Charles and Elizabeth (Knapp) Sneidewin on their wedding day in 1889. This is the only picture of a young Elizabeth I know of. To me she looks almost child like.

They were a prominent catholic family in what is now Sharon and Hickoory Twp. Mercer County Pa.

They and nine other families pledged $1,000 towards the founding of St. Joseph Church.

They had a strong sense of family and were very social. For years they hosted 10 - 15 family members for Sunday dinner.

Charles was born in Hickory Twp. in 1863. His parents Michael and Margaret emigrated from Kraisdorf Bavaria in 1860. Elizabeth's father is John Knapp and they lived almost next door from the Sneidewin's.

Elizabeth worked for a wealthy local family as a maid and cook before marriage. She learned a lot and was a fantastic cook and baker. When Charles brother Michael's wife died unexpectedly she made bread for his family. She related that the bread came out the best when she baked for someone else. They had their own cow and made a lot of related dishes including cottage cheese (schmerkasse). I remember Charles grinding horseradish root in the driveway in the spring. In the fall they woud make apple butter in a big iron pot over a wood burning fire outside. Like every one in those days, they were avid hunter gatherers. Early spring they would go out and find dandelions for a wilted dish of them along with onions,bacon and vinegar. They also gathered nuts and berries, even mushrooms.

Charles had a shoe repair stand and kit that he used to maintain family shoes.

They lived at 212 Wengler Ave in Sharon.