John Harper

School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)

Born in 1815 in Chatham County, died 1857. He worked a few miles away from Mechanics Hill, North Carolina near present day Harpers Cross Roads. He was the son of gunsmith Edward Harper. Both father and son are considered provincial or back-country gun makers. While they were influenced by the Kennedys, they were not restricted to conform to any shop standards.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.