Ohio Gunsmiths C. and E. Sonnedecker or Sonnadecker

[HISTD]

In Seller's American Gunsmiths book these smiths are noted, with a mention of 11/1954 Muzzleblast article. Does anyone have information available or a picture?  These smiths would be a relative of mine. I am new to ALR.

[8905c]

HISTD -

In the book Gunsmiths Of Ohio, there is an Ephraim Sonnadecker listed in Springfield Twp., Mahoning County, Ohio
His DOB is listed as 1832.
No additional information is provided.
8905c

[smokinbuck]

Histd,
I have listings for both C & E Sonnedecker in Columbiana County. Columbiana County is on the Pennsylvania boarder. C. Sonnedecker, Salem, Ohio. No birth or death dates but was active between 1865-1875. E. (Ephraim) Sonnedecker, Perry Township, 1831-1897. Ephraim was born in Pennsylvania, lived in Perry Township and Canfield, Ohio Mahoning County.He was a musician in the CoI, 178thOhio Volunter Infantry from August 1864 to June 1865. He was also a machinist. He died in Cleveland, Ohio in March 1897 and is buried in the WoodlandCemetary in Cleveland.

Hope this helps you some.
Mark

[HISTD]

Thanks for the information, my family history has not so far yielded much information on these men.  I am looking into it and I will try to post what I find.  It would be great to see an example or photo of their work.  Thanks again for the information.

[smokinbuck]

Histd,
There is a picture of a very nice full stock by Ephraim Sonnedecker on page 135, volume 1 of our books "Ohio Gunsmiths and Allied Tradesmen". I don't know how to scan it into my computer but will try to copy it. If you send me your address I will forward it to you.
Mark

[Jim Kibler]

Histd,

I thought I had a newspaper article on the Sonnedecker gunsmiths.  Just looked for it but couldn't find it.  You may find it beneficial to contact the Historical Society in Salem, Ohio.  They will likely be able to provide some information.  Also, I'm sure the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio has a couple of Sonnedecker guns.  You may want to contact them to see if they could provide any photographs.  If you don't have any luck, let me know and I will try to get some pictures next time I'm up there.

-Jim

[Tanselman]

You may also want to Google the Association of Ohio Long Rifle Collectors, since they have a nice site, and scan through the many past articles posted from their newsletter. There may well be an illustrated article or two on Ohio Sonnedecker gunmakers.  Shelby Gallien

[HISTD]

Again, thanks to all of you for the information.  I am following up on it and will post results. Are any of you interested in the family history type information?

[HISTD]

I have purchased the Ohio Gunsmiths..... book. Great picture of a nice rifle. I have downloaded the Ohio Longrifle Collectors article. Progress is being made. Still have not found much family history information but this is not well organized so I have not yet given up.  Log Cabin Shop says they do not have rifles by this maker, so I am not sure what gives there.  If anyone has knowledge of a Sonnedecker built rifle being for sale I would certainly appreciate it. My wife is supporting this effort so most roadblocks have been removed.  Thanks again for the help.

[HISTD]

As promised, here is the apparent connection of Ephriam Sonnedecker to me.

Note that in this research the spelling of Sonnedecker and Sonedecker appear  to be interchangable, not supprising with a 4 syllable name.

My Great Great Grandfather Josephus Sonnedecker was Ephriam's brother. To date I have not confirmed that Ephriam had any children. I have uncovered several groups of relatives I did not know I had, a number in Ohio where Ephriam worked.  I have also found information that Ephriam worked for a gunsmith in Pennsylvania named Baird, more to come on that.

Thanks again to all who have commented, any additional help would be appreciate.

[Ben Gorey]

C. Sonnedecker, 1860-1870., Salem, Ohio made halfstock rifles. Name and place usually stampedon barrel. Target rifles usually had two cheek pieces and nice inlays on both sides of stock. Stocks finished with very dark varnish.  Source: T.W.Pike, Muzzle Blasts, Nov. 1954.

[HISTD]

For all who helped with this, a recent update.  Due to my joining the Ohio Longrifle Collectors I am in the process of purchasing an E. Sonnedecker rifle.
When I have the rifle in hand I will provide details. Thanks to all of you who provided information.  It is a good feeling to know that this rifle will be back in the family hopefully for a very long time.