 |
|
| JACOB SNIDER, farmer, sec. 26, Austin Tp., was born in Ontario, Can., Feb. 9, 1827, son of Jacob and Rachel (McReady) Snider, natives of New Brunswick, and of German and French ancestry. Soon after their marriage they went to Toronto, Can., and thence to Ontario. Mr. Snider spent his early youth in acquiring his education at a select school in the vicinity where he lived, and assisting on his father's farm. At the age of 27 years he was married to Teakles, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (McReady) Halliday, natives of New Brunswick and of Irish descent. Mrs. Snider was born in the same province, June 6, 1829, and was educated in the common schools of her native town. Mr. and Mrs. Snider established a home on 100 acres of the homestead, where they carried on farming until their removal to Michigan, in the winter of 1864. They lived a few months at Croton, Newaygo Co., coming thence to Austin Tp., where they purchased 80 acres of timbered land, and entered upon the lives of pioneers, beginning with the usual log cabin and small clearing, which gradually assumed larger proportions until broad, fertile fields stretch out where eveything was formerly hidden by intricate forests. To the original tract of land Mr. Snider has added another 80 acres, and now owns an entire quarter section of well improved land. He has recently finished a beautiful residence, at an expenditure of $1,500. All his farm fixtures and appurtenances are of a class to increase value and attractiveness. Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Snider, six are living: Rachel, born July 13, 1863, and died May 28, 1864; Wellesley H., born Sept. 9, 1857; Adaline S., Aug. 21, 1858; Lillie A., Sept. 17, 1860; Jennie R., Jan. 11, 1861; Herbert A., Aug. 19, 1865; Gideon C., Aug. 19, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Snider have been members in full standing of the M. E. Church for 25 years. Mr. Snider is a radical Republican; has been Supervisor of his township two terms, Justice of the Peace four years, Treasurer, etc. His eldest son, W. H. Snider, was married Oct. 18, 1877; his wife died Sept. 1, 1878. |