This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: mimcga1 Surnames: Bennett, Castles Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.southcarolina.counties.chester/4091/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Does anyone have any information on a Thomas Bennett who was a gunsmith in Chester County? Information I have found is that he was born in 1812 and died about 1861. A photograph in a book called "Along the Catawba River" Images from the Winthrop University Archives is a full page photograph of an elderly gentleman identified as W.T. Castles of Chester holding a pistol and a rifle made by his grandfather Thomas Bennett. The reason I ask.. we have just completed an inventory of an estate in Greenville County, and in this man's home was an old broken up rifle. I now belongs to my son-in-law, andI have it in my possession, and have begun conservation/restoration of the gun. The barrel is devoid of markings, but has "T. BENNETT" evgraved on it. The rifle appears to be a version of the one being held by the gentleman in the photograph. I would like to talk with someone who can give me any information on Thomas Bennett and maybe who knows something about his work. I realize this is not the forum for this, but I have found through research that there were precious few gunsmiths in South Carolina during that time period 1830-1860, and figured the location of a relic with direct ties to our Chester County Heritage was an interesting situation. Thank anyone who can help, and hello to all my old friends on here! Mike McGarity (former list owner) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.