Guns Made in Greencastle
A Pistol and a Long Rifle made by Joshua Yous
are on display in the Museum Barn.
JOSHUA YOUS
Joshua Yous was born in 1827 and died in 1905. For many years he was a successful merchant in Greencastle, PA. He was born and reared in Franklin County, was married first to Mary Eby, they had four children. His second wife was Rebecca Fisher. They also had four Children.
He was a man of great mechanical genius and the inventor of several small articles. An active churchman and chief burgess for a number of years for Greencastle. His eldest daughter, Dr. Clara S. Eirely, was born in 1867. She was the first woman who ever attempted to practice medicine in Washington County, Maryland. She was married to Dr. Elmer E. Eirely of Hagerstown, Maryland.
Joshus Yous is first listed in the tax assessments of Antrim Township, Franklin County the year of 1850 as a laborer. The first year listed as a gunsmith is 1854. Keeping this listing until 1860. By 1860. By 1862 he is called a machinest. For several years he continued his mechanical bent, apparently with success, for in the next decade he built the first three story brick business house in Greencastle
.
Mechanically, Yous's work was good. Artistically it was sadly wanting. He patterned his productions after J. H. Johnston or S. Shillito, perhaps he worked under either. His name was usually stamped on the barrel.
The 1902 Directory for Greencastle lists J. YOUS General Store on South Carlisle Street.
His residence was listed as the same.
another reference ...
Joshua Yous (1827-1905). Joshua Yous was a late gunsmith working between 1850 and 1862 in Antrim Twp. , Franklin Co. In 1902 Yous was a merchant in Greencastle. He was twice married, first to Mary Eby; and then to Rebecca Fisher. His work is better than that of many other late gunsmiths.
