Richard Phelps will bring the story of gunmaker Solomon Baker to life during an upcoming meeting of the Adair County genealogical Society.
The meeting will be held on Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. at the Adair Genealogy and History Research Center.
Survival in the early years of settlement on the American continent was dependent upon the ability to protect oneself and family and to successfully hunt for food for the table. The long-rifle, as it became known, was the best and most accurate weapon to do both these vital tasks.
The Long-Hunters were some of the first to penetrate the dense forests of Kentucky Territory of Western Virginia and the long-rifle made the first trek with them. Makers of each unique firearm were prized citizens and much sought after. There were several gun makers in early Kentucky and their handiwork can still be seen in museums and private collections. Baker, of Adair County, was one of those gunmakers.
The meeting is sponsored by the Adair County Genealogical Society and the Adair Genealogy & History Research Center of the Adair County Public Library. For more information, email adairgenealogy@gmail.com or call 270-380-1024.
