UBB.threads Forums General Militaria Historic and Period Firearms Forum American Long Rifles, J. Wetzel, Snyder Co. PA.

Offline Loudy
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Re: ALR Museum Gunsmith: J. Wetzel ( John or Jonathan), Snyder Co, PA
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2011, 02:25:20 AM »
Below you'll find biographical information regarding farmer/gunsmith Jonathan Wetzel, the maker of this rifle, and his older brother John Henry Wetzel, a maker of gun barrels, sickles, and such. Their father, Philip Wetzel, fought in the Revolutionary War, and was a blacksmith by trade. Thank you for adding this interesting rifle to the Library collection.

Mark Loudenslager


Jonathan Wetzel
Born: March 21, 1801 probably Hereford Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania
Died: April 22, 1881 Jackson Township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania
Buried: New Berlin Cemetery – Old Section, New Berlin, Union County, Pennsylvania

Jonathan Wetzel worked as a gunsmith near New Berlin in Centre Township, Union County (later Snyder County), Pennsylvania ca. 1826-1845. He is listed in the Centre Township tax records as a gunsmith in 1826, 1829, 1832, 1835, 1838, 1841, 1844, and 1845. He later worked primarily as a farmer in Hartley, Centre, and Jackson Townships in Union and Snyder Counties. He was the son of Philip Wetzel Sr. (1751-1826) and Anna Maria Berger (1765-1825). Jonathan Wetzel was married to Esther “Hetty” Hoffman. She died on February 1, 1865 at the age of 66 years, 2 months, and 14 days. Jonathan Wetzel is listed in the 1826 tax list as a gunsmith and tenant on land owned by his father, Philip Wetzel. In 1829 he is listed as a resident along Middle Creek in Centre Township, near Middleburg, and owning ten acres of land and two cows. By 1855 he was a resident of Jackson Township in the newly created Snyder County. In 1855 he listed his occupation as Farmer.

Jonathan Wetzel lived close to New Berlin on the Snyder County side of Penns Creek. The road where he lived is now Broadway Road. He was the brother of Henry Wetzel and according to tradition; he made rifles from barrels produced be his brother. His guns are hard to locate, but one rifle that was originally flintlock, shows nice incised carving but no patch box. He signed the rifle “J. Wetzel” in script.
Ref. “Snyder County Rifles” by Rich Nornhold

John Jacob Wetzel came to America in 1737 and settled in Berks County. He served as a private in the Revolutionary War. In 1794, three of his sons migrated to what is now known as Snyder County. All three of these sons saw service in the American Revolution. Philip (1751-1826) settled west of Middleburg, following the trade of blacksmith and is buried in the Old Hassinger Church Cemetery. Peter (1756-1826) took up residence in what is now known as Union Township in Old Union County. Henry (1762-1850) lived in what are known as Middle Creek and Jackson Townships. He is buried in New Berlin.
Ref. “Story of Snyder County” by Dunkelburger, 1948, p. 166.


C. Wetzel-20609 Notes: Johathan Wetzel-5739 (1801-1881) is my 1st cousin, 5x removed. His father, Sgt. Philip Wetzel Sr.-2961 (1751-1826) PA. Sgt., Artillery, Continental Line, 13th Regiment, my 4th great granduncle. Pvt. Johann "Jacob' Wetzel (I)-3515 (1718-1785) private in the Revolutionary War, last of Hereford Twp. Berks Co. PA. arrived from Germany at Phil'd. Oct. 8, 1737, my 5th great grandfather.
My thanks to "Loudy" @ https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=14688.0

I found an image of a rifle made by Johathan Wetzel-5739 (1801-1881) from icollector.com:

3426 RARE JONATHAN WETZEL SNYDER COUNTY KENTUCKY RIFLE. Sold $3500.00 USD, 7 Nov. 2021

Cal. 52 rifled bore. NSN. Bbl. 37 1/4" full oct. Overall length 51". This curly maple stocked rifle has a 4 piece brass patchbox w/ 5 piercings. Engraved English original flintlock. “J WETZEL” in script on top bbl. flat. Bbl. is fastened to stock w/ wedges, as opposed to pins. Set triggers, 5" brass comb inlay & a brass saddle plate. Profusely incised carved to the rear of the cheekpiece. Jonathan Wetzel (1826-1845) Center/Jackson Township. Wetzel lived close to New Berlin on the Snyder County side of Penns Creek. The road where he lived is today Broadway Road. He was assessed in the 1829, 1833 & 1835 assessments as living in Center Township along the “Middlecreek”. He was the brother of Henry Wetzel & made his rifles from bbls. produced by his brother. His guns are extremely hard to locate. Other guns by him are sometimes signed “JW”. CONDITION: very good overall as reconverted, good smooth iron patina, there are several well blended sm. cracks & inset repairs at lock in forestock. Mechanics need attention, triggers are out of sync, pitted rifled bore. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. John Persing. (01-19560/RG). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,000.

The above post by Loudy was followed by this post:

"Offline Loudy
Sr. Member
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Posts: 267

Re: ALR Museum Gunsmith: J. Wetzel (John or Jonathan), Snyder Co, PA
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2011, 05:34:35 PM »

Below is a link to an article about Lewis Wetzel, a legendary frontiersman and Indian fighter. It appears that Snyder County gunsmith Jonathan Wetzel and Lewis Wetzel were from two branches of the same family tree.

http://www.wvculture.org/history/journal_wvh/wvh50-5.html (note this link is no longer working)

I hope some of you find this information of interest. I also hope this isn't too far off topic.

Mark Loudenslager"

C. Wetzel-20609 notes: Lewis Wetzel (1763-1808), a legendary frontiersman and Indian fighter is probably my 2nd cousin, 4x removed. His grandfather was probably Hans Martin Wetzel-3530, who arrived at Phil'd. in 1731 and lived in Oley, PA. before moving to Virginia. Note that West Virginia was created about 1863.

Jonathan Wetzel-5739 (1801-1881) the grandson of Johann "Jacob" Wetzel (I)-3515 (1718-1785), who arrived at Phil'd. in 1737 and last of Hereford Twp. Berks Co. PA.

It is probable that Hans Martin Wetzel-3530 and Johann "Jacob" Wetzel (I)-3515 were brothers. This relationship is found in the 1911 book by Floyd, (Geneagraphical & Biographical Annals of Northumberland, PA.) and is also excepted by Charles Kerchner-1, Commander, Navy, Retired, of Emmaus, PA. the author of "Descendant charts for some Wetzels of S. E. PA."

The 1918 History of Carbon County, PA. notes that Johannes (1) "John" Wetzel-986 (1777-1856) was an early settler of Packer Twp. Carbon Co. and a member of the famous family of Indian fighters. Johannes (1) "John" Wetzel-986 (1777-1856), my 3rd great grandfather. His son, Valentine "Felton" Wetzel-8146, my 2nd great grandfather.

Also note the 1931 book by C. B. Allman has many errors.