School: Maryland
Baltimore James Haslett was born in 1773 in Ireland. Haslett was apprenticed int eh gunsmithing business in Europe to one of the most renowned lines of gunmakers. He came to America about 1798. His wife’s name was Mary and they settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They had three daughters and one son, who was his namesake. Haslett became superintendent in the arms factory of Robert McCormick. In 1803 he was working on his own in the City of Brotherly Love but came to Baltimore in June of that year. His superb work was highly favored throughout Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812 he was instrumental not making, but in purchasing, weapons for the state while serving as a major of the 11th Brigade, Maryland Militia. In later years he retired to his estate at Drum Point, Calvert County, where he died on August 15, 1833. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
