Topper Guns ????
I was wondering if any of the experts had any info about guns made by a great grandfather of mine. All the info we have on him is from the "Bedford County Archives."
"Henry Topper was a much travelled and generally impoverished gunsmith. He apparently learned his craft in the area of Gettysburg, Adams County. He was listed as a gunsmith on the tax rolls of Cumberland Twp., Adams County. We cannot account for Topper's location again until 1810. From 1810 through 1812 Topper was listed as a gunsmith in Gettysburg. He then left for Virginia.
"In 1814 Henry Topper purchased 106 acres in Hampshire County, Virginia [now West Virginia] {Deed Book 19, p. 208}. The land was described as being on the Great Cacapon, a few miles from the seat of Romney. Tax list of Virginia of that era did not list occupations, but Topper is found on the contemporary tax lists. In the Census of Industry of 1820 Henry Topper, gunsmith, reports that he employed one man and had purchased wood, steel and iron wherewith to make his guns. In the previous twelve months Topper had made a dozen guns valued at $18 each. In 1820, an $18 gun would have been a rather substantial piece."
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Greg
"Henry Topper was a much travelled and generally impoverished gunsmith. He apparently learned his craft in the area of Gettysburg, Adams County. He was listed as a gunsmith on the tax rolls of Cumberland Twp., Adams County. We cannot account for Topper's location again until 1810. From 1810 through 1812 Topper was listed as a gunsmith in Gettysburg. He then left for Virginia.
"In 1814 Henry Topper purchased 106 acres in Hampshire County, Virginia [now West Virginia] {Deed Book 19, p. 208}. The land was described as being on the Great Cacapon, a few miles from the seat of Romney. Tax list of Virginia of that era did not list occupations, but Topper is found on the contemporary tax lists. In the Census of Industry of 1820 Henry Topper, gunsmith, reports that he employed one man and had purchased wood, steel and iron wherewith to make his guns. In the previous twelve months Topper had made a dozen guns valued at $18 each. In 1820, an $18 gun would have been a rather substantial piece."
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Greg
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Rootsweb says that Henry carved tombstones. One made for his daughter (1807-1809) is described in some detail. If you can't find these details on your browser, then send an e-mail and I'll try to assist.
Nord0 -
ALl I know is that the Topper line is an H@R single shot shotgun line thats goes back pretty fat doesnt it. I dont have my reference books here at home though.
God gave us all a gift. Have you found yours yet ?0 -
mfi,
for your information the topper line of h&r single barrel shotguns only dates to 1942.
b.goforth0 -
TTT 0 -
Thanks for the replys.
I have a feeling its gonna be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Have a Merry Christmas everybody0
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