Looking for information on Matt Ownby

[1773]

 Louis Madison "Matt" Ownby was a blacksmith, rifle builder, craftsman in the Sevier County, TN area in the early 1900s. He was born in 1884 and died in 1957 He was still building percussion rifles at that time as they were still in use in that area.  I am looking for any information that anyone might have on him.  I would particularly be interested in any of his rifles.  Thanks in advance

[T.C.Albert]

I believe Matt Ownby is featured in the Park Service book Rifle making in the Great Smokies?
http://npshistory.com/series/popular/13.pdf

He is also mentioned in the rifle making section of this one
http://npshistory.com/handbooks/historical/grsm/handbook-1978.pdf
Tim A

[1773]

Thanks

[1773]

Just wanted to bump this back up so maybe someone who had some more information could help me out, thanks again to T.C.Albert for the information.  I would really like to find one of Matt Ownby's rifles if anyone knows of one. I have spoken to several family members but that has been a dead in as to a rifle to view.  Thanks again

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  ... Best wishes on your search, 1773,... !! .. when I lived in Sevier Co.,(Jones Cove area), I searched for info on Matt Ownby,..couldn't find out anything,... however did find some info on uncle Tim Quilliams, a gunmaker who lived in the  Sugarlands area before the park moved everyone out,... have only seen one rifle attributed to him,. but met folks who knew him, and had stories to tell,... keep us informed of anything discovered,.. regards,... Cades Cove Fiddler   

[1773]

Thanks Cade Cove Fiddler

[T.C.Albert]

https://openparksnetwork.org/search-results/?k=subjecttopic%3A%22gunsmiths%22

Not much but Mr. Ownsby is mentioned with the image of rifling machine "spiral blanks" at the link above.
A few other old time Smoky Mt. gunsmiths get mentions here as well along with images, though poor quality, of a few mountain guns, bags and horns etc. May be worth a look.
TC Albert

[T.C.Albert]

http://npshistory.com/handbooks/historical/grsm/handbook-1978.pdf

This book is an oldie but a goodie. I didn't know it was digitized but was glad to see it is. (click link above)

There is a little about Matt Ownby but its the standard gun making reference. (page 57/58)
There is however mention and image of Aunt Celia Ownby,(page 108) Jackson Ownby,(page 90)
and a photo of the Tilman Ownby family (page 179) in case you were interested in them too?

All told if someone is interested in southern mountain life and hasn't seen this publication I think they will really enjoy it.
 
TC Albert

[1773]

Thanks again T.C. Albert