Old gunmaker

[Colonial Boy]

Could someone who has a copy of Ned Robert's "The Caplock Rifle" look up John Cherry (I think that's the name) for me, please?
There is a photo of him holding a rifle outside the door of a cabin and I'd like to get the details of his age etc., and the year for which he had a receipt for paying 'Poll Tax'. Thanks in anticipation.
My own copy of the book disappeared years ago and it's not one that turns up in local libraries in Australia.

 

[2shute]

I believe the man you refer to may be John Shell, covered on pp 226-228 of the book. He's referred to as having lived to "a much greater age than any other white person in the United States during many years past", and died in July 1922 claiming to be 134 years old. He was born, according to reports, Sep 14 1788 in Lincoln County, VA, and besides being a long time rifle maker of both flint and percussion guns, hunted with Daniel Boone. The poll tax receipt you refer to was dated 1809--and one had to be 21 years old to pay the tax, thus made him 131 at the time.
It's an interesting read. If you'll PM me with your email address I'll scan the pages and email them to you. It'll be Wednesday before I have access to a scanner.
Hope this helps.
God Bless,
Charles

 

[Dphar]

Could someone who has a copy of Ned Robert's "The Caplock Rifle" look up John Cherry (I think that's the name) for me, please?
There is a photo of him holding a rifle outside the door of a cabin and I'd like to get the details of his age etc., and the year for which he had a receipt for paying 'Poll Tax'. Thanks in anticipation.
My own copy of the book disappeared years ago and it's not one that turns up in local libraries in Australia.

John Sherry is listed with a 3-4 paragraph bio.
Just a portrait type photo.
The only person standing by a door way with a rod in a rifle is Hacker Martin.

William Walker of Tennessee is shown standing near a cabin with a percussion long rifle.

Did not find anyone named Cherry.

Dan

 

[Ivoryhunter4]

I am seeing a John Sherry listed on page 430 in the list of old-time gunmakers in the back of the book It says he was from Lancaster Pa. and born in 1797. I have not found the picture or write up in a quick look through the book if I do I will get back to you.

 

[Pigman]

Here is a gun by John Shell and his horn and pouch:
http://www.cowanauctions.com/news_view.asp?Id=142

Foster From Flint