Riflemakers List

School: Maryland

Hagerstown William Kreps had six transactions of property, one mortage, one release, the purchase of one slave and one bill of sale in the Washington County Courthouse during his lifetime. He also participated in the purchase of ground for the Mount Zion Reform Church. His first deed for $260 current money on April 2, 1798, was for the property of gunsmith Ernst Dietz. On December 19, 1800, he also purchased from gunsmith John Gonter his house for $500. A mortage indenture was from gunsmith George Kreps Sr. on July 5, 1811. He was known as a gunsmith and hatter. On May 2, 1804, Kreps formed a partnership with George Binkley in the dry goods and grocery business that was formerly Geroge Binkley and Co. This partnership was dissolved in September of the same year. The mortgage holder George Sr. and William were both active in the fire company in 1808. He was appointed postmaster of Elizabeth Town on April 10, 1807. In the 1820 Washington County census there are two William Kreps. One of them was a member of the building committee of the German Reform Church at Cavetown when the corner stone was laid on August 8, 1827. The William Kreps who was later a post-master died in his 51st year on March 4, 1822. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.

School: Maryland

Sharpsburg He was born in 1810 the fourth child of Daniel Sr. and Christina Beckenbaugh Marker. Daniel Jr. probably began learning the gunsmith trade under his father. when Daniel, Sr., moved to Martinsburg, (West) Virginia, Daniel Jr. would have been 12 years old. Therefore, he probably continued his training under either his grandfather, if he was a gunsmith, or his uncle George Jr. In 1831 as a master, Daniel Jr. opened his shop in Martinsburg where his father had previously been. The April 4, 1833, Virginia Republican carried an ad for Daniel Jr. showing that he had moved his shop to the corner of Burke and Queen Streets in the cabinet shop formerly occupied by James S. Boyd. In 1840 he married Catherine Sutten and resided near Sharpsburg. The year 1841 was the last year he was paying taxes in Martinsburg. He continued to reside in the Sharpsburg area and his will is recorded on October 19, 1891. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. “Marksmen! Attention! Daniel Marker, Sr., Daniel Marker, Jr., George Marker and Peter Marker will shoot with rifles, off hand, against any four men in Washington County, for, from 50 to 100 dollars. The time, place, and manner of shooting, to be agreed on when the challenge is accepted.” {Martinsburg Gazette, 2 March 1826} “Lock and Gunsmithing – Daniel Marker, Jun. – Having commenced the above business on Queen Street, a few doors below the Market House, would respectfully inform the public that he is now ready to fill any orders where with he may be furnished in the above branches of the business. He will make and repair guns of every description – Make and repair Door Locks of all kinds, besides all the various branches appertaining to the Locksmith business – Being determined to attend strictly to business and do his work in the best style, he hopes to receive (as he intends to merit) a share of Public patronage.” {Martinsburg Gazette, July 7, 1831} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.