Snider, Jacob, 1811-1866

Jacob Snider (1811-1866), inventor. Snider lived in Philadelphia, Pa, where he was known as an inventor of artillery, notably the "Snider rifle". The "Snider rifle" was the center of a long dispute between Jacob Snider, jr. and the British government because Snider claimed he was not compensated fully for it. According to newspaper reports, the "Snider rifle", a breech-loader replaced the British "Enfield" musket. Newspaper articles also state that he died in poverty, never having received his just claim. At the time of his death, 1866, Snider was survived by his wife Angelina and several sons.

From the guide to the Jacob Snider papers, 1840-1873, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)