Riflemakers List

Imhoff, Benedict

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Benedict Imhoff (c. 1750-1800) was one of the earliest gunmakers of the Dauphin region. While the earliest record of his name places him in Heidelberg Twp., later documents put him in Middletown. All of this region was part of Lancaster Co. prior to the formation of Dauphin County in 1785.

Chambers, James

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

James Chambers (1738-1762)appears in county records as early as 1750-1751. He moved north to the banks of the Susquehanna River near present-day Harrisburg (Dauphin Co.)and set up a gunshop on the site of Fort Hunter. During the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s Rebellion, this site was used as a fort, refuge and depot, especially for goods and materiel being transported from Lancaster to Fort Augusta (present-day Shamokin). Chambers was killed by Indians in 1762.

Hawken, George

School: Maryland

Hagerstown There are two mwn by the name of George Hawken during this period in Washington County and at least one was a gunsmith. George of Christian Sr. was born July 16, 1782. George of Christian Sr. was born Febuary 19, 1781. Both are recorded in the 1810 Federal census as residing in Elizabeth Town. The gunsmith, no doubt, was the one recorded in the July 5, 1809, local news sheet which revealed “married Sunday evening last by Rev. Rotroff, George Hawken to Miss Margaret Kreps, daughter of George Kreps, of this town.” The December 13, 1809, Maryland Herald and Elizabeth-Town Advertiser noted, “George Hawken, gunsmith, has lately commenced business in shop next door to John Kausler, 3rd door below bank.” In 1821 a George Hawken was working at the armory at Harpers Ferry. The only indenture for a George Hawken in the Washington County Courthouse was recorded on January 19, 1829, for the sale of a tract known as “Hit The Mark” in Washington County. At this time Jacob Hawken and George Hawken of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, as joint owners, conveyed the land to Henry Butterbaugh, who was also of Franklin County. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.