Stapleton operated during a period when percussion firearms dominated, roughly from the 1830s onward, as the flintlock era had largely given way to the more reliable percussion cap system by the time he was active. Born around 1833 (though some sources suggest 1836), he lived until 1900, placing his career squarely in the mid-19th century, with his most productive years likely spanning the 1850s to 1870s. His workshop was in Beavertown, Huntingdon County, where he crafted rifles that have since become valued by collectors for their regional style and quality.
His rifles often featured components from other specialized craftsmen, a common practice in the era’s decentralized gunmaking trade. For instance, surviving examples of his work, like an over/under double-barrel percussion rifle, bear locks marked "Joseph Golcher," a well-known Philadelphia lockmaker. This rifle, with 36-inch octagonal barrels and hand-engraved markings such as “J. STAPLETON” on the upper barrel, showcases his skill in assembling and finishing firearms. The locks, adorned with hunting scenes (e.g., a man pursuing birds), and the rifle’s brass patch box with floral engravings, reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the time—functional yet decorative.
Stapleton’s output included both utilitarian and finely crafted pieces, such as Pennsylvania long rifles and double-barrel shotguns, often with set triggers for improved accuracy. His work aligns with the Huntingdon County long rifle tradition, which emphasized sturdy, practical designs suited for frontier life, though some pieces display artistic flourishes like engraved borders and cheekpiece inserts. Historical records suggest he produced 6–8 rifles displayed at a 2010 Huntingdon County Historical Society event, indicating a modest but respected local reputation.
Little is known about his personal life beyond his craft. He’s believed to have been part of a broader Stapleton family network in the area, with descendants and relatives maintaining interest in his legacy—some even acquiring his rifles decades later. Tax records and census data are sparse, but his presence in Beavertown and Todd Township is confirmed through local historical accounts and surviving firearms. Unlike larger-scale manufacturers, Stapleton was a small-shop artisan, likely working alone or with minimal assistance, typical of rural gunsmiths in the post-Civil War era.
By the late 19th century, as industrial firearm production (e.g., by Winchester and Remington) overtook handmade rifles, Stapleton’s trade would have faced decline. His death in 1900 marks the end of his active career, though his rifles endure as artifacts of a fading craft. Today, collectors and historians value his work for its regional character and as a tangible link to Pennsylvania’s gunsmithing heritage.
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Picture: Huntingdon County long rifle collector and enthusiast Denny Donharl posed with his collection of long rifles created by Huntingdon County gunsmith James Stapleton who is a distant relative of Donharl. Donharl organized the first-ever Rifle Association Huntingdon County long rifle display. Full Article
