The Snook Family Biographies
Submitted by Sandra M. Sharp
May 7, 1999
Lottie is third person from
the left, standing. Picture taken
prior to her death in May of 1934,
exact date is unknown.
The Snook Family Biographies
May 7, 1999
Since 1990 1 have chased all over the place looking for anything that coincided with Charlotte “Lottie” Snook’s existence, and she was a tough nut to crack! Much of Lottie’s personality was brought to life through memories shared by Geraldine (Sharp) Barney (previously of Liverpool, Onondaga County, New York) great grand daughter of Charlotte’s. Without Geraldine’s memories, Lottie would have just been another face in a photograph. It wasn’t until last summer when Donna (Pickard) Fleming (previously of Syracuse, Onondaga County, NY) contacted me, and at that point, a great deal of Lottie’s line came into focus. Little did I know that Lottie would prove to be the starting point of my very first Mayflower ancestor!
The following is an attempt to document a brief biography of the Snook Family who resided in Onondaga County, New York. The information enclosed is compiled from many years of note taking and research. Much of the information enclosed has been confirmed by corresponding documentation, but of course there is little chance of confirming “memories.” I believe the following to be an accurate accounting of Lottie and her family. However, keep in mind that there is always the possibility of errors in documentation and familial embellishments which may have been handed down.
Charlotte Jane “Lottie or Lealtie” Snook, was born in Onondaga County, New York, (most probably in Liverpool) in 1857. She was the daughter of Freeman Snook and Lydia Soule. Lottie had the following siblings:
*Mary Minerva Snook
*Helen Rowena Snook
*Eva Etta Snook
*Milo “Mike” Snook
*Christiana Snook
*Alice “Avida” Snook
*William Tunis “Judge” Snook
*John Wesley Snook
*Jasper Rice Snook
*Catherine Martha Snook
Relatively little is known about Charlotte’s childhood. According to records found, the family lived in Liverpool, Onondaga County. It is unclear as to whether or not they resided there all of Charlotte’s life or not, but it is clear that this is where they originally settled.
It is presumed that Charlotte married prior to 1876 to William R. Peacock, Sr. of Pennellville, New York. It was said that William was a good man and loving husband. Life early on must have been modestly lived, as they set up housekeeping in a log cabin on Oak Orchard Road, just north of the Oswego/Onondaga County line in Oswego W. Peacock, was born. Two more sons followed; in 1881 (William C.) and in 1887 (Frederick W.) making the family complete. The family must have resided in that log cabin for some time as I have pictures of the children (my great grandmother) as an adult in front of the log cabin when it still was used as a house. It is unclear when it was built, but a frame house was eventually erected in front of the log cabin, and the log cabin was then used as a stable. The frame house still stands on Oak Orchard Road next to the Parker homestead, but the log cabin has been torn down. Charlotte’s husband William became ill approximately two years prior to his death on June 30,1914, and was unable to tend his farm. During this time and after, Charlotte and a long line of “handy men” helped her with the farm. Gerrie (Sharp) Barney remembers having seen many handy men. She said that grandma Peacock must have hired them when they had one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel as she went through them like crazy. Gerrie remembered one handyman in particular. He was an Indian who loved to carve wood. Gerrie said he made her a whole family of dolls which she adored. Apparently Charlotte was quite frugal, and resourceful as when Gerrie was a child the family would meet at “grandma’s house” for Sunday supper. Family members knew to bring two dishes to pass as when dinner was served only one dish would appear. Apparently grandma Peacock would squirrel away the rest for meals during the week. Apparently she went to her grave none the wiser to her family knowing what she was up to. Other descendants described Lottie as “hell on wheels.” She apparently was quite the character.
In June of 1908 the tragic death of her son in-law (Christina’s husband) Stephen Sharp occurred when he was crushed by three train cars and killed in Syracuse, near Bridge Street. She was also pre-deceased by her only daughter who died in 1922 in Syracuse, New York, as result of a botched gynecological procedure.
In the 1917-1 918 Oswego County Farm Directory one can find the following listing among many men:
Peacock, Mrs. Charlotte I ch farmer 0 45a rdl Pennellville Schroeppel tn H60 1/8.
Obituary: Mrs. C.L. Peacock Succumbs at 76
Phoenix. - Mrs. Charlotte L. Peacock, 76, widow of William Peacock, died at her home at Sand Ridge Friday night. Surviving are three sons, Charles W. Peacock of Fulton. Fred Peacock of Syracuse, and William C. Peacock of Sand Ridge; one brother, Judson Snook of Colorado; two sisters, Mrs. Alice Fargo, Utica, and Mrs. Christina Carter of Massachusetts; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 o’clock Monday afternoon and in Sand Ridge school house at half hour later. Burial will be in Sand Ridge cemetery.
Lottie, without a doubt was a strong and unique individual. Having endured the hardships of pioneering in the sparsely settled Onondaga & Oswego Counties with her family in the 1800’s. Living in a log cabin in the wilderness, surviving primarily off of the land, and by persevering through tough times shows lots of spunk. Add to this the life of a housewife and farmer she had to be tough. It would appear that the reason the Peacock farm persevered for years was because of Charlotte. Her sons left to begin their lives, William worked for the railroad, Fred became a painter, and Charles was very influential in the Fulton area as a “Babcock Tester,” and eventually as a farmer when he retired. Charley had also been involved in the cheese making industry in the area prior to working for a chocolate factory. It is apparent that William did not return to the Peacock land in Pennellville until the death of Charlotte. The fact that she left behind so many descendants that would smile and shake their heads when speaking of her is proof that she was a colorful personality and was dearly loved by many.
Charlotte’s Siblings:
Mary Minerva Snook: Was the eldest of the Snook children, and the only one born in Montgomery County, New York. The date of her birth was 1941.
Helen Rowena Snook: Was born in 1843 in Onondaga County, New York, most probably in Liverpool. She died February 6th, 1860 in Clay, and is buried at Pine Plains cemetery, Clay, NY.
Eva Etta Snook: Was born in 1845 in Onondaga County, New York, most probably in Liverpool.
Milo “Mike” Snook: Was born in 1846 in Onondaga County, New York, most probably in Liverpool. He first married Sarah J. Carter, and secondly the widow Mildred S. (Soule) Verplanck. Milo died on March 3rd, 1926 in Clay, and is buried in Pine Plains cemetery.
Christiana Snook: Probably named after her maternal grandmother, Christiana (Soule) was born in 1848 in Onondaga County, New York. Most probably in Liverpool. On July 29, 1869 she married Warner J. Carter. Christiana was living in Massachusetts at the time of Charlotte’s death in 1934.
Alice “Avida” Snook: Was born in 1850 in Onondaga County, New York. Most probably Liverpool, New York. In 1871 she married (?) Fargo. At the time of Charlotte’s death in 1934 she was residing in Utica, New York.
William Tunis “Judge” Snook: Was born in 1854 in Onondaga County. Most probably in Liverpool, Clay Township. Tunis first married Mary Jane Young/s in the 1870’s and had four children. In the late 1870’s (approx. 1879) he got into an argument with another man over a “horse thieving” incident, shot and killed him. He then fled to Grand Junction Colorado, leaving behind his first wife and four children - Josie Snook, Georgia Snook, Freeman Snook, and Mary “Mame” Snook. He changed his name, (he was known as “Judge” originally, but after leaving went by the name William Judson) married Clara Zillah Park and began a new family without benefit of divorce. Later in life (1926) he became quite successful at whatever he did and returned to New York State for a visit. (This visit was sometime after Mary Jane died.) He had at least two children with Clara, Jasper Murell Snook born either in Provo, Utah or Grand Junction, Colorado on January 20, 1885 dying on June 28th, 1885 in Grand Junction, Colorado; and (?) Snook. ln the 1900 and 1910 census’ he is listed as living with his wife Clara in Mesa County, Colorado. In March of 1932 the following was printed:
“Phoenix Woman Dies After A Long Illness.” Mrs. Frank VanAuken, 57, wife of Frank VanAuken, passed away about 1 o’clock last week Thursday at her home on Church street. She had been in poor health for some time. About a week previous to her death, she suffered a stroke of paralysis.
Georgia Snook VanAuken was born in this town December 11th, 1814, the daughter of William and Mary Jane Youngs Snook and she had spent her entire life here. In 1890 she was united in marriage to Mr. VanAuken and soon afterwards they moved to the village where they have since resided. She was a member of the First Baptist church and the Philathea Class. She was an enthusiastic member of the Golden Chain Rebekah lodge and of the Past Grand’s Association.
Besides her husband, she is survived by four sons, Burt VanAuken of Rutland, VT, Franklin VanAuken of Utica and Harry and Roland VanAuken of Phoenix; three grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. William Pickard of Syracuse, a brother Freeman Snook of Syracuse, and her father of Grand Junction Colorado.
The funeral was held at her late home at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, pastor. Rev. G.H. Carr, officiater. The four sons acted as bearers. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Central Square.
Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Snook and family of Syracuse, Mr. and Mrs. Win. Pickard and family of Syracuse, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Pickard of Fulton, Fred VanAuken and daughter Hazel, Mr. and Mrs. Harold VanAuken, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Edick, Mrs. Armanda VanAuken and Mrs. Marisia Gullerat of Central Square, Mrs. Ida Gullerat, Mr. (?), Mrs. Burt Gullerat, Mrs. Elizabeth Farley and son Harry of Canastota, Mrs. Mary Waltz, and Mr. and Mrs. Claude West of Syracuse, Mr. and Mrs. Frank VanAuken and children of Utica, Burt VanAuken of Rutland, VT., Mrs. Roy Dolbear and daughter of Palermo attended. According to Josie Snook’s obituary, he was still surviving in 1939.
John Wesley Snook: Was born in 1855 in Onondaga County, New York. John married Rosetta (?) and with her had one daughter, Rose Amelia in 1897. After Rosetta’s passing in 1897 (possibly from childbirth, he married Sarah Desilva. John, Rose Amelia and both wives are buried at Pine Plains Cemetery in Clay, Onondaga County, New York. Rose Amelia died on February 13, 1899.
Jasper Rice Snook: Was born in 1859 in Onondaga County, New York. He died at age 27 in April of 1888.
Catherine “Martha” Snook: Was born in 1860 in Onondaga County, New York.
Freeman Snook: Freeman was the son of John & Catherine Snook/s, husband of Lydia Soule (daughter of Hon. Nathan Soule & Christiana (?) and father of:
*Mary Snook
*Eva Snook
*Helen Snook
*Milo Snook
*William Snook
*Christiana Snook
*Alice Snook
*John Snook
*Jasper Snook
*Catherine Snook
*Charlotte Snook
Freeman was born most probably in Montgomery County, New York (IGI listing.) in 1817. There has also been speculation that he was born in Rensellaer County, New York. No concrete documentation has been found as to the exact place of his birth. He married Lydia Soule (born 1822, in Montgomery County, NY) in Montgomery County, New York, in about 1840. Lydia was daughter of the prominent Hon. Nathan Soule. it is Lydia’s line - Soule - that traces back to George Soule who came over on the Mayflower and is one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact. Sometime between 1841 & 1843, Freeman and Lydia removed to Liverpool, Onondaga County, New York where all their children, except Mary Minerva were born. According to the 1855, New York State Census, Mary was 14 in 1855 and had resided for 14 years in the County of Onondaga. I dare to venture that Freeman and family probably relocated to Onondaga County, very shortly after the birth of Mary in 1841. Freeman s occupation was that of a farmer.
1855 New York Census Info:
Onondaga County, Clay:
Dwelling #107, frame construction, value $400, family #116; Freeman Snook, 37 M, b. unknown (Rens-?), farmer, 17 yrs resident of city or town; Lydia, 32 F, b. Montgomery Co., 24 yrs resident; Mary 14 F, b. Montgomery Co., 14 yr resident, Helen, 13 F, b. Onondaga Co., 13 yr resident; Henrietta, 10 F, b. Onon. Co., 10 yr resident; Milo, 9 M, b. Onon. Co., 9 yr res.; Christiana, 7 F, b. Onon. Co., 7 yrs res.; Alice, 5 F, b. Onon. Co., 5 yr res.; Judge, 2 M, b. Onon. Co., 2 yr res.
From the Snook Book: “A Partial Listing of Snooks Found in New York State Before 1850”, compiled by Frank Littleford, Liberty, MO 64068,1962 - 1977. Clay, Onondaga County.
Snook, John d. 16, Jan. 1869 ae 79, Pine Plains Cem.; Catherine, w.
of John d. 29 Jan 1869 ae 78 (source Ms. L. Gruman deceased); Snook, John
d. 27 Aug 1854 ae 75, bur. Pine Plains Cem.; Anne, w. of John d. 21 June
1869 ae 78; Snook, Freeman d. 1 Jan 1884 ae 66 or 67; Lydia Soule, w. of
Freeman d. 3 Aug 1905 ae 83 or 80; Helen R. dau of Freeman & Lydia
d. 6 Feb 1880 ae 16 yr 10 mo; Snook, Milo 1846-1 928, bur Pine Plains Cem.;
Sarah J., w. of Milo 1839-1903; Mildred S. VerPlanck 1874-1 926; Snook,
John W. 1855-1934; Rosetta, w.
of John 1863-1897; Rose Amelia, dau of John and Rosetta 1897-1899 (source-Pine
Plains Cem. by Clyde Wood).
Freeman died from pneumonia and is buried with his wife Lydia in Pine Plains Cemetery in Clay, Onondaga County, New York.
Freeman’s siblings may have been John & Tunis Snook. John was born in 1813, married Laura A. (7), and died on June 2,1884.
John Snooks: John was most probably from Rensallear County, New York, (parents unknown) but as of yet, this has not been absolutely established. He was born in 1790. John married Catherine (?)who was born in 1791 and died a few days after John on January 21, 1869. John came to Onondaga County, New York prior to his death on January 16, 1869. Both are buried at Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, Onondaga County, New York. John died of “paralysis” and Catherine died of “old age.”