School: Berks Womelsdorf (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Bonewitz [B 1758 – D 1828] worked as Master Gunsmith in Womelsdorf, Pa. from approx. 1778 until 1809. Moved to Pine Grove, Pa. in 1809 and continued the trade there until his death.
Bonewitz first appears in the Womelsdorf tax records in 1780 as a single freeman. In 1781 he appears in York, Pa for a short period of time and then again in Womelsdorf estate records in 1783 and as a tax payer from 1784 thru 1809.
Largely credited with training Leonard Reedy while in Womelsdorf who remained with Bonewitz in the Womelsdorf shop after his apprenticeship and moved with him to Pine Grove in 1809.
Bonewitz and Reedy also are credited with training Andrew Fichthorn Jr. in the mysteries and art of gun making up until 1802-1803 when Fichthorn Jr. returned to Reading, Pa. and established his own shop. [See Andrew Fichthorn Jr.]
Further information available:
– John Bonewitz, Womelsdorf, Pa., by Henry Bishop
– KRA Bulletin: Vol. 29 No. 2 Winter 2002
– Selected KRA Bulletin Articles-KRA 2005 Published by Kentucky Rifle Foundation
– High Resolution Photos of Bonewitz’ Work – Kentucky Rifle Photographs 2005 Volume I, Issue I
