Items of Interest found in the Pennsylvania Gazette, continued.
Mention of the term, “Locksmith.”
April 18, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Philadelphia, April 11, 1765.
This Day arrived from Bristol, the Ship Sarah, Capt. James Drew, having on board 30 indebted Servant Men and Men Boys, aged from 16 to 27 Years, who have from 5 to 7 Years to serve, amongst them are the following Trades and Occupations, 1 Whitesmith, 1 Blacksmith, 1 Locksmith, 1 Brightsmith...
March 3, 1747
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Philadelphia, March 3. 1746-7.
...Any person inclining to purchase any of the aforesaid lots, may treat with me at my house, at the locksmith's sign in Second street, Philadelphia. JOHN LUDWICK SEIPEL.
December 9, 1746
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Philadelphia, December 9. 1746.
To be SOLD by PUBLICK VENDUE, On the 11th of this instant, by JOHN LODOWICK SIEPEL, of the northern liberties, locksmith; A HOUSE and LOT, situate in Kensington, near the batchelor's hall, containing 16 feet front, and 43 perches to low water mark of the river Delaware in length. The highest bidder to be the buyer, and to pay ready money; at the receipt of which payment, a good title shall be made, by John Lodowick Siepel. N.B. The vendue to be held at the place, and to begin at ten o'clock in the morning.
October 7, 1742
The Pennsylvania Gazette
TO BE SOLD, Free from Ground Rent, A LOT and Tenement in Third Street, nearly against the Work House, where the Dutch Lock Smith now lives...
Mention of the term, “Fowling Piece.”
September 1, 1779
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Chester County, August 25, 1779.
WAS taken up passing through this county, a suspicious person, without a pass, an elderly man, who called himself Edmond Duyre, with the following articles, viz. 12 shirts, 1 pair of sheets, a blanket, 1 surtout, 1 big coat, 3 strait bodied coats, 9 yards of worsted and linen, a pair of buckskin breeches, 1 under waistcoat, 3 pair of woollen stockings, 2 pair of linen ditto, 2 white aprons, 1 womanshift, 3 white handkerchiefs, 2 long gowns, 3 petticoats, 1 pair of stays, 1 short cloak, 3 womens caps, a very genteel fowling piece tipped with silver, false breech, &c. a case of pocket pistols, and a quantity of Continental money; a large chestnut sorrel mare, with a colt; all which effects being deposited in my care, if said goods should have been unjustly obtained by said Duyre, the owners are desired to come, prove their property, pay charges, and taken them away. THOMAS TAYLOR.
November 25, 1772
The Pennsylvania Gazette
FOUR DOLLARS Reward.
LOST, or taken out of a waggon loaded with hops, betwixt the river Sasquehanna and Philadelphia, upon the 5th, 6th, or 7th day of this present month November, a strong board CASE, without mark or direction, inclosing a very neat new FOWLING PIECE, 4 feet 2 inches in the barrel, 5 feet 5 inches the whole length of the gun, with a curled walnut stock, sliding loops, mounted with brass, the foresight and thumbpiece silver, the makername John Newcomer, engraven upon the hind part of the barrel, near the figure of a manhead, and J. Newcomer engraven on the lock. Whoever has found the same, is desired to deliver it to Joseph Vandegrist, at the sign of the Cross keys, in Chestnut street, Philadelphia; to Caleb Way, at the sign of the Waggon, on the Philadelphia road; to Matthias Slough, at the sign of the Swan, in Lancaster; or to James Wright, in Hempfield, near Susquehanna, and they shall receive FOUR DOLLARS reward. JAMES WRIGHT.
March 5, 1772
The Pennsylvania Gazette
PHILIP WILSON, has removed his store to Water street, between Chestnut street and the Crooked Billet Alley, adjoining Mr. Thomas Pryor, where he has for sale... a very neat left handed fowling piece...
September 19, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette
European and East India goods, for cash or short credit, to be sold on the lowest terms, by JOHN KAIGHN, At his store... a neat left handed fowling piece, &c...
October 8, 1761
The Pennsylvania Gazette
DROPT from a Chaise, about the 4th or 5th of December last, between the landing and Trenton Mills, a small neat Fowling piece, with a double Breech, the Stock fastened with Loops to the Barrel, a Piece of the Stock broke off, about a Foot from the Top, and which is secured also with a Loop. A Person was seen to take it up, and promised to leave it at Messieurs Hoopers Store; he is desired to leave it with Messieurs Hoopers, at their Mills or Store, near Trenton, who will reward him for his Trouble, otherwise he may expect to be prosecuted.
April 10, 1760
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Kent, in Maryland, March 30, 1760.
FIVE POUNDS REward.
ABSENTED last Night from the Subscriber, an hired Servant Man, named John Holeger, born in Maryland, by Trade a Blacksmith, wears his own bushy black Hair... He took with him a Maple stock Fowling piece, and is supposed to be gone towards Philadelphia, or Sasquehannah. Whoever takes up said Servant, and secures him in any Goal, so that he may be had again, shall have the above Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by AUGUSTINE BOYER, junior.
September 28, 1752
The Pennsylvania Gazette
RUN away on the 19th inst. from Joseph Ludlam, of Cape May county, An Irish servant lad, named John Burk, about 19 years of age, is short and well made, has short brown hair, and brown eyes... He has with him a long fowling piece, with a bell muzzle, and has been jump together near the breech...
September 27, 1750
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Philadelphia, September 27. 1750.
Whereas the store of Joseph Saunders, on Rees Meredith's Wharff, was broke open on Thursday night, the 20th inst. and sundry goods, to a considerable value, stolen, all of which mention'd in an advertisement of the 21st inst. were the next day found, except a canister of congo tea, containing about ten pounds, (and a fowling piece, and a new shot pouch, and a brass spring, and an old powder flask, with a spring to the charger, not then mention'd) The fowling piece is very remarkable, viz. It has a short stock, the upper end tipp'd with brass, with a small steel spring in the side, to fasten on a brass ring to keep the barrel to the stock; which ring, if taken off, by lifting the barrel, it comes out of the stock, the intention being to put in another barrel at Pleasure. Whoever secures said tea and fowling piece, &c. so that I may have them again, shall receive Three Pounds reward; and if the thief or thieves with them, so that he or they may be brought to justice, TEN POUNDS reward, paid by JOSEPH SAUNDERS.
January 1, 1745
The Pennsylvania Gazette
LOST on Friday, the 21st of December, 1744, betwixt Frankfort and Philadelphia, a Fowling Piece, mounted with Brass, Dutch Make, a black Barrel, with a pretty wide Bore. Whoever has found it, and will return it to the Printer hereof, shall be sufficiently rewarded.
Mention of the term, “Brass Founder.”
February 21, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette
JAMES SMITH, BRASS FOUNDER, WHO lately lived at the Corner of Coombe Alley, in Front street, now carries on his Business at the North End of Fourth street, at the Sign of the Bell, and makes and sells all Sorts of Brass Work, large and small Cocks for Brewers, Distillers and Water Works, Brass Chambers for Pumps, Mill Brasses for Grist and Saw Mills, all Sorts of Mill Work for the West dcIndies, Clock, Gun and Sadlers Work, with several other Things too tedious to mention. All Persons who shall apply to the said James Smith. may be supplied with any of the above Articles in the cheapest and best Manner, and Customers may depend on meeting with the best Treatment and Dispatch. Ready Money for old Brass, Copper, or old cast Iron.
April 26, 1753
The Pennsylvania Gazette
THOMAS GREGORY, Brass Founder, In Third street, Philadelphia, opposite Church alley, and near Market street, MAKES and sells all sorts of brass work suitable for mills, heads for dogs, brass dogs, shovels and tongs, candlesticks of all sorts, chaise and chair furniture, gun furniture of all sorts, spoon moulds, shoe buckles, bell metal skillets and kettles, house and horse bells, and a variety of other things, too tedious to mention, at the most reasonable rates. N.B. The said GREGORY turns all sorts of iron, brass, pewter and silver; likewise gives the best price for old brass, and mends all sorts of brass work.
March 13, 1753
The Pennsylvania Gazette
JAMES SMITH, Brass Founder, has mov from over against the Baptist Meeting house, to within three doors of the corner of Market street, in Second street, at the sign of the Founders Arms, where he continues to make all sorts of brass work, viz. Brass dogs, shovels and tongs, heads for dogs, shoe buckles, sleeve buttons, horse bells, clock bells, candlesticks, snuffers, gun furniture, chest and drawer furniture, all sorts of coach and chaise furniture, saddle heads, tuff nails, stirrups, spoon moulds, and cocks; all sorts of brass work suitable for West India sugar mills, saw mills, and grist mills; all sizes of brass boxes for chaises and carts; and a variety of other brass work. N.B. He buys old brass of all sorts.
March 17, 1752
The Pennsylvania Gazette
JOHN STOW, Brass Founder, Is removed from Third street, to the sign of the Three Bells, in Second street, opposite to Mr. John lawrence, and next door but two to Mr. William Whitebread, at the sign of the King Arms, Philadelphia; Where may be had, all sorts of brasses suitable for the West India sugar mills, grist mills, saw mills, &c. Brass furniture of every sort for coaches, chaises, &c. Brass fire dogs, shovel and tongs, candlesticks, gun furniture, best brass shoe buckles, and sleeve buttons, by the quantity or single pair, joiners furniture of several sorts, spoon moulds, of all fashions, bell metal skillets and kettles, of all sizes, ditto mortars and pestles, house spring bells, of all sizes, ditto for horses, copper rivets and brass cocks for stills, of all sizes, barrel cocks, dog collars, brass heads for iron dogs, of all sizes, brass stirrups, saddle heads and nails, knockers for doors, with a variety of other brass work, at the most reasonable rates. Likewise work in the rough, for clock makers, &c.
Mention of the term, “Brass Mounting.”
April 19, 1770
The Pennsylvania Gazette
WAS STOLEN, last night, out of the house of John Downing, in East Caln, Chester county, one Great Coat, of a lightish colour, and Gun, about 5 feet long, with brass mounting, it had a large brass pin run through the upper end of the stock, to fasten the barrel in the stock...
April 14, 1763
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Just imported from London, by the last Vessels, and to be sold cheap, for Cash or short Credit, by WILLS and JACKSON, At their Store in Water street, between Market and Arch streets... brass mounting for guns finished, plain gun locks and bridled ditto, pocket pistols of different sorts, powder horns...
Mention of the term, “Gun Barrel.”
September 10, 1777
The Pennsylvania Gazette
BROKE open the shop of EDWARD LANE, in Providence township, Philadelphia county, on Sunday night, the 24th of August last, and took away Nine new Gun Barrels, belonging to the States; the said barrels had nothing done to them except the screws cut for the breech screw, part of them stamped T.G. and three picked punches on the butt; supposed to be taken away by some deserters. All smiths and others that have any such barrels brought to them to be finished off, are desired to stop them and the party, and send me word. Whoever secures the thief and guns, so that he may be brought to justice, and the guns delivered to me, shall have FIVE POUNDS reward, or a Dollar for each Gun Barrel, paid by EDWARD LANE.
January 24, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
WAS put on board a sloop belonging to David Tryon, of Wilmington, then lying at Philadelphia, some time last November was a year, by some person, supposed to be going towards Baltimore town, in Maryland, one gun barrel, one gun lock, two brass mountings for breech, lock plate and trigger guard for guns, with sundry other brass foundery. The owner, by applying to Joseph Stedham, living in the Borough of Wilmington, within one month from the date, proving his property, paying charges, shall have them again...
Items of miscellaneous interest.
May 2, 1781
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Perkin and Coutty, At the corner of Second and Spruce streets, Philadelphia, BEG leave to acquaint their Friends and the Public in general, that they carry on the Gun and PISTOL making in all its branches, where gentlemen may be supplied with Guns and Pistols of the neatest and best quality, on the shortest notice and most reasonable terms. They also blue and brown Gun Barrels in the neatest manner. N.B. A small quantity of Ship Musquets to sell.
August 13, 1778
The Pennsylvania Packet
Philadelphia, August 10, 1778. WANTED IMMEDIATELY, A NUMBER of SMITHS and NAILERS. The following pay and rations will be given viz. Ten shillings, one ration and a half, and half a pint of rum per day per man, by the subscriber, at the Continental smiths shop in Front street, the third door above Race street.
PETER BROWN, Superintendant.
June 26, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
WANTED immediately, TWO or three good Hands, that understand welding Gun Barrels; or good Smiths, inclined to be instructed in the said Business; also wanted three good Hands to blow and strike in the said Business: Any such Persons may meet with good Encouragement, by applying to JOSHUA TOMLINSON, at the Gulph Mill, near Lancaster Road, 14 Miles from Philadelphia. For Particulars, apply to JOHN NICHOLSON, Gunsmith, near the Drawbridge, Philadelphia. N.B. An Apprentice, not under 14 Years of Age, is wanted to learn the welding, boring, and grinding of Gun Barrels. Apply as above.
May 22, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
WANTED, TWO or three JOURNEYMAN BLACKSMITHS, that can take Care of a Fire to forge Musket Barrels; sober industrious Persons, either from Town or Country, will get good Wages, and the proper Methods taught, by applying to THOMAS GOUCHER, Cutler, in Fourth street. N.B. Said GOUCHER hath for Sale, a Quantity of Scythes, at his Shop, in Fourth street, near Market street, and near the Indian Queen Tavern, Philadelphia. A LAD is wanted as an Apprentice to said Trade, about 15 years old.
May 15, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
ALL Persons having PROVINCIAL ARMS not fit for Service, are desired to bring them forthwith to the GUNLOCK FACTORY, in Cherry Alley, to be put in good Order.
May 8, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
In COMMITTEE of SAFETY, March 6, 1776. Resolved, That Major Meredith, Captain Wilcocks, Captain Peters and Mr. Peter Dehaven, be appointed to superintend and conduct the Provincial Manufactory of Gun Locks in this city, and they are empowered to contract for a convenient situation, and to erect all works necessary for carrying on the said manufactory in the most beneficial manner to the public: And further, to contract for the making of Fire Arms, and see that the artificers who have already contracted in this city for that purpose perform their engagements faithfully; and this Board will supply them with such sums of money as the business shall require. Extract from the Minutes, WILLIAM GOVETT, Secretary. PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given, That we have, in pursuance of the above Resolve of the Committee of Safety, provided a convenient place for the carrying on a Provincial Lock Factory on an extensive plan; and as a proper person is appointed to direct, teach and superintend workmen in that branch, all smiths who are already acquainted with the lock business, or those who are desirous of instruction, will be employed, by applying to us, or to Mr. Benjamin Rittenhouse, at the Lock Factory, in Cherry street, between Third and Fourth streets, Philadelphia. All persons desirous to contract the making of Fire Arms, are requested also to apply to Samuel Meredith, John Wilcocks, Richard Peters, jun. Peter Dehaven. As the Gun Lock Factory was established, not only to manufacture as many Locks as possible, but also to serve as a school for promoting the knowledge of this necessary business throughout the province, all journeymen smiths, clockmakers, and other persons, who have been accustomed to filing and working iron or brass, will be instructed in the said business gratis, and received adequate wages for their labour: A few active boys will be taken apprentices. A person well acquainted with forging Gun Locks will meet with encouragement. Persons having good arms for sale are desired to apply to the subscribers, or to Mr. Robert Towers, at the State house, The Printers of the several News papers in this province (both English and German) are requested to insert in their papers, a convenient time, this advertisement.
May 1, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
READY MONEY, and the Highest PRICE, Given at the PROVINCIAL GUN LOCK FACTORY, IN CHERRY ALLEY, For any QUANTITY of Old and New BRASS and COPPER.
April 15, 1776
FISHING TACKLE of all sorts, for use of either SEA or RIVER, MADE AND SOLD BY EDWARD POLE, In Market street, near the Court house, Philadelphia, viz... Also WIRES and BRUSHES for firelocks, by the hundred or smaller quantity; muskets and fusees cleaned, stocked and repaired in the best manner; musket and pistol cartridges, bullets and formers, of all sizes; oil gun flints, and a variety of other articles in the military way. - A very neat silver mounted small sword, fusee and pair of pistols for sale.
Any non-associators inclinable to sell their firearms, if fit for the service may meet with a purchaser by applying as above.
Cartridges made up by the hundred at a short notice. All orders of any of the above articles, from either town or country, will be thankfully received, duly attended to and as carefully as if the persons were themselves present.
March 6, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
EXTRAORDINARY Wages will be given to two or three Journeymen Gunsmiths, who are skilled in Stocking of Muskets and Rifles. Likewise good Encouragement will be given to a Gunlock Filer, that can make Musket Locks. --- Apply to THOMAS PALMER, the North Side of Market street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Philadelphia. N.B. Any person that has Skill to accomplish either of the aforesaid Branches, may, if they choose, work Piece work, and receive their Cash every Saturday Afternoon; or a Sum of Money will be advanced to them, by giving Security for the Delivery of their Work.
February 7, 1776
The Pennsylvania Gazette
AS the present demand for Gun Barrels (especially for Muskets) is now become general, in this, as well as the neighbouring provinces, and the people chiefly unacquainted with the proper method of manufacturing the same; I take this opportunity to inform Gunsmiths, and others, who may incline to improve the said business, that they may be instructed therein in a perfect manner. I can forge, bore and grind barrels, likewise give instructions for erecting a boring mill. I am also skilled in grinding and polishing of Swords, Bayonets and Ramrods, in a complete manner, and all sorts of tools, from a mill saw to the smallest carving tool, nothing inferior to those brought from Great Britain. I can give directions for erecting a skelping or rating forge, and working the same. What induces me to speak so extensively is, my being employed in the above branches upwards of 20 years; therefore I flatter myself, that those who are pleased to favour me with encouragement in particular shall meet with the desired success, and the public in general be fully satisfied with their approbation, which I hope my hand work, or instructions, shall merit. Those intending to make application may have an opportunity, any time before the first of March next, at Mr. JOEL FERREE, in Leacock township, Lancaster county, where my terms may be known. A premium in hand will be required, by The Publicvery humble servant, JOSHUA TOMLINSON. N.B. Letters directed to me, post paid, to the care of William Ross, Tavern keeper, in Lancaster, will be duly answered.
October 19, 1774
The Pennsylvania Gazette
WHEREAS the honourable Proprietaries, by their patent, under the great seal of the province, have been pleased to grant to the inhabitants of the town of Northampton, in the county of Northampton, that they shall and may for ever hereafter have and keep, within the said town of Northampton, two FAIRS in the year, for buying and selling goods, wares, merchandize and cattle; the one of them to begin on the first Wednesday of November, every year, and the next day after it, with all the liberties and customs to such Fairs incident and belonging. The inhabitants of the said town of Northampton, therefore, give this public notice, that a Fair will be kept at the said town, on the first Wednesday in November, and suitable accommodations will be provided for those, who shall attend the Fair with their merchandize. The town of Northampton is situated in the center of the county, on the river Lehi, which is navigable to Philadelphia, from whence the town is 53 miles distant. Great quantities of wheat and flour are transported from thence to Philadelphia, and boats, carrying 600 bushels, come close up to the town. It contains between 80 and 100 houses, many of them handsome stone buildings, and, from its present flourishing condition, bids fair to become a place of considerable traffick.
November 1, 1764
The Pennsylvania Gazette
BETHLEHEM STAGE, from Philadelphia. THIS is to acquaint the Publick , that there is a convenient Stage Waggon, which goes every Tuesday Morning from Philadelphia to Bethlehem, and returns Saturday following; the Waggon carries not only Passengers, but likewise Merchandize; the Neighbours at Easton, Allen Town, &c. that will please to favour us with their custom, may depend on it, that good Care will be take of what shall be instrusted to them. JOHN FRANC OBERLIN, GEORGE SCHLOSSER.
N.B. There are good Store Rooms in Bethlehem, where the Goods may lie till the Delivery of them.
Items of Interest found in the Pennsylvania Gazette - Part IV