BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - WATSON ANCESTORS SNIDER My 4G Grandfather 94-George SNIDER’S father was born in Germany and emigrated to America, settling in Virginia. George was born in 1743 and records show that in 1760, at age 17, he was living near Moorehead, on the South Branch of the Potomac River, in what later became Hardy County, West Virginia. In 1772 he moved to the western part of Virginia (later West Virginia) to what was to become Monongalia County, settled on Dunkard Creek, and was certified to 400 acres of land on 14 April 1780. His land was just southwest of the land settled by 92-George LEMLEY in 1792, but across the Mason Dixon Line. The name of George SNIDER’S wife is unknown at this time. They had at least eight children, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Margaret, 47-Ruhama, who married 46-David Lemley, Dorcus, Rebecca, and Jeremiah. Neighbors John and Rudolph SNIDER who also came from the South Branch of the Potomac River and settled within a few miles, at about the same time, are thought to be George's brothers. Rudolph's daughters Mary and Rebecca married 46-David LEMLEY’S brothers Isaac and Samuel respectively. As a young man John SNIDER was captured by the Indians and held captive for about nine years before being released. Later, Rudolph's nine year old son, Moses, was also captured by the Indians but managed to escape after a short period of time. 94-George's son Jeremiah inherited the family farm upon his fathers death (will of 10 November 1832) and soon thereafter built a brick home for his family. He sold the home and farm on 3 June 1843 for $387.60 and moved to Washington County, Iowa. There he built a 16 x 20 foot log cabin which, in recent years, was moved to Kalona, Iowa where it was restored for historic display. 94-George and his wife are thought to be buried in the cemetery on the family farm although their graves are no longer clearly marked. A field stone inscribed "AS born 3 May 1759 died 27 Aug. 1796" possibly stands for A. SNIDER, who might be George's wife. |