"Find Mathias Snook and Bring His Body to Us!"
New Jersey Archives, Series I, Volume 5. Extracts from newspapers. Pages 571-572.
“To be sold at Public Vendue, at the Court-House in Sussex County, on Tuesday the 26th of November next [1766].
“A tract of Land lying in the Township of New-town, in the County of Sussex, and Province of New-Jersey, on the head Branch of Pawlins Kill, and divided into the following Lots of Farms, viz. [namely]:
“No. 1 168 Acres, in Possession of Mathas Snook
No. 2 209 John Loder
No. 3 143 Not tenanted
[No listing for Lot No. 4]
No. 5 250 Daniel & Colin M’Kennie
No. 6 173 Leonard Weidner
No. 7 140 Elisha Robins
No. 8 157 Elisha Robins
No. 9 144 Benjamin Brewer
No. 10 152 Nicholas Yost
No. 11 211 Peter Cass
[No listing for Lot No. 12]
[Total listing of 1,747 acres of land, or about 2-3/4 square miles. With Lots 4 and 12 added in, the tract would have exceeded 3 square miles.]
“This Tract of Land lies about Six Miles from Sussex Court House, and five from Andover Iron Works, which is a good Market for all Kinds of Country Produce; and the great Road to Goshen runs thro- it: It is exceeding well water’d by Springs and Brooks; well accommodated with Meadow Land, and fine Swamps, and a sufficient Quantity of Wheat Land, level and clear of Stones, and as good in quality as any upland in Sussex County. One Sixth part of the Purchase Money to be paid on the 1st Day of May, 1766. One sixth on the first Day of November, 1766. One sixth on the first Day of May, 1767, all without Interest; and the remaining Three-sixths secured by a Mortgage, or other satisfactory Security, may be paid as may suit the Conveniency of the purchaser. The Lands will be shewn by Elisha Robins, living on the Premises, or Robert Allen; Living at Pepack, in Somerset County. And any Person choosing to Purchase at private Sale, may apply to said Robert Allen, who has a Power to agree for the same. The Title is indisputable, and good and sufficient Deeds will be given to the Purchasers, by JAMES PARKER.”
[James Parker owned the deeds and titles to the entire tract of land. The lands were shown to prospective buyers by Elisha Robins, tenant of sections 7 and 8. Robert Allen of Pepack, Somerset County, acted as land agent. Section 1, comprised of 168 acres, was listed as “in possession of” Mathias Snook. Section 11, comprised of 211 acres, was listed as “ditto” Peter Cass.].
Mathias Snook - Servant to Soldier
"March 4th 1776. Capt. Saml. Cabell, Lieut. Alexander
Rose [son of Col. John Rose], Lieut. Ben Taliaferro [son
of Zacharias Taliaferro], and Ensign James Barnett pur-
chased Matthew Snooks, a servant of Gabriel Penn for a
fifer, for whom they gave £20 — and Mr. Penn is to give
up his indenture to them. They enter him in the service
and receive his wages among them. I paid £5 for Saml.
J. Cabell ; £5 for Alexr. Rose, and £5 for Ben. Taliaferro,
which they are to repay me — and James Barnett paid £5."
(Col. William Cabell's Diary.)
As Snooks was afterwards appointed fife-major of the 6th
Virginia Regiment, and his wages amounted to about £30
Last Will and Testament of Matthias Snook
In the name of God, Amen. I, Matthias Snook of Alleghany county and State of Maryland, Blacksmith, being vary sick and weak in body but in sound mind and perfect memory, thanks be to God, calling into mind the mortality of body knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye—do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say, principally and first of all commend my soul into the hand of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian order in burial at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the _____ Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching(?) my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give Demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form—
Give and bequeath to Dearly beloved wife Barbara Snook all and singular with my beloved two friends Samuel Elliot and Joseph Warnock who I appoint my Executors to settle my worldly estate whom I do ordain and constitute my Executors together in this my last will, and singular all my land and tenements to remain in my beloved wife’s hand as long as she shall remain my widow and be equally divided between my beloved children and my executors to disallow all former testaments and wills (sequences?) by me in any manner made and done. I bequeath that my old son John Snook have the Gray colt and heifer which he calls his and also to my Son Jamey a black colt two years old past, and all and singular my goods and chattels to remain in my wife’s hands during the same above mentioned.
In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 30th day of November 1790—signed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Matthias Snook as his last will and testament in the presence of who are present—and in the presence of each other the (hearments?) subscribed in our names.
[Witnessed by ]
Samuel BarrettSigned by Matthias Snook (his mark)
Samuel Ellit (Elliot)
Joseph Warnock
Maryland, Allegany County, 29th December 1790, When came Samuel Elliot, on of the Executors mentioned in the foregoing will, as made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, the foregoing Testament of writing is the true and whole will and testament of Matthias Snook, late of Allegany County, Dec., that hath come to his hands in possession, and that he doth not know of any other.
Test---Wm. McMahon, Register
Maryland, Allegany County
29th Dec. 1790
When came Samuel Barrett, Samuel Elliot and Joseph Warnock, the three subscribed witnesses to the above will, and severally made oaths on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they did see the Testator therein named sign and seal the aforesaid will and that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament; that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding and that they respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to the said will in the presence and at the request of the Testator and in the presence of each other.
Test. Wm. McMahon, Register
Allegany County August 12, 1793
The first account of Barbara Snuke, Joseph Warnock, and Samuel Elliog, Executors of the last will and testament of Mathias Snuke, Late of Allegany County, deceased…………….
These accountants charge themselves with an inventory and list of debts separate of the deceased’s property amounting to 170 pounds, 12 shillings and 5 pence and they crave and allowance for the following payments and disbursements:
Current money paid Adam Rhoads on the note proved 11 pounds, ten shillings.
Current money paid Joseph Warnock on a note proved
And interest thereon accounting to 11 pounds 6 shillings and 7 pence.
Currant money paid John Pethson a note regularly proved 4 pounds, 2 shillings, 6 pence
Current money paid Joseph Tomlinson on a note regularly proved and receipt thereon 10 pounds, 0 shillings and 6 pence
Current money paid John Neff on a proven amt. 10 pounds, 12 shillings and 6 pence
Current money paid John VanBuskirk on a proven amt. 10 pounds, ten shillings
Current money paid William Dawson on a proven amt. 2 pounds, 7 shillings and 6 pence
Current money paid Jacob Creager on a proven amt. 2 pounds, 11 shillings and 92 pence
Current money paid Michael Beam on a proven amt 4 pounds, 10 shillings
Current money paid John Nepton on a proved amt 1 pound, 2 shillings, 3 pence
Current money paid Mathias Terrel on a proven amt. 3 pounds, 3 shillings, and 6 pence
Current money paid Daniel Beckoner on a proved amt. 3 pounds, 10 shillings, and 6 pence
Current money paid Solomon Monroe on a proved amt 3 pounds, 0 shillings, and 9 pence.
Current money paid John Montgomery on a proved amt. 3 pounds, 4 shillings
Current money paid George Fidler on a proved amt. 20 pounds
Current money paid Jacob Coonce on a proved amt. 12 pounds
Current money paid Alexander Moore on a proved amt 1 pound, 1 shilling, 5 pence
Current money paid Matthew Ball on an amt proved 2 pounds, 19 shillings, 3 pence
Current money paid Abraham Hoffman on amt 2 pounds, 16 shillings
Current money paid Mary Price on an amt. 2 pounds, 12 shillings
Current money paid Joseph Warnock on a proved amt 2 pounds, 16 shillings
Current money paid William Harcourt on a proved amt 2 pounds, 16 shillings
Current money paid to the Treasury for Land Receipts (?) 30 pounds
Current money paid Register fees on Administration 2 pounds, 1 shilling, 72 pence
Commission on said payments 122 pounds, 10 shillings, (writing is small and looks like the writer is adding up previous numbers to come up with commission amount. )12 pounds, 5 shillings, 11 pence (this seems like it could be a 10% commission)
Balance due said Estate35 pounds, 7 shillings, 4 pence
Allegany County to wit August 12, 1793
Then came Barbara Snuke and Joseph Warnock, Executors of the Last Will and Testament of Mathias Snuke, late of said County, deceased and made oath that the aforegoing is a true account as stated and that they have Bona fide paid or secured to be paid the particular sums for which they crave an allowance. Sworn before me Register for said County.
Signed,
William McMahon
Matthias Snook
The will of Matthias Snook, written 30Nov1790, probated in Allegany Co. 29Dec1790 (Liber A.,p.1; Note: record at MD Hall of Records, Annapolis, WK 871 is abstracted as follows: (spelling as it appears in the original)
...Give and bequeath to dearly beloved wife Barboah Snook all and singular with my beloved two friegs (friends) Samel Elitte and Joseph Woruok I appoint executors...and singler all my said and tenements to remain in my beloved wife's hand as long as she remains my widow and be equally divided between my beloved children... I bequeath that my oldest son John Snook have the gray colt and heffer which he calls his and also to my same, Jamey, a black colt, 2 years old past and all and singular my goods and chattles to remain in my wife's hands during the same above mentioned ...Witnesses: Samuel Banett, Samuel Ellit and Joseph Wanrock.
Although only one son is named in the above will, several land patents for the land of Matthias, name the rest of his children: (Patents of MD; 1803, Liber IC#Q, folio 173; at Maryland Hall of Records.
"The following are entitled to one child's part of the real estate of Matthias Snook, consisting of Lots # 3742, 3743, 3744 lying in Allegany Co., payment for them having been received from Matthias who was a settler westward of Fort Cumberland:"
(a) George Whetzel and wife Elizabeth, of Allegany Co., MD.
(b) William Snook, of Allegany Co., MD.
(c) John Snook, formerly of Allegany Co., MD, now of Fayette Co., PA.
(d) Peter Youst and wife Margaret, of Monongahala Co., VA.
(e) Henry Myer and wife Julia, of Allegany Co., MD.
(f) Jonathan Anderson and wife Catherine, formerly of Allegany Co., MD, now of the State of Kentucky.
All of the above sold their share of Matthias' land to Conrad Corbus for 20 pounds each. The patents read as follows:
...that there were laid out and surveyed pursuant to the Resolution of the General Assembly, posted at the April session 1787, amongst the lots westward of Ft. Cumberland, the following, lying in the county aforesaid and contiguous to each other, viz. #3742, 3743, 3744 each containing 50 acres.
That the commissioners appoint, in virtue of an Act of
Assembly, passed at Nov. session 1788, allotted and awarded the said lots to Matthias Snook as settler on and entitled to a preference in the purchase of the same. That the said Snook departed this life, leaving Catherine, intermarried with Jonathan Anderson; John Snook; Anna, intermarried with Conrad Corbus; Margaret, intermarried with Peter Youst; Elizabeth, intermarried with George Whetzell; William Snook; and Julia, intermarried with Henry Myer, his only children and by his will, duly made, devised that all his lands should remain in his wife Barbary Snook's hands as long as she should remain his widow and be equally divided between his children.
...Corbus petitions the court to grant him the patent.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Allegany Co., MD has supplied the following marriages from his records. (Note: According to him, they are the only Snook marriages recorded in Allegany Co. to 1900, however, I'm sure he did not consider other possible spellings of the name Snook).
(1) Ann Snook & John Hixenbaugh 8Jan1794
(2) John Snook & Nancy Ayers 14Apr1794
(3) Julia Snook & Henry Meyers 17Nov1801
(4) Jacob Snook & Mary Stonecifer 1Septl803
Other than Julia, the marriage of John Snook may refer to the son of Matthias named above. The other marriages may be those of Snooks, who are members of the two Snook families of Frederick Co., MD (progenitors being Henry Snook of this book and John Snoke given in another publication by this author) who married on their way west.
Census records for Matthias' family are the following and are given for future reference:
1800 (Allegany Co., MD)
Georges Creek
p.27 Conrad Corbus: males: 1 26<45; females: 2 <10; 1 16<26.
p.31 Barbara Snooke: females: 1 16<26; 1 >45.
John Hixenbaugh: males: 1 <10; 1 10<15; 1 26<45;
females: 2 <10;1 16<25; 1 26<45. (Barbara Snook is
listed 12 names after John, however, Anna not
listed as Matthias' child in above documents).
p.33 Geo. Whitzele: males: 1 26<45; females: 3 <10; 1 26<45.
Upper Town
p.37 Henry Myers: males: 1 <10; 1 >45; females: 1 10<16;
1 >45.
1810 (Allegany Co., MD; entire county searched)
Dist.#3,p.21
William Snook: males: 1 <10; 1 26<45; females: 3 <10;
1 16<26.
1810 (Monongalia Co., VA)
p.39 Peter Yost: males: 3 <10; 1 10<16; 1 26<45; females:
3 <10; 1 10<16; 1 26<45.
1810 No John Snook found in Fayette Co., PA; two in Northumberland Co. but probably belong to the central Pennsylvania Snook/Snoke families and not Matthias' child.
1810 Grayson Co., KY
Jonathan Anderson: males: 1 <10; 1 10<15; 1 >45; females:
3 <10; 1 10<15; 1 16<25; 1 >45.
1820 (Allegany Co., MD, Election Dist.#1)
George Wetzell: males: 1 <10; 2 10<16; 1 16<18; 1 16<26;
2 >45; females: 3 <10; 2 16<26; 1 >45.
Conrad Corbus: males: 1 <10; 1 >45; females: 1 <10;
1 16<26; 2 >45.
1830 (Allegany Co., MD)
p.18 George Whitzer (no Whitzels; listing is from Accelerated Index listing; not found on p.18 of original census page using Ancestry.com).
p.30 Henry Myer: males: 1 5<10; 1 10<15; 1 15<20; 1 50<60;
females: 1 <5; 1 15<20; 1 20<30; 1 30<40; 1 40<50.
p.31 Conrad Corbus: males: 1 10<15; 1 50<60; females:
2 15<20; 1 50<60.
One other record pertaining to Matthias Snook was found in Washington Co., MD. (Bill of Sale, Liber E,p.793) The Bill of Sale was recorded 27May1788 between Matthias Snuke and James Johnson for 5 pounds 5 shillings for a stock of black cattle.
Additional information obtained since publication of the above in “History and Genealogy of the Snook Families of Frederick Co., Maryland”—1980 is the following:
From "Snook Newsletter" (Vol. 8, #1; Feb. 1991) by Betty Welliver (no longer published):
p.1
"...Venita Foster (7906 Oak Knoll Ln., Palos Heights, IL 60463) Snook ancestor is Catherine (Katie) Snuiche/Snook whom she was told was of Dutch-English parentage, coming to this country ca.1773, landing in New York. In 1774, she married John Youst/Yost in Elizabeth, NJ. They lived in Trenton, NJ, while John served with the Continental Army, then lived in Cumberland, Allegany Co.,
MD, where all but one of their children were born. About 1790, they settled on Indian Creek, Monongalia Co., VA (now WV). Among there several children was Peter (Yost) born ca 1778, who married 28Jan1800 Mary Snook in Monongalia, indicating other Snooks were present."
p.2
"...letter sent to me (B. Welliver) in 1985 by Lloyd Ambrose, 31 Summit Rd., Greene, RI 02827 (Note: no longer alive), I found the name of Eleanor F. Carter, 1700 Ritchie Ave., Fairmont, WV, who is also researching this particular family line (Matthias Snook). In a copy of her
letter to Lloyd she states she is searching for info on the Snook family. "Peter Yost born ca 1778, New Jersey, married Margaret Snook born ca 1778, New Jersey. They were married 28Jan1800 in Monongalia Co., WV. Peter had a brother William Yost born in Cumberland, MD, ca 1783. His parents came to Monongalia Co., WV, after William's birth. Peter and William were sons of John and Catherine Snook Yost.
John Yost came from Bavaria, Germany, and Catherine Snook came from Holland and English descent. She was a women well remembered as being a fine Scholar, well read both in English and German, arriving here about 1773. They met and married at Elizabeth, NJ, lived in Trenton, NJ during the Revolutionary War, where he served in the Continental Army 7 years. We don't know if Catherine and Margaret Snook were related or who their parents were. Would appreciate any info you could give me on these Snooks or where I could find info on them".
This was signed Eleanor Yost Carter
"Snook Newsletter" (Vol. 12, #2, April 1995):
"Another letter recently received from Charles W. Glover, 5732 Newlin Ave., Whittier, CA 90601, who wrote Sniuche was one of his family lines...Seeking information on the family of Margaret 'Mary' Sniuche, married 28Jan1800 to Peter Youst, b.1778 near Cumberland, MD. Her parents were Matthias Sniuche and wife Barbara, believed to reside in Allegany Co., MD."
Conclusions:
Matthias must be considered contemporary with Henry Snook (SN) and John Snuke (S). From the above it appears that Matthias Snuich/Snook came to this country shortly before the Revolutionary War and possible was of Dutch/English ancestry. He probably served in the Revolution and received land for his services in Allegany Co. and is not related to either Henry Snook (SN) or John Snoke (S) of Frederick Co., MD. It is possible that DNA testing of a male Snook descendant of this family might further confirm these postulates.
Mystery Frederick Maryland Document Containing the names John Snook & John Kanoff
LDS Family History Library Film 13,957
Frederick County, Maryland WR 16 Folio 69
Joseph Biggs, Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Fursrey, Conrad Dudro?, William Biggs, Henry Groff, David Stoner 1797; Transcribed Oct 2001 by Jana Stokes
Examed Deld ____ Biggs November 19th 1798
At the request of Yost Cover and others the following deed of Trust was recorded the 4th day of December 1797 to wit.
This Indenture made this sixteenth day of October in the year of seventeen hundred and ninety seven. Between Joseph Biggs of Frederick County of the one part and Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Fursrey, Conrad Dedro?, William Biggs, Henry Groff and David Stoner all of county aforesaid of the other part witnefseth that the said Joseph Biggs for and in consideration of the sum of twenty dollars current money to him in hand paid by the said Yost Cover Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Furrey, Conrad Dudro, William Biggs, Henry Groff and David Slover? At and before the ensealing and delivery of these present the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself to be there with fully satisfied and paid Hath given granted bargained sold and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell and confirm unto the said Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snock, Abrahm Furney, Conrad Duddro, William Biggs, Henry Goff and david Sloner their heirs and afsigns. All that part of a tract of Land called Trura situate in Frederick county Beginning at the end of the Eleventh line of said Tract at a stone marked XXX running thence South sixty eight degrees west fourteen perches then south forty eight degrees East fourteen perches then North seventy three degrees East ten perches or till it intersects the aforesaid eleventh line of Trura then with the said line to the Beginnng containing one acre and five perches of Land with the appertenances and advantages there unto belonging and all the the Estate right title and interest of him the said Joseph Biggs at law or in equity of in and to the same To have and to hold the same to the said Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Furarey?, Conrad Dudro, William Biggs, Henry Groff and David Stoner their heirs and afsigns to the only proper use benefit and behoof of the said Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John ?noff, Abraham ______, Conrad Deidro, William Biggs, Henry Groff and David Sloner their heirs and afsigns forever. And the said Joseph Biggs Doth for himself his heirs Executors and administrators hereby covenant and agree with the said Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Forney, Conrad Dudro, William Biggs, Henry Groff, and David Stoner their heirs and afsigns that he the said Joseph Biggs will whenever thereto required make and execute any other deed or conveyance for the more effectually selling and conveying the property above described to him the said Yost Cover, Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Furney, Conrad Dudro, William Biggs, Henry Goff, and David Stoner their heirs and afsigns forever In witnefs whereof the said Joseph Biggs hath set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written.
Joseph Biggs {seal}
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of John Rgs Key
Which was thus Endorsed to wit
On the day of the date above Received of Yost Cover Benjamin Biggs, Jacob Biggs, John Knoff, John Need, John Snook, Abraham Fourey, Conrad Dudro, William Biggs, Henry Groff and David Sloner twenty dollars the consideration of the above to be paid to me.
Joseph Biggs
Witnefs John Rofs Key
Frederick county ___ On the 16th day of October 1797 before one of the Afsociate Justices for county aforesaid personally appeared the within named Joseph Biggs and acknowledged the aforegong Instrument of writng to be his act and deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof
Taken and certified by John Rofs Key