History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III, Part 94

Author: Roberts, Charles Rhoads; Stoudt, John Baer, 1878- joint comp; Krick, Thomas H., 1868- joint comp; Dietrich, William Joseph, 1875- joint comp; Lehigh County Historical Society
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Allentown, Pa. : Lehigh Valley Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 854

USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III > Part 94

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

George, youngest son of Michael and Hannah Snyder, was born June 20, 1790, died Jan. 25, 1871, and was buried in the graveyard of the Jordan Lutheran church, of which he was a member. From his father he purchased the land on which Snydersville is now located, and in addi- tion to farming on an extensive scale, he was a blacksmith and conducted a wheelwright's shop. The first plow with a cast iron molder which was ever made in that section of the country was constructed by Mr. Snyder, and the hundreds of wagons and plows which came from his shop were readily purchased by the settlers all over the state. He was a progressive man, and was the first in that section to burn lime with anthracite coal. The present brick hotel at Snydersville was erected by him in 1835, and was named after him. The front of this is made of pressed brick which was brought from Philadelphia especially for this purpose. He was tall, and of extraordi- nary physical strength, and in his earlier years fre-

quently made horseback trips to Philadelphia, and there fought the local champions. He was an active member of the state militia. The five hun- dred acres of land of which he was the owner have since that time been divided into five farms. Mr. Snyder married Elizabeth Schantz, born March 20, 1793, died June 20, 1860, and had children: Delilah, who died unmarried; Eliza- beth, married Thomas Koch; Sarah, married Sam- uel Koch ; Annie, married Edward Sherer ; Han- nah, married Moses Hoffman; John, of further mention ; George J., of further mention ; Rebec- ca, married Henry J. Schmoyer.

John, eldest son of George and Elizabeth (Schantz) Snyder, was born on the homestead, Aug. 31, 1827, and died at Snydersville, Oct. 21, 1899. His education was acquired in the common schools of that period, and later he cultivated the farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which had come to him as his share of the homestead. In- tensely patriotic, he was active at the outbreak of the Civil War. At the breakfast table one morn- ing, he stated to his family and six hired men, "I am drafted. Which of you men wish to go as my substitute?" The six answered, as with one voice, that they would go in his stead, where- upon Mr. Snyder said, "No, I shall go . myself, but will take one or two of you men along." The men said, "We will all go along," and he took them all with him to Harrisburg, leaving the harvesting of eighty acres of grain to his sons, George and William. At Harrisburg he was in- troduced to Governor A. J. Curtin, who had heard of his loyalty and patriotic spirit, and said, "Snyder, you must go home, We need men like you at home." Mr. Snyder reluctantly returned, and when he arrived at his home, found the men and women of the community harvesting his grain. For a time he remained there, but when the call came during the emergency period, he entered the service and remained in the Union army until the close of the war. Later he was ap- pointed a jury commissioner of the county, was engaged in the lumber business and the manufac- ture of shafts and wagon rims, and became the proprietor and manager of the Snydersville Ho- tel. Mr. Snyder married (first) Susan, born Aug. 21, 1831, died Dec. 21, 1868, a daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Schindel ; he married (second ) Rebecca Blank. Children by the first marriage : T. George, of further mention; William P., of further mention ; Jeremiah, who died at the age of seven years; Maud, married A. L. Reichen- bach ; Joseph P., of further mention ; Susan, mar- ried James Frankenfield; Anna, married Frank Keiser : Abraham L .; Martin L., of Allentown.

J. George, eldest child of John and Susan (Schindel) Snyder, was born Aug. 31, 1849, and

1246

HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

died Oct. 16, 1913, after a painful illness of al- most two years, which he bore with remarkable fortitude and patience. His early education was obtained in the public schools, and this was sup- plemented by attendance at the Kutztown State Normal School and the Philadelphia Business College. He was then in the employ of his father, in the bending factory of the latter, for some years, and in 1869 came to Allentown. Six months later he became associated with his uncle,

health, Aug. 3, 1912. His business was an enor- mous one, as he handled from two to three thou- sand horses annually, made about eighteen trips. each year to St. Louis, which is considered the largest horse market in the world, and made nu- merous other trips throughout the west. He made a specialty of saddle horses, and was undoubtedly the largest saddle horse dealer in the state of Pennsylvania, and the oldest saddle horse dealer that attended the St. Louis sales. Indeed, so

J. GEORGE SNYDER.

George J. Snyder, in the horse business, and was prominently identified with this throughout his active career. He purchased the Hotel Allen livery stable in 1870, and at the expiration of two years removed to North Sixth street, where he was located until 1874. Twenty years were de- voted to the livery and horse dealing business, and he then sold his livery interests, giving his entire time and attention to the horse business, until he retired from it on account of impaired

familiar a figure was he, that he was universally known as "Uncle George from Allentown, the horse king." He was the only dealer in the state that had a private yard. While located at Tenth and Chestnut streets he suffered a complete loss by fire, many horses perishing in the flames. He then. established himself at Tenth and Linden streets,. but shortly afterward built a stable on South Hall street, which he subsequently sold to the Allen- town Steam Heat and Power Company. Having

e st

تاج

1247

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

erected the large stable at Church and Maple streets, he conducted his operations there for many years, then sold this and established himself at Franklin and Chew streets in 1898. He con- ducted sales there every Thursday afternoon, it being no unusual thing for him to sell one hun- dred and seventy-five horses at a single auction. His last place of business was at his farm at Thir- tieth and Linden streets. It was his desire to sell this farm to the city in order to protect the water supply, but as this could not be arranged he sold it to J. S. Mack. Until 1903 Mr. Snyder made a specialty of dealing in double teams and fancy spans, but this business gradually decreased as automobiles became popular. He enjoyed the trade of the leading horse fanciers of eastern Pennsylvania, including Colonel H. C. Trexler and other men of prominence. In political mat- ters Mr. Snyder was a staunch Republican, and served his community as a member of the select council for four years, representing the Fourth ward. He and his family held membership in Salem's Reformed church, and fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Honor, Patri- otic Order Sons of America, and Knights of the Golden Eagle. Mr. Snyder married, in October, 1876, Sarah, a daughter of Charles and Judith (Fritch) Schrader, of Lehigh county. They had children: Minnie L., who died at the age of twenty years; Helen, died in her sixth year ; Harry, died in infancy.

Hon. William P. Snyder, son of George and Susan (Schindel) Snyder, was born in Lehigh county in 1852. He was educated at the Mil- lersville State Normal School and the Muhlen- berg College, and then read law with the Hon. R. E. Wright, Sr. He became one of the lead- ing attorneys of the state and one of its ablest platform speakers, having campaigned Penn- sylvania and other states for Benjamin H. Har- rison, who later appointed him deputy attorney general of the United States, under Attorney General Brewster, and the last named sent him to South Carolina, where he rendered efficient public service. Subsequently Mr. Snyder located in the city of New York and has there also achieved prominence as an attorney.

Joseph P., son of John and Susan (Schindel) Snyder, was born on the homestead at Snyders- ville, July 3, 1858. He was reared there and his education was received in the public schools of his native township. He was engaged in farming until 1887, at which time he removed to Allentown and became associated with his brother, J. George, in the livery business. One year later the brothers engaged in the contracting and building business under the firm name of Joseph P. Snyder & Company, but this partner-

ship was dissolved in 1899 when J. George Snyder retired from the firm. Mr. Joseph P. Snyder continued the business, which developed into one of the largest contracting firms of the city and employs from forty to fifty men. He also deals extensively in real estate. For many years he was one of the most active and influential men of the Republican party, and in 1901 was elected by a large majority as county commissioner. One of the first men in the county to take part in the Progressive movement, he is most active and ener- getic in that party. He and his family are mem- bers of St. Paul's Lutheran church of Allentown. Mr. Snyder married, in 1888, Mary C., a daugh- ter of Samuel and Caroline (Dry) Kutz, and a granddaughter of John Kutz. They have had children: Susan C., who was graduated as a member of the class of 1908 from the Allentown College for Women, and from Bucknell Univer- sity in the class of 1912, is an artist of ability ; May L., who was graduated from the Allentown College for Women in the class of 1912; George S .; Maude E. Mr. Snyder is closely attached to his family and his evenings are spent at the handsome home at No. 226 North Twelfth street. During the summer months the family lives on a farm near the Little Lehigh, called "Schneider Heim," one of the most comfortable summer homes in the county. Mr. Snyder is a member of the Allentown Chamber of Com- merce; Jordan Lodge, No. 673, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; John Hay Republican Club ; Young Men's Christian Association; and a con- tributing member of the Allentown Band.

Martin L., son of John and Susan (Schindel) Snyder, was born on the homestead at Snyders- ville, Dec. 21, 1868. He attended the public school in "Snyder's School House" for seven years and worked upon the farm until in the spring of 1883, then came to Allentown where he has lived up to the present time. He was a hostler six months for Dr. Hassler on North Seventh street, after which he became a bobbin boy in the Pioneer silk mill and rose step by step until he was pro- moted to silk weaver, which trade he followed two years, when his health failed. He was then employed for several years by his brother, J. George Snyder; then was a bartender two years for Fred George at 716 Hamilton street, when he connected himself with Hotel Allen, being bar clerk there three years. The following five years he was manager of the Hotel Allen restau- rant under J. H. Harris. Mr. Snyder again re- turned to his brother, J. George, and continued with him until Sept. 25, 1899, when he accepted a position as driver for the National Biscuit Co., and now fills the highest position of this company in the Allentown agency; has charge

1248

HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

of twelve men and greatly increased the output of the company.

Mr. Snyder, since 1906, is interested in Allen- town real estate; has large holdings of valuable corner property, and erected the large modern residence and four fine cottages at Tenth and Jackson streets. He resides with his family at 968 Jackson street.

He and family are members of the St. An- drew's Reformed church. Politically he is a stal- wart Republican, and socially he is a member of the following bodies: Jordan Lodge, No. 673, F. & A. M .; the Travellers' Protective Associa- tion ; the United Commercial Travellers; and the Chamber of Commerce.

On Jan. 28, 1896, was married to Minnie S. Deshler, a daughter of Milton and Cecelia Car- oline ( Hartman) Deshler, of Lehigh county.

George J., son of George and Elizabeth (Schantz) Snyder, was born Dec. 9, 1834, and died Aug. 8, 1908. He was educated in the com- mon schools, and at a private school in Easton. For a number of years he assisted his father, then removed to Allentown in 1862 and established himself in the horse dealing business. He pur- chased a hotel at Tenth and Linden streets in 1877, naming this "The Snyder House." He made many trips to the West and Canada in the course of his business and was widely known. Among the famous horses owned by him were "Honest George" and "Monroe Wilkes," the former later becoming the property of the well known horseman, Mr. Hamlin, of Buffalo, who matched him with "Belle Hamlin," and made the world's record of 2:12. A staunch Republican in politics, Mr. Snyder was elected a select councilman from the Seventh ward in 1892, and served four years. He purchased the old Black Bear Hotel in 1864, this being located on the site of Hess Brothers' Store, and owned this for a number of years. Mr. Snyder married, in 1853, Martha, a daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Schin- del, and they had children: Mrs. A. H. Boas, Mrs. E. L. Newhard; J. Jeremiah ; Charles W. ; Dr. Harry S., of Allentown ; Mrs. Madison Sieg- er, of Hazleton.

NICHOLAS SNYDER FAMILY.

A parchment deed, dated August 29, 1835, is in possession of Mr. B. O. Snyder, of Allen- town, Pa. It recites the following history :

"The Proprietors of Pennsylvania, by Patent Deed dated December 14, 1770, and recorded in Patent Book A. Vol. II, p. 461, conveyed unto Richard Peters 116 acres of land, who sold the same unto Abraham Frantz, Dec. 15, 1770. The latter sold it unto Nicholas Snyder on December 9, 1774, and he by deed bearing date September

15, 1794, sold 58 acres and 119 perches unto his son, Jacob Snyder, who with Maria, his wife, by deed bearing date, February 22, 1812, sold it unto Peter Snyder, who with Hannah, his wife, by deed dated January 29, 1819, sold it unto Jacob Snyder, who with Catharine his wife conveyed the same tract of land unto Peter Snyder, on August II, 1825."

The above tract of land was situated in Lehigh township, Northampton county, where Nicholas Snyder had lived and died and tradition tells us he is buried at the St. Paul's church, at Cherry- ville, Pa. In 1790 Peter Snyder still had two grown-up sons at home, and Nicholas Snyder, Jr., had two sons and two daughters, who were all less than sixteen years of age. Henry Snyder, who had no children in 1790, also lived in Le- high township at that time. Peter Snyder the pioneer, doubtless had three sons and probably Henry was another of his sons.

Peter Snyder was a native of Lehigh township, Northampton county, and there he was a farmer. He is buried at the Indian Land church of which he was a member. By his first wife, a Miss Semmel, he had these children: Jacob, Abraham, Daniel, Peter, Josiah and Jonas, who was drown- ed aged eighteen years. By his second wife he had the following children: Adam, Simon, Thomas, Catharine (Benninger), Lydia, Eliz- abeth (Saeger), Hannah (Bartholomew), Maria known as Polly, and Sallie.

Simon Snyder (son of Peter) was born Sept. 9, 1814, on the homestead and for ten years he was the lock-tender at Lehigh Gap. He was a member of the Evangelical church and he was first buried at the Evangelical church grave- yard at Berlinsville, Pa., then a slate quarry was opened up near by and for that reason he was re-interred and was buried by the side of his wife, Mary Ann Easterday, on the Greenwood cemetery, Allentown. He died Jan. 13, 1892. Their children follow :

Elemina is single at Philadelphia.

Paul, of Palmerton, Pa.

Abbie, (m. Daniel Vogel).

Stephen was killed at Lehigh Gap.

Simon P., of Berlinsville, Pa.

Emma, the widow of F. P. Seibert, lives at Allentown.

Tilghman, of Etna Mills, Ind.

Benjamin O., mentioned later.

Walter, of Neffs, Pa.

Westley died suddenly in November, 1912.

BENJAMIN OSCAR SNYDER, an Allentown1 merchant, was born at Berlinsville, Pa., March 4, 1862. After his education in the public schools and at the Schuylkill Seminary at Reading, Pa., he was licensed to teach school and for one term

I249

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.

he taught the school at Fire Line, in Upper Towamensing township, Carbon county, Pa. Mr. Snyder was one of the first to attend the Schuylkill Seminary at Reading. He came to Allentown in 1883 and for twenty-one years was a clerk in stores. Sixteen of these years he was a clerk in the Globe store. In October, 1903, Mr. Snyder engaged in the dry-goods and gro- cery business at the corner of Seventh and Wash- ington streets, where he has successfully carried on the business to this time. He erected a res- idence at 741 North Seventh street in 1891. He is a member of these lodges: Allentown Castle No. 55, K. G. E., Franklin Chamber No. 9, Knights of Friendship. Mr. Snyder and family are active in church and Sunday school work and they are members of Bethany United Evangelical church of which he is leader of class No. 5, and he is a member of the official board of the church. He is the superintendent of Bethany Sunday school since the year 1908; and from 1901 until he became the Sunday school superintendent he was the teacher of the Ladies' Bible class.

On September 15, 1883, he married Alavesta Fretz. She was a daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Holey) Fratz, of Kreidersville, Pa. She died survived only by her husband. On May 5, 1891, he married Mary B. Stauffer, a daughter of Jesse and Eliza (Baer) Stauffer, of New Zi- onsville, Pa. Their children follow: Charles, H., Edgar M., Russell N., and Ella Miriam.

Felix Snyder was born in Whitehall township, (now Fullerton) where he learned the cigar making trade with a Mr. Eckert who was one of the first cigar makers of that section. With his trade he also conducted a farm along the Lehigh river where now the Lehigh car wheel and axel works are located. Later he sold his farm to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and settled in Whitehall township where David Shoemaker, the dairyman, now resides, owned by the Werner Brothers. He was married to Lydia, a daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Gift) Moyer, of Allen- town. They were the parents of the following children : Franklin B., William T., and Maria married Charles Graffin, of Catasauqua.

Franklin B. Snyder, son of Felix, was born in Whitehall township, Jan. 5, 1836, and died Nov. 10, 1891. He learned the cigar making trade and was one of the first in Catasauqua, where he resided nearly all his life. In politics he was a Republican and took an active interest in public affairs. He was married to Elizabeth Lewis, daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Sanders) Lewis, a native of New Jersey. She was born Feb. 23, 1838, and now makes her home with her son, George. To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder the follow-

ing children were born: Alfred F., of Monroe county ; Sarah A., married to P. M. Broadbeck, of Chicago; George L .; and Marcus A.

GEORGE L. SNYDER, son of Franklin B., was born in Whitehall township, Nov. 19, 1872. Like his father and grandfather he learned the cigar-making trade which he followed only a short time. When 17 years old he learned the machinist trade with L. F. Grammis' Sons, of Allentown. He followed this occupation at Wilkes-Barre five years, at Easton three years, and at Bethlehem for a few years and with the Dent Hardware Company, at Fullerton, for five years. On Dec. 4, 1905, he became the proprietor of the Windsor House at Fullerton, which he conducted until 1913.

He is a charter member of Lodge 1105, I. O. O. F., at Easton; Red Men; Woodmen of the World ; F. O. E .; Order of Owls; and the Ful- lerton Beneficial Association. In 1892 he was married to Maria Kline, a daughter of Michael Kline. To this family three children have been born : Fred B., Miriam M., and William R.

SNYDER (SCHNEIDER) FAMILIES OF LYNN TOWNSHIP.

In the compilation of this long settled and very numerous family, its historian recognizes the lack of positive evidence in respect to its ancestors ; the difficulty in the spelling of the name and that so many in the same generations bore the same name; and the great want of gravestones and documentary records of the earliest generations of the family. In view of these facts, only such statements shall be made of which there can be no reasonable doubt .- W. J. D.

The name Valentine Schneider appears among the earliest pioneers of Lynn township who are said to have settled there about 1735. In a list of the heads of families published of this district, many years ago, there appears the name of Bernhard Schneider; and about the time that he lived in the southwestern section of Lynn, there also lived a Heinrich Schneider in the northwestern section.

Jacob Snyder, on Oct. II, 1765, took out a warrant for 107 acres of land located in this district. In the assessment roll of Dec. 27, 1781, these names appear: Heinrich, Bernhard, Henry and Daniel ; and in the tax-list of 30 years later, in 1812, when the county was erected, the fol- lowing names appear : Jacob, Henry, John, Peter, Jacob, George, William, John, Samuel, Peter and Christian ; which list includes the name of John Snyder among the "single freemen.' In the court house at Easton, Pa., there is of rec- ord the last will of John Peter Schnyder, of Lynn, who died in 1777. The given name of his wife

1250

HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

was "Catharine." The executor was Frederick Sechler. The will mentions Servis Schnyder as the youngest son, and he was to receive fifteen pounds more than any of the other children. An item states: "My estate is to be divided equitably amongst all my children except as before stated," but the names are not given.

Heinrich Schneider Family.

Heinrich Schneider lived in the southeastern section of Lynn township and owned a farm near the Lynnville Church, now the property of Dr. F. C. Seiberling. He is buried on the old grave- yard at New Tripoli. He was born April 17, 1749, and died on Nov. 15, 1822, in his 73d year. Among his children were: Heinrich, Jo- hannes and Peter, all of whom remained in the district. Heinrich Schneider, son of Heinrich, was the oldest of his father's family, and he suc- ceeded to the homestead farm. Among his chil- dren was another son, Heinrich, who was born April 10, 1795, married March 2, 1822, Lydia Holben, and they again occupied the Schneider homestead. There he died on July 23, 1849, in his 55th year. His wife was born March 16, 1804, and died on Aug. 23, 1862. They had three sons and one daughter, namely: Henry; son ; John ; and Mary, married to Erasmus Muse.

Henry H. Snyder, son of Heinrich, was born April 24, 1821, and he again succeeded his father to the ownership of the homestead upon which he died on June 10, 1883. He was a Reformed member of the Lynnville church which he served both as deacon and elder.

He was married to Lydia Hantz, who was born in 1828 and died in 1868. She was a daugh- ter of Daniel Hantz, of Lynn township. Nine sons and three daughters were born unto them, namely :

Henry, mentioned later; Amandus, of Grim- ville, Berks county; Mary, deceased wife of Henry Snyder ; William, who died in July, 1911, in Alaska; Jonas, who died in the Stoney Run; John M., mentioned later; Alvin, of Lansford, Pa .; Martin V., mentioned later; Lizzie, m. Samuel Bailey, of near Grimville; Levi, business man of Slatington ; Wilson ; Ellen.

Henry Snyder was born in Lynn township, March 19, 1847. He began farming on a IOI- acre farm near Lynnville and there he continued as a tenant for nine years. Afterward he farmed the James K. Fetherolf, at Kempton, Pa., for two years, after which he moved upon the home- stead of his forbears until after the death of his father, when he moved upon a farm in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, and there continued to farm until in 1912, when he moved to Palmer- ton, where his son, George B. had located and

established himself in business. Mr. Snyder has served the Lynnville church as a deacon. Polit- ically he is a Republican.

He was married in 1871 to Elizabeth Beers, a daughter of John and Susan (Schuch) Beers, a farmer of New Jersey. They have issue, name- ly: Henry J., a carpenter at Palmerton ; George B.'; Charles, who died aged 28 years, and is buried in West Penn township; and Ella J., the wife of Oliver Haas, of Lizzard Creek Junction, Pa.

GEORGE B. SNYDER, of the firm of Reitz & Snyder, at Palmerton, Pa., was born in Lynn township, Jan. 6, 1876. He obtained his educa-

for 13. Any day

tion in the common schools and his youth was spent upon the farm. At the age of 21 years he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed as a journeyman until in 1905, at which time he formed a partnership with D. Milton Reitz under the firm name of Reitz & Snyder, for the pur- pose of building and contracting. They com- menced business in Slatington, but in 1907 lo- cated at Palmerton, where they were extensive builders and contractors until in 1912 when they sold out that business to give all their attention to their planing mill, lumber yard and hardware store which they established at Palmerton. They erected about 200 dwellings, a church, fire engine house, and the handsome "Neighborhood House"

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania and a genealogical and biographical record of its families, Vol. III, Part 94

Author: Roberts, Charles Rhoads; Stoudt, John Baer, 1878- joint comp; Krick, Thomas H., 1868- joint comp; Dietrich, William Joseph, 1875- joint comp; Lehigh County Historical Society Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Allentown, Pa. : Lehigh Valley Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 854

Author: Roberts, Charles Rhoads; Stoudt, John Baer, 1878- joint comp; Krick, Thomas H., 1868- joint comp; Dietrich, William Joseph, 1875- joint comp; Lehigh County Historical Society
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Allentown, Pa. : Lehigh Valley Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 854