JOHN SNYDER was born in Hanover, Germany, June 9, 1819, his parents being Harmon G. and Mary (Benen) Snyder. There John was reared to farm life, and lived in his native country until he had reached the age of 19 years. He then bade adieu to relatives and friends, and going to Bremen, took passage on a vessel bound for New Orleans, touching at San Domingo and other points in that latitude. After a voyage of 11 weeks, he arrived at New Orleans, and after a stay of five days in the Crescent City, he took a boat for St. Louis, and 16 days later he arrived at that city. He remained there six days, and then came up to Calhoun county, where he remained one month, and then came to Greene county, in April, 1839, and has been a resident of the county since. He first went to work for Ward Eldred, and remained in his employ about two years. He leased land from William Eldred, in 1842, in what is now Carrollton township, and there remained until he came to his present location, on Sec. 23, T. 10, R. 13. At that time he purchased 70 acres of land, but, through industry and good management, he has added to that from time to time, until he now has 550 acres in that tract, besides 40 acres in another. He was married in this county, May 28, 1840, to Nancy Portwood, a native of Hart county, Ky., and daughter of Lloyd and Sallie Portwood. Her parents were both born in southern Kentucky and removed from there to southern Illinois in 1823, and from there to Greene county in 1829, locating in what is now Carrollton township. Both died the same year after coming to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were the parents of seven children - Hiram, married Laura Ann Flatt, lives in Greene county; Louisa, wife of William George Darr, living in Bluffdale township; John Allen, married Susan Campbell, lives in this county. Those deceased are - Mary Ann, William S., James, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the Pacific Union United Baptist church. Mr. Snyder has been township treasurer since 1862, and still holds that position. He has been justice of the peace for 12 years and was a member of the commissioner's court for three years. He has been identified with the educational interests of his district since its early days, and is a man whom the community place all confidence in on account of his honesty, integrity and enterprise.