Snedigar, Fielding 1822 - 1888

SNEDIGAR, HAYES, BOONE, STEARNS, LUERS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/21/2016 at 15:09:23

Elkader Register, Thur., 22 Nov. 1888.

Again the great reaper, Death, has entered the ranks of the pioneers of Clayton county and taken one of their number - removed him from cares and turmoils of the world to the peace that lies beyond the grave. This time the call was made upon a citizen of Elkader, a man who has been prominently identified with the growth and business interests of our town, and one whose death will be universally mourned.

Fielding Snedigar died at his residence in east Elkader, shortly after noon yesterday; his death being the direct result of a stroke of paralysis which he received some months ago, and which rendered him almost helpless. His death was not unexpected, yet the shock was none the less severe to the family, all of whom except J. M., the eldest son, were gathered about his bedside when he breathed his last.

Mr. Snedigar was the son of Robert and Mary Snedigar, and was born the 27th of March, 1822, in Pike county, Illinois, where his parents were engaged in farming, consequently he was 66 years, 7 months and 25 days of age. His early life was spent on his father's farm, and here he received a good common school education. In 1841 he was married to Miranda B. Hayes, of Tennessee, who is a great-granddaughter of Daniel Boone, and who survives her husband. To these were born nine children, of whom seven are living, viz.: J. M., of Huron, Dakota; Edward B., of Maynard, Fayette county, Iowa; Martha J. Stearns, of Elkader; Irena E. Luers, of Owatonna, Minn.; Henry F., of Iroquois, Dak.; George M. and Marcella M., of Elkader. These will have the heartfelt sympathy of all in their deep affliction.

In 1844 Mr. Snedigar and family came west as far as Iowa county, Wis., where he engaged in mining, which occupation he followed until 1847, when he removed to Jo Davies county, Illinois, where he engaged in the lumber traffic. In 1851 he came to Clayton county, Iowa, and for the greater portion of the next ten years he was employed in a saw mill. In 1861 he entered into the general merchandise business in what is known as the Hughes' brick building on lower Front street. He run the business alone until 1864, when he formed a co-partnership with Mr. C. F. Stearns in the same line. They afterwards purchased the stone building on Front street, now occupied by W. F. Kleinpell. The co-partnership was soon afterwards dissolved and Mr. Snedigar ran a hardware store until 1868, when he sold out to his sons and removed to his farm in Fayette county, where he resided until (Looks like 1882), when he returned to Elkader where he lived a retired life to the date of his death.

Politically Mr. Snedigar was a republican, and while never seeking office yet at different times he held the office of justice of the peace and constable in Clayton county, and for several years was a member of the board of supervisors of Fayette county. He was appointed postmaster at Elkader March 29th, 1861, and held the office until October 6th, 1868, when he resigned. While he was postmaster the office was made a money order office, and the first money order issued was to the firm of Snedigar & Stearns for $32.50, payable to the St. Louis Lead & Oil Co. Mr. Snedigar was one of the early members of the Masonic lodge at this place, but of late years had not been affiliated with them.

He was a man of unimpeachable integrity, honored and respected by all with whom he had dealings, and had hosts of friends throughout this and adjoining counties who will greatly regret to learn of the decease of their old friend. Industrious and frugal he amassed considerable property, but he was not content "to sit down and take life easy", but up to the last hour before he was stricken with paralysis was at work improving his property adjoining his residence property.

Of his death all can truly say "a good man has gone to his reward", and the county has lost an honored citizen.

The funeral will take place Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock, from his late residence on the east side.

Note: A second news item in the same paper and date states: Henry Snedigar, of Iroquis, D.T., Bert Snedigar, of Maynard, and Mrs. Luers, of Owatonna, Minn., are here, having been summoned to the bedside of their father, F. Snedigar.