Christiaan Frederic Beyers was born on 23 September 1869 on the farm Banhoek in the district of Stellenbosch. He was admitted to Victoria College (now Stellenbosch University) where he obtained a law degree. After completing his studies he moved up to Pretoria in 1888 and set up a law practice. He was by nature a man of fine physique who played a prominent role in the Transvaal rugby team as a forward from 1892 to 1895. He was, however, unfortunate not to play against the touring British sides of 1891 and 1896, due to duty and injury.
In 1895, he joined the commando that captured Leander Starr Jameson, who had invaded the Transvaal hoping to start unrest along the Reef, which would enable Britain to come to the rescue. The plot failed and
