You show a medium grade Stapleton, certainly not anywhere near his best. I showed quite a few Stapleton guns in my book on 4 PA Counties, including Huntingdon. Here is some biographical info. One of ALR membesr is directly related to Stapleton and owns probably a dozen of his guns.
James Stapleton (1833-1900). gunsmith. James worked all his adult life in Todd Twp., Huntingdon County. A number of his rifles are known. 1870, James, 35, gunsmith; Sarah, his wife, 31; William, 6; Minerva, 5; John, 3. Apprentice gunsmith living in household, William S. Chilicote, 20. 1880, James, gunsmith, 46; wife Sarah, 41; William B., gunsmith's apprentice, 16; Minerva, 16; Solomon, 11; John, 13; James M., 7; Hariett, 3; Albert, 1. 1900, James, farmer, born in September 1833; Sarah, born December 1838; married 37 years. James Stapleton was a noted violin player, performing at square dances in the area.
James M. Stapleton (1874- ). 1900-10, Todd Twp., Huntingdon County. By the time James M. was born modern repeating cartridge guns had all but rendered obsolete the earlier cottage industry made long rifles. Thus, he earned his living primarily as a farmer and day laborer, but made and repaired guns as work was available. U.S. Census of 1900, living in his father's household. U.S. Census of 1910, living with his widowed mother, Hariet, 27; and Albert, 24.
Joseph Stapleton. gunsmith. 1850-70, Orbisonia, Huntingdon County.
