Bayer (De Boppart), Conrad
Bayer (De Boppart), Conrad bishop of Metz from 1415, was of the same family as Thierry Bayer de Boppart. 'This prelate first occupied his time in exterminating the brigands who were desolating the country, and bringing about a reconciliation between the people of Messina and the duke of Lorraine. He went to Rome to solicit the archbishopric of Treves for his nephew, James of Sterck. On his return he took the part of Rene of Anjou against Anthony of Valdemont, was taken prisoner with Rene, and purchased his liberty with ten thousand talents of gold. Thanks to his generous ally, Rene also returned to his estate. The bishop of Metz employed him to introduce reforms and to subdue revolting vassals. In 1438 Rend bore arms into Italy. At that time, in concert with Erard of Chatelet, Bayer governed the two duchies. Bayer, in order to repulse them, in view of the financial crisis, laid taxes upon the estates of Rene, for which he was arrested, and gained his liberty only upon harsh conditions. The people of Messina received him in triumph, aided in paying the debts, and allied themselves with him in 1439 and 1440 to take revenge on the duke of Lorraine. Bayer consecrated the latter years of his life to the administration of his diocese. He protected artists, and called a number around him. He died April 20, 1459. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.
