Samuel Hawken was born on this day. He and his brother Jacob built the famous Hawken rifle in St. Louis. It was the favorite of Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett, Kit Carson, John Fremont, Jim Bridger and many others.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.