Barrel from the 1700s sees new life thanks to a father, his son, and a gunsmith | Mcinturf Flintlock

Today we have a submitted story to share about a father, son and a gunsmith who are bringing new life to an old barrel as well as recognition to a long-lost name.

Israel McInturff was born in Shenandoah County Virginia around the beginning of the Revolutionary War. He was the son of Christopher (1753-1814) and Christina McInturff (c1753-?). The McInturffs had lived in the Shenandoah Valley for a number of years, settling in the area that was known as Powell’s Fort Valley.

By 1796 Israel and his family were living in Carter Co., TN. Israel is listed on the tax lists for Carter County, TN in 1796, 98, and 99 and is shown as owning 60 acres of land there at that time. In 5 Jan 1814 when Israel was 38 years old, he enlisted in the army and served in the War of 1812. (This was to be an important year for the young man for his father died the same year) Israel was in Capt. Adam Winsells' Company of East Tennessee under the command of Col. Ewel Allison.

Israel’s company trekked to Alabama where they fought against the Creek Indians. While on this campaign, he contracted a fever in Alabama and was plagued afterward with rheumatism. These afflictions caused him to be discharged 26 May 1814. He had served for four months and 22 days. When Israel returned from the war, he took up a new occupation. Most colonial farmers were jacks-of-all-trades and many were skilled as blacksmiths. Rather than repairing farm implements, however, Israel---either before or after the war—chose to use his blacksmithing skills to help him in the craft of gunsmithing. He became a gun maker, and the 1820 Carter "Census of Manufacturers" listed Isreal [sic] McInturff as involved in “Rifle Gun Manufactory [sic] on Buffaloe [sic] Creek.”

According to this report, Israel’s business seems to have been successful. The manufacturers’ census notes a number of details about the operation. For example, Israel had four employees whom he paid a total of $480 (probably $120 each) annually. Each year he used an estimated ton of bar iron and 2000 bushes of coal. His equipment was all working and in good order. It included one water wheel, one grindstone and boring machine, two anvils and vices, two bellows, and two sledgehammers. Israel claimed $600 capital invested and $20 contigent [sic] expenses.

The product manufactured was listed as “rifle gun barrels” and the annual market value of products produced was $1500. Under general remarks about the business itself and demand and sale of its products the census taker commented: “flourishing condition, demand great, and sale very ready.” Israel’s life spanned three major wars in American History. He was born near the beginning of the Revolution; he fought in the War of 1812, and he died near the beginning of the Civil War.