LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

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JAMES HUSTON SNYDER

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        James H. Snyder was born July 18, 1877, the son of Samuel S. and Mary Ellen (Reeder) Snyder; his father was a native of Pennsylvania, his mother of Iowa. His father was a Civil War veteran, a member of Co. I-11 Infantry Medical Corps.

        James H. was born in Fredonia, and lived his entire life here. He was one of the first mail carriers to carry mail out of the Columbus Junction post office, and served our community well for 32 years, and retired in 1933. He was one of the first to purchase a car for his mail route. In 1908, he bought a Reo, and like many of the pioneer car drivers, he had many interesting experiences with it.

        Mr. Snyder saw many years of Fredonia's existence, and took an active part in its function. He was a member of our Methodist church ad acted a trustee for many years. He was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, the Silver Leaf Rebecca, and of the Rural Mail carrier association. He was united in marriage to Susan …

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... Orr, and to this union four children were born. Three boys still make this their home. Ralph was united in marriage to Doris Taylor, and have one son Forrest,; A. C.; and Harry, who was united in marriage to May Helen Hanft, and also have one son, Ferril, who is married to pretty little Jannet Allen. The daughter, Alma, became the wife of Pearl Wagner, and make their home in Muscatine. They have two fine sons, Clayton and Allen. Mr. Snyder was well known and highly respected, a good neighbor, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. He passed away July 19, 1951, and our community lost another valued citizen.

        Mary Ellen (Reeder) Snyder was the daughter of Micajah and Nancy (Stirling) Reeder. They were among the pioneer settlers of this county in 1937, and were farmers. In 1835n while residing in Indiana, Mr. Reeder entered the ministry, and had charge over a circuit for two years. After leaving Indiana, he joined the Iowa conference and served in several communities, also as a local minister in Louisa county for several years. During the years 1852 and 1853, Mr Reeder served as a member of the state legislature, and was one of the honored pioneers of the county.