I' m glad someone else has recognized the Wyomissing Creek gun and barrel makers. I do not know Mr. Hartman, but be glad to talk with him.
The list he sent in is from a Barry Nelson, a history teacher from a local high school, who inspired his students in 1976 to install pewter signs through-out the area indicating the location of gun makers along the Wyomissing Creek. Although Nelson missed a few gunsmiths the project was unique in recognizing early gunmaking and I know of no others like it. Those signs are now being restored and new ones being placed by the Industries of Wyomising Creek Historical Society of which I am a founder and trustee.
A tour of the signs and the area gives firearm history students a real understanding of gun barrel making from 1750 well into the late 19th century - the terrain, the water power needed etc. and I suggest anyone try to make the tour. The nearest town is Mohnton - a town out of a time warp, I was born there and my GG grandfather was barrel maker Cyrus Hornberger. He was trained by his Mother's brother, Henry Deeds - another prolific gunmaker. Deeds other sister married a Worley, another gunmaker on the Creek. Cyrus' best friend and co-hort was William Pannebecker who lived in his house. The point here is the amazing interplay between gunmaking familes, that we often overlook. I dont know of any other town or creek that housed as many gun barrel factories (27) than the Wyomising Creek, outside of Reading.
Incidentaly, 3 out of the 4-5 Wolfgang Haga rifles in my exhibit in Reading in 2009 had barrels made by William Pannebecker I on the Wyomissing creek, which gives even more evidence of early gunsmirths NOT making their own barrels.
