Defiance County Pioneer - Nancy Ann (Coy) Snider

"OBITUARY

Mrs. Nancy Ann (Coy) Snider, daughter of John and Mary Coy, was born in Green county, O., near Xenia, Sept. 12, 1814.  She remained with her parents until December 30, 1830, when she was married to John Snider and in 1831, they emigrated in company with the Coys and Halls to Defiance (then Williams county). 

 They came as far as Ephriam Doty's, now known as the Rohn farm; from there to the farm they settled on, cutting their way as they went.  They were the first white people to cross Tiffin river and before crossing, they had to cut the bank so they could ford the river.

Amid the new and unbroken forests surrounded with the trials and burdened with the hardships incident to Pioneer life, she and her husband commenced to make for themselves a home.  They done their trading at Defiance, traveling the distance of 12 miles mostly on foot, but afterwards, they built a boat to transport their produce to market.

When they came to this country there were plenty of Indians and Grandmother Snider has related many interesting stories to her grand children and great grand children, seen in this vast wilderness of 1831.  Then the home of the Red man gave way beneath the ax and strong arm of the White man and in their place is seen beautiful homes of American Citizens. 

Mrs. Snider has been a member of the Methodist church about 65 (?) years.  She became a devout Christian when churches were unknown in this country and worshiped the God of her Creator with a fervent spirit until the last moment.  The courtesies of her home were ever open to the pioneer ministers, and services were held many times at her home.  She was ever found at her post of duty in the church, never missing services of any kind until infirmities compelled her to remain at home.

1883 History of Defiance, Ohio

 She was an exemplary citizen without an enemy in the world and beloved by all.  A kind and most courteous wife and an indulgent and painstaking mother.  Bidding sorrow and care depart, with words of consolation and cheer for all about her.  No stranger knew what it was to go from her door cold or hungry.

She departed this life September 13, 1897, leaving 10 of her 13 children with 27 grand children and a host of friends to mourn her loss.  Funeral services at 1 o'clock p.m. Sept. 16, conducted by Rev. L. E. Wilson of Stryker, after which the remains were interred in the Evansport cemetery."

 


From the Defiance Democrat - September, 1897

As to Mrs. Mary Conrad (Coonrod) in the photo above, she may have been the first wife of Nancy's brother, John Coy, who died very young.  Mary married a second time to Woolery Coonrod (Conrad) who died in 1847, also young.