"American gun makers including Supplement of American gun makers" , shows the following for the name Sowers:
" SOWERS”” Philadelphia, Pa. Flintlock Kentucky rifle (lock only?).
A percussion lock marked "SOWERS" on a Wm. Bodenheimer
rifle is reported.
SOWERS & SMITH”” Philadelphia, Pa. Percussion lock marked
"SOWERS & SMITH," on a full maple stock rifle by Diesinger,
Philadelphia. "
For Nelson the same source says:
"NELSON & CO,”” Unlocated.
NELSON, Francis ”” Advertised for sale "gun stocks well seasoned
by the large or small quantity," at his place of business opposite
the Bull's Head (tavern), Strawberry Alley, Philadelphia. Ad-
vertisement in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, Aug. 31, 1776.
NELSON, Owen O.”” See Dickson, Nelson Co.
NELSON, Roger”” Medina-Town, Ohio, 1825.
NELSON, Roger”” Medina, Ohio, 1858-60. (Same, or related to Roger
Nelson above?) "
The "See Dickson, Nelson Co." refers to a Confederate gun company.
"The firm consisted of Owen O. Nelson,
Tuscumbia, Ala., attorney, then Judge for Court of Common
Pleas; William Dickson, planter and extensive land owner in
Tennessee Valley, Ala., and Dr. Lewis Sadler of Leighton, Ala.,
an elderly physician who furnished considerable financial aid."