whilst his professional skill was ever at the service of the poorest and humblest.