I have been doing a good deal of research concering one of the founders of my hometown, Pinson AL 20 miles north of Birmingham.
John Hanby from south central Tennessee came through the area in 1813. He was under Col. John Coffee in the 2nd volunteer regiment of mounted riflemen. Family records say he was personally requested by Andrew Jackson on account that he was a fine gunsmith an machinist.
After the Creek War he returned to the area and built a mill and a water powered forge. He was one of the first to forge iron in the state. Local lore states rifles were made also at the forge.
Have any of you heard of Captain John Hanby? Have any seen a mystery JH rifle that could have been made in SW Virginia, Western Carolinas or Tennessee circa 1790-1820?
