SNOOK, John - 1890 Bio (1818-1888)

SNOOK, FOWLER, YOUNG, GROFF, WELSH, CARPENTER, YUONG

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/28/2007 at 15:55:46

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 281-282

John SNOOK, deceased, a pioneer of Jefferson County, of 1841, is well remembered by many of the later as well as the earlier settlers of this community, for his residence in the county covered a period of forty-seven years, during which time he witnessed the advanced position to which it had attained, and bore an active part in the work of progress and development. He was a man of more than average ability and superior intelligence for one of his day, and exerted an influence for the upbuilding of the county's best interests which was widely felt.

Mr. SNOOK was born on a farm now within the corporate limits of the city of Allegheny, Pa., July 9, 1818. His father, Casper SNOOK, was also a native of the Keystone State, and was born of German parentage. He served his country in the War of 1812. The family removed to Ohio when John was a youth, and settling near Ashland, he was there reared to manhood, and in 1839 was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary FOWLER, a native of the Empire State. The following year, accompanied by his young wife, he emigrated westward, and casting his lot with the pioneer settlers of the Territory of Iowa, settled in Lee County. The succeeding year, in 1841, he removed to Jefferson County and located in Fairfield Township, one mile west of the city, and gave his attention to farming during the summer season, while during the winter months he devoted his time to teaching school. He was also employed on Govermnent surveys in the northern part of the State for two seasons, but agriculture was the vocation which engrossed the greater part of his time. As before stated, he was at once recognized as a leading spirit in the community, and was honored with various local offices of trust. He served as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and, as in every other position which he was called upon to fill, discharged his duties with fidelity. He was an advocate of Democratic principles.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. SNOOK was born a family consisting of four sons and four daughters: Helen, the eldest, is the widow of Joseph YOUNG, and is a resident of Fairfield; Calvin A. is a practicing physician of Fairfield; Hannah is the wife of J. C. GROFF, of Fairfield; Justin married Amanda WELSH, and is living in Cherry County, Neb.; Oscar is a farmer and stock-raiser of Cedar Township, Jefferson County; Rev. Ernest M. wedded Mary C. CARPENTER, and is now pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Menlo, Iowa; Jennie S. is the wife of George YUONG, of Wymore, Neb.; Velma L. is a teacher of Beatrice, Neb. The mother of this family, who is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, since her husband's death has made her home with her son, Dr. SNOOK, of Fairfield.

Mr. SNOOK was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, and for forty years served as one of its Elders. He was also a delegate to General Conference several different times, and he manifested his interest in the cause by liberal contributions and an untiring zeal in the work connected with it. As before stated, he was a man of superior education for his day in the West, and was a liberal contributor to the religious structure of his church. In early life he had studied for the ministry, but his constitution was never strong, and the condition of his health demanded outdoor exercise, which he found in farm life. However, he always took a warm interest in educational and religious matters, and was ever ready to advance their interests. In 1885 he sold his farm and removed to Fairfield, where he spent the latter years of his life, his death occurring in 1888, at the age of sixty-nine years. He enjoyed a wide circle of acquaintances and was most highly respected and esteemed.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.