FREDERICK SHEETZ, GUNSMITH EXTRAORDINAIRE !

                                                                             

" Yes Sir Mister Sheetz, this is a mighty fine rifle"

As the above drawing by artist Jeff Prechtel depicts, we can be confident that Mr. Frederick Sheetz, delighted many of his customers with some of the very best rifles ever made in the state of Virginia.  We have a copy of a letter that John Snyder of Romney, wrote to Governor Barbour, June 4, 1812.  Below, is an excerpt of that letter speaking about Frederick Sheetz.

"Rifles manufactured by this man will on comparison and tryal be found superior in point of beauty, convenience, and utility to any others manufactured for the commonwealth." (1)

That was  strong praise, however many of us partial to Virginia  Rifles  would agree.

                                                                                   

WANTED SHEETZ :  CONTRACT RIFLE WITH 114 OR 77 TH HAMPSHIRE MILITIA ON BARREL DOES NOT MATTER IF FLINT OR CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION. USE CONTACT FORM.






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Frederick Sheetz

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Frederick Sheetz was born in 1774.  He was the son of Henry Sheetz of Shepherdstown, VA/WV. Henry and his brother Philip were gunsmiths there. 

Signed Frederick Sheetz Rifle 

Left to Right 1-5.

Take note of of the patchbox variations on rifles 2, 4 & 5, made around his contract period from 1808- 1815.

Rifle 4 has some relief carving but no production run markings on any parts, were rifle 2 is so marked and the barrel is marked "Militia Hampshire".

We believe rifles 4 & 5 were made using parts from his inventory during his contract period for normal customer work.

Stock patterns is the same from rifle 1 made in the 1790's thru his contract period 1815.

The above image shows the tapered toe plate he used on his rifles varying with the proportion of 

each rifle.

Illustrates his trigger guards. The termination on the guard  spur is signature Frederick Sheetz.

From all of the records we have found, the first evidence of Frederick being in Hampshire County,Virginia was 1792.  This was in present day Mineral County, West Virginia.  Land records show that he bought lots 131 & 132 in Fort Ashby that year.  He married Nancy Emerson in 1797.  They had at least twelve children.  For several years, Frederick was content on making his rifles in Fort Ashby, along with his brothers Henry and Otho.  A little later, his youngest brother Zebulon, would be old enough to apprentice with him. 

The above image is a better illustration of the signature guard spurs. This image also shows his side plate most commonly used on his custom rifles. Note the beaver tail extension on the front end of the side plate, chamfered edges and counter sunk lock bolts.

Shows a variation of his patchbox with the hidden release found in the hinge of the top knuckle. This release is usually found in the Winchester School from the Simon Lauck shop.

Flintlock

Hunters Star Coin Silver Inlay

Another close up of the hidden patchbox release in the top knuckle of the hinge. 

Simple oval inlay with captured barrel key.

Very typical low relief carving of his, executing C scrolls and "tattered shells" 

beautifully.

Great execution of low relief carving on the wrist.

The above & below image both illustrate his lock and side plate molding with wonderful low relief beaver tail.

The single trigger was normal for this period.

Low relief carving used around a nicely filed tang. 

Frederick and his brothers not only made rifles for private use, but they also made rifles for the Virginia Militia.  These are the rifles that John Snyder was writing about to Governor Barbour.  These rifles were made by private Virginia gunsmiths, not employed by the Virginia Armory.  They are also referred to as contract rifles.  These rifles were made from 1808, through 1815.  Some were even made as late as 1819.(2)  Of course, many of these rifles were used in the war of 1812.  The militia rifles made under this contract would be stamped with regimental markings such as "114 Regt. Va Militia Hampshire."  Frederick delivered at least 570 of these.(3)  There are probably less than half a dozen of these surviving, today.

Assembly Numbers Found on Some of Sheetz' Contract Rifles  

Shows  part markings on some of his contract rifles. 

Rifles that are found that are not so marked could be first rifles assembled that day or week. 

These markings may have been added  when modified at an armory , such as percussion conversion                                                               during the Civil War.

This rifle is marked " Militia Hampshire "

One of two patchbox styles Frederick used on his contract rifles. 

This  is the other style of patchbox we believed Frederick used on some of his contract rifles.

Patchbox cavity  showing spring release found on  contract rifles. 

This photo shows another side plate variation found on his contract rifles. The double set triggers probably were a later addition.

19 stamped on barrel of  Sheetz' Contract Rifle,

probably for the

"City of Richmond"

War of 1812 Circa.

No doubt seen action during the "War of 1812" as well as Confederate use during our "War between the States" .

The above image also shows the pointed tang that you see on Frederick's  later rifles as well as rifles made by other Hampshire County gunsmiths. 

Another typical contract period patchbox used on a limited number of custom rifles. 

Here is another rifle with Frederick's signature side plate. 

Two contract period patchbox cavities showing the release spring. 

The  above images shows typical tangs used by Frederick Sheetz. 

  Frederick Sheetz work  is similar to  that of Simon Lauck &  Adam Haymaker, both had shops in Winchester Virginia.  The stock profile, the Winchester release system on his patch boxes, the square headed nails on his inlays and to some extent his carving as well. I say to some extent on his carving because he did vary his design a little more than Lauck did. 

This Frederick Sheetz rifle has a friction patchbox release. This rifle originally had the Winchester knuckle release, which was abandon. The single trigger was probably replaced about this same time with the double set trigger. 

The above & below photos show a incised carved rifle by Frederick. This incised carving is very similar design to the relief carved rifle shown earlier..This one has a few less "tattered shells".

This patchbox pattern was also used on his contract period rifles. The ones found on those rifles are not engraved as the above one is.

This rifle was made in the 1790's

Again typical of his work, notice the huge beaver tail.

This image also shows previous hole for single trigger. 

Incised carving around tang.

We have found numerous land records for Frederick Sheetz.  With the help of these, we believe that he left Fort Ashby in about 1810-12.  The exact year, we are not sure of.  When he left Fort Ashby, he went to present day, Headsville.  In 1814, the court of Hampshire County appointed a panel consisting of twelve citizens, to view the lands where a mill drain was proposed to be erected by Frederick Sheetz.  Probably  not long after the mill was in operation, that place was named "Sheetz's Mill."  It was not until after the Civil War that the place was named Headsville. 

This rifle by Frederick has a few more embellishments than the previous rifles by him. This patchbox has seven piercings, and has the Winchester type lid release. 

Some very light incised carving along the forestock up to and pass the "tattered shell" engraved silver escutcheon.

Notice the brass captured key  used to hold the barrel in place & rectangular nails.

These rectangular nails are a signature of Fredericks's work.

A few of his surviving rifles have silver wire such as this one. 

The trigger guard sports his signature spur.

Single trigger correct for the period.

The wonderful side plate he liked to use on his custom rifles, with the counter sunk lock bolts. 

Frederick was an excellent engraver, as can be seen on this brass patchbox.

Frederick must of had a sense of humor. See the little man pointing.

The Edelweiss Flower  is symbolic for Courage, Daring & Noble Purity. 

Many Virginia Gunsmith of German Decent used it frequently.

The   Edelweiss can be found on many rifles made by Frederick Sheetz, such as this one in the finial of the engraved brass toe plate. 

Very low relief & incised carving.

C Scrolls in Rococo Style. 

Engraved brass vent pick holder held by 

"rectangular nails" a trademark of Frederick's work.

 Late 1790's Circa

 Frederick was a prominent man in his community, who accomplished more than being a successful mill owner and gunsmith.  We can find old records that show he was appointed Constable in 1800, and was elected as Sheriff of Hampshire County in 1828.  He was elected and served one term in the Virginia Assembly House of Delegates 1813-14, as a member of the Federalist party. He was the postmaster of Sheetz's Mill for a while.  He was also an elder in the Presbyterian Church.  In 1820, he was appointed School Commissioner.  There is oral history that tells of him being instrumental in starting the first school in that part of the county.  He was a member of the County Court, and was appointed Justice of the Peace.  In 1822, he was granted a license to retail spirituous liquors at his store.  One might wonder how he found time to make rifles and fill all of these positions.  

Frederick Sheetz died on January 18, 1861.  He was spared the grief of witnessing the destruction of his mill, burnt to the ground by Union forces.  The destruction of mills and many homes in Hampshire County, was carried out under the command of Union General Lander, early in 1862. 

Sheetz'  Mill

Frederick was also saved from the sorrow of the death of his beloved grandson and namesake, Captain George Frederick Sheetz.  Captain Sheetz lost his life on May 23, 1862, leading his men of the the 7th Virginia Calvary at Buckton Station, near Front Royal, Virginia. The following is a letter written to Captain Sheetz's father, Robert King Sheetz, from Stonewall Jackson.  

"May 27, 1862

R.K. Sheetz,

Your letter of yesterday has been received.  The loss of your noble son is deeply felt by me.  Tears come to my eyes when I think of his death.  In imagination, I see him before me still.  You have my sympathy and prayers.  In his death not only you and I, but also his country, has sustained loss.  Apart from his worth as an officer, I was greatly impressed with the beauty of his character.  In regard to the horse of which you speak, I suppose that it is the same one that was captured by your son with an Ohio lieutenant at McDowell.  As your son's horse was lame, I directed the captured horse to be turned over to him at that time.  He belongs to the Confederate States, and I will be obliged to you, if you will turn him over to Major J. A. Harman, Chief Quartermaster of this district.  Accept my thankful appreciation of your kind expressions.(4)

                                                                                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                                                                                    T.J. Jackson"

Frederick Sheetz and his grandson, Captain G.F. Sheetz, lie at rest in Eusebia Presbyterian Cemetery, just a few miles west of Fort Ashby, West Virginia. 

   

 His epitaph reads, 

"He was long an elder in the Presbyterian Church.  Apart of his children lie around him and more are soon to take their place by his side.  May they follow him as he followed Christ:  Die in the faith and find a home with him in Heaven."      

  

Special Thanks to the Owners of these rifles who was so kind to allow us to share these images with you.

We greatly appreciate the descendant of Frederick Sheetz who graciously let us post the photograph of Frederick Sheetz.  

1 Libray of Virginia ( Governor Barbour Letters) 
2&3  Virginia Manufactory of Arms  by Giles Cromwell    
4 History of Hampshire County by Maxwell & Fisher  

The rest from various old records &  descendants.     BMS JDM                                                     

                                                                           

     

                                                                      

                                                                           

                                                                                                               

                                              

                                                                                 

                                                                           

                                                                                                                             

GEORGE YOUNG GUNSMITH

WE ORIGINALLY POSTED A BLOG ON GEORGE YOUNG IN MARCH OF 2013.  SINCE THEN, WE HAVE FOUND NEW INFORMATION.  ALSO WE HAVE ADDED SEVERAL  PICTURES. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THOSE WHO  SHARED THIS INFO & PICTURES  WITH US. WE ALWAYS WELCOME NEW FACTUAL INFORMATION & PHOTOS.

 THE STUDY OF THE AMERICAN LONGRIFLE IS CONTINUOUS  , WE WILL NEVER HAVE THE COMPLETE STORY ON THESE MAKERS OR THEIR RIFLES.

                                                                 
                                                       TOP   GEORGE YOUNG
                                                    MIDDLE   JAMES RINEHART
                                                    BOTTOM  GEORGE YOUNG
                                                    Click Images For Larger View
                                                                         
                                                                       
                                                                         

 

 He Would Sign His Barrels, G. Young. He Would Use Either A Silver Plate Inletted Into The Barrel With His Signature On It, Or Would Scribe His Name Directly Onto The Barrel.

                                                                         
                                                                   

 George was one of Hampshire County's finest gunsmiths. Born in Harpers Ferry in 1802. The son of Peter and Catherine Young. Catherine was a sister to William Hollenback Sr who was a gunsmith who made rifles near Fort Ashby.  William had a son by the same name, who was a gunsmith  as well. Sometime before 1815 both Peter and Catherine died, leaving George to be raised by his grandmother Margaret Hollenback.  In 1815 George was indentured to Frederick Sheetz.  Frederick Sheetz is to  many students of the Hampshire County Long Rifle the finest maker Hampshire County ever had.  While many have agreed that Young must have apprenticed to Sheetz, we did not have positive proof until recently , when the following record was uncovered.  Much thanks goes to our friend  for sharing this with us:

                                               "To the Court of Hampshire"

The subscriber was some eight or ten years ago appointed guardian for her grandson George Young. And now on account of her age and infirmities,  wishes to relinquish the same favour of Fred'k Sheetz, Esq.  To whom she inclines binding the boy that he should to learn the Trade of Gunsmith, he having arrived to the age of nearly thirteen years. It is also the desire of the boy that he should be bound to Mr. Sheetz. Given under my hand this 15th day of Apl 1815.

Signed,  Margaret ( her mark) Hollinback
George Young was born 7th Augt 1802
Signed, Margaret ( her mark) Hollinback
In the presence of A. King and Zebn Sheetz

The witness "Zebn Sheetz"  was no doubt Zebulon Sheetz, Gunsmith and brother to Frederick. This leaves lil wonder why George became such a skilled maker of long rifles.

EARLY SIGNED GEORGE YOUNG RIFLE

                                                              "Long Rifles of Virginia"
                                                                          Page 99
                                                                         

                    This Signed George Young Rifle Has Never Left  The County, Or The Original                                                                          Owners  Family.

                                                          Engraved Toe Plate

                                                 He Mostly used Incised Carving

"Long Rifles Of Virginia"

Page 100

                                                           1830 Circa made in Romney

                                   Same Type Side Plate That Zebulon Sheetz Used

You Can See The Influence of  Frederick Sheetz 

                           This George Young Rifle Likely Blew Apart  Shortly After It
                                    Was Made in About 1830. The  Carving Is Not Worn.

                                                  Maybe The Result Of To Much Powder,
                                                          Or Failure To Seat The Ball

                                   Nearly Identical Carving To Signed George Young Rifle.
                                         Rifle Was A Master Piece Before Its Destruction

Click Pictures For Larger Image

George Young's Work Rivaled  That of Frederick Sheetz

George Young's Will

Estate Inventory 

George served his apprenticeship at present day Headsville. This is where Frederick located his gun shop and mill, after leaving Fort Ashby. For many years Headsville was called "Sheetz' Mill". This was one of the mills that Union Troops burned during the Civil War.


George married Elizabeth Nicholson in 1824. She was born in 1805. Together they had eight children.



We  find George Young in the 1830 census in Hampshire County. George bought lot 17 in Romney  in 1832. There he opened his gun shop and made some of his finest rifles. I believe that lot 17 is on the corner of South Bolton and Rt. 50, where Voit's garage is presently located.

George did incised carving on the maple wood stocks on some of his rifles. He  liked to use silver wire inlay and other silver inlays. He was a excellent engraver as can be seen on the brass patchboxes and on some of the inlays. The use of rectangular shaped nail heads can be seen on his rifles. This was  nearly a trademark of Frederick Sheetz, to whom he apprenticed with. You will find some of his rifles are flintlock. Most of the rifles made after 1830 were percussion. While he did make some real fancy rifles, he also built rifles for the average person of his day. We are fortunate that a few of his rifles have survived.

George Young Left Romney Area Around 1840,  and headed West to Perry County, Illinois.  In the 1850 & 60 census he is listed as a gunsmith.  In the 1870 census he is listed as a farmer.  He is buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Du Quoin Illinois. After the death of George, his wife Elizabeth, and some of their children relocated to Orange County, California. Elizabeth Young, died 1888 and is buried in the Santa Ana Cemetery.
                                                                   

                                                       
                                                                     

Here is a link with information on George Young's sons.

George Young, Civil War Veteran, Orange County California Genealogical Society Civil War Veterans Project (occgs.com)

Here is a link to an interesting story about George Young and a Neighbor.
Reports of Cases at Law and in Chancery Argued and Determined in the Suprem... - Google Books
Note: Silkwood was originally from Hampshire County it is possible that Young and Silkwood left Hampshire County about the same time, so this feud may have started here. After this incident two of Youngs's sons married daugheters of Elam Silkwood.

For more information on George Young and other West Virginia Gunsmiths:
"Gunsmiths of West Virginia" By James Whisker
"West Virginia History Volume XLV 1984" Pages 125-158 William H. Ansel & James B. Whisker

Photos From Page 99 & 100 " Long Rifles Of Virginia" Courtesy Of James B Whisker





THANKS TO THE COLLECTORS WHO ALLOWED US TO POST PICTURES OF THEIR RIFLES.  PLEASE DO NOT COPY.