Tim,
I spoke to Rick Rosenberger, co-author of "The Longrifles of Western Pennsylvania...Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties", at the Longrifle show in Jefferson Co. today. He told me that there weren't any gunsmiths in Butler County in the last half or quarter of the 18th century because Butler County didn't exist then. Butler County was formed from part of Allegheny County on March 12, 1800.
He suggested that the closest you might get would be Thomas Allison, who moved to New Sewickley Twp., Beaver Co. in 1814 (Beaver Co. was also formed from part of Allegheny Co. on March 12, 1800 and adjoins Butler Co.). Allison trained John Fleeger, who grew up in Center Twp., Butler Co., at his shop in Beaver Co.. Fleeger opened shop in Allegheny Co. after his apprenticeship.
Both Allison and Fleeger made beautiful guns, maybe someone here has some pictures they could post for us. If you want a real challange you might build a rifle in the style of Fleeger and include an early Monongahela Valley patchbox. Fleeger was also known for his superb engraving.
Rick's book was published by The University of Pittsburgh Press. He told me it is out of print but you may be able to find it somewhere.
Scott
