from History of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Volume 2 by Lehigh County Historical Society, "Bloss Family," by Clinton J. Bloss.
The Heidelberg Reformed Church records in 1781 record his wife Anna Magdalena, as a widow, who acted sponsor for her granddaughter, of the same name, a child of her son John George Bloss. The Federal Census of 1790 record "Lanah Plose" as a widow in Heidelberg township. In the history of the Heidelberg Church by Rev. William Helfrich, he mentions Conrad Bloss and George Bloss as heads of families who helped to build the second church. Magdalena Bloss lived with her son-in-law Peter Seidel, five years prior to her death, which occurred in 1803, having attained the age of about 77 years. Doubtless she is buried on the old cemetery adjoining Heidelberg church, although no trace is found of her. Peter Seidel was appointed administrator of her estate, Aug. 8, 1803.
Choosing a Godparent sponsor was not just a formality in 17th century Germany. Each child had one Godparent of the same gender. It established ties between families that were near kinship. The Godparent was expected to provide spiritual support and material support in times of need.
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania was first settled about 1730 and officially constituted in 1812 with the division of Northampton County.
