Nathaniel Killbuck | Connecting with the past, Market Hunters, and Historically Accurate Equipment
Nathan has been involved in muzzleloading since he was a young boy hunting the Pennsylvania woods with his father and grandfather, but it wasn’t until he was older that a deep connection with the land and history was made. As a young man and father, Nathan sees his now 10-year-old blog and magazine articles as a way to give back and share the knowledge he has found in books and first-hand accounts with the rest of the community. This passion to see muzzleloading continue is seen at his home as well, where a custom flintlock rests for each of his children so that they too may return to the woods.
Nathan’s primary interest in muzzleloading started with hunting but has expanded over the years to focus on the market hunters and the equipment they used when operating out of Fort Pitt. When setting out in the woods to hunt, Nathan does his best to recreate the feelings of those men and women who set out into the unknown frontier some 200 years ago. By reading first-hand accounts and visiting original pieces in museums and collections, Nathan strives not only to bring a deer home to fill the freezer but to understand how and why the equipment was used and carried. For some, this may seem extreme, but it’s nice to hear in Nathan’s own words that he holds no ill will for those who do things differently. Historic accuracy at this level isn’t for everyone and what is most important is that people are out enjoying their muzzleloaders.
The Buffalo Trace 1765 blog has been a great resource for me, it was truly the catalyst for this conversation. As time and money have allowed in recent years, I’ve been trying to assemble my own historically relevant and accurate equipment. With 200 years of updates and many more in recent years, it’s hard to wade through the options. Nathan’s blog along with its wonderful citations to original stories have helped me understand not only what was carried but who carried it and why. As he connects the original writing with the contemporary expeditions you can feel a special connection to history.
It might not be for everyone, but if hiking through the rain and mud in damp moccasins while your coffee and rice get jumbled together in an 18th-century pack sound like a good time, you’ll love Nathan’s writings.
Necessary, Accurate Items for your kit
Small Kettle
Wool Blanket
Fire Kit
Folding Pocket Knife
Hand Vise
Awl
Stitching Kit
Compass
Here is my beginner gear that Nathan and I discuss. I’ve been updating this all summer and hope to share an improved image soon.
First hand accounts mentioned in this conversation
John Turner
Godridge
J.D Smithe
James Smith “Scoouwah”
Nicholas Cresswell/ John Anderson
Casper Mansker
Mishall Browning “Bear Hunt”
Longhunter journals from Harman to Bethabra
Trubeau’s Narrative
Daniel Book
Books
Frontier Rifleman by Richard McCross
Allen Eckert’s Books
Obus of the backcountry by Redding
Westward to Kentucky, Trubeau’s narrative
Frontier Memories by Dale Pings, Oral Histories