Biographical Sketches

ANDREW J. SNIDER

Ranks among the most prominent business men and popular citizens of Kansas City. Throughout the greater part of his life he engaged in stock dealings; and well directed efforts, close application and sound judgment have brought to him a prosperity that places him among the wealthy residents of this place. Among the galaxy of distinguished men who have been foremost in promoting the welfare of Jackson county and aided the material prosperity of the entire state of Missouri, he occupies a most honorable position. Launching his life-boat at the age of 17 years without money but with courage and brains to direct it he has successfully weathered life's storms till now, and is safe within the harbor of honorable success.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Snider was born in Lancaster, on the 3rd of March, 1833. His boyhood days were passed on the old home farm in the Buckeye state, and during his boyhood he was employed by a stock drover, taking cattle across the Alleghanies. At the age of 17 he took a drove of mules to Singapore, India, about 1 year being consumed in this task. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio, and then, prompted by a spirit of adventure and a desire to improve his financial condition, he came to the west, locating at Leavenworth, Kansas, where he engaged in stone contracting. Among the buildings which he erected was the old stone fort in use until quite recently. Mr. Snider also went to overland to Pike's Peak 

during the time of the gold excitement there and spent a year engaged in mining. When the report of the discovery of gold in Montana reached him, he proceeded to that state. At that time Green Clay Smith, of Kentucky, was governor of Montana territory and Mr. Snider served as brigadier general on the governor's staff. He was interested in mining in the northwest until 1869, when he left Fort Benton for New Orleans, traveling by steamer. His intention was to purchase a plantation in the South, but certain circumstances arose which led him to change his plan and instead he located in Platte county, Missouri, where he remained for a year. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Snider came to Kansas City, and engaged in the Texas cattle business, owning a large ranch in the Cherokee strip of the Indian territory. He raised large herds of cattle there, selling as high as 30,000 head per annum. He did not give his personal supervision to the ranch, leaving it to the care of a foreman, but managed his interests from Kansas City, and here established the commission house of Barse & Snider, stock jobbers of Kansas City. This firm was in existence from 1873 until 1887, and did a very extensive and profitable business. He was one of the leading dealers in the stockyards of this place and his trade assumed extensive proportions. He studied closely the market and his foresight was displayed in his advantageous purchases and profitables sales. His commission business he closed out in 1887, but continued to carry on the ranch until 1889. He is still interested to some extent in cattle dealing, but has largely laid aside business cares to enjoy the fruits of his former labor. His life has been a varied and eventful one and he is familiar with many of the experiences of frontier life. Thrown into contact with all classes of people, his charming cordiality of manner and genial, social disposition has won him a host of warm personal friends wherever he has gone.

In Platte county, Missouri, Mr. Snider was united in marriage with Miss Hannah C. Berry, and they had two sons: Andrew J., who died in 1887, at the age of 32 years, was a prominent business man and a member of the firm of Andrew J. Snider & Company. In his youth he served for 2 years as a cadet at West Point; but failing health compelled him to leave that institution, and he went to Colorado, where he was greatly benefited, but never entirely regained his original strength. He was an active and valued member of the firm and possessed excellent business and executive ability, and his honor and integrity were above question. A man of magnetic personality, he was very popular and had the high regard of all who knew him. Chester A., the other son, is now engaged in the stock commission business and is a worthy successor to his honored father.

Mr. Snider and his wife reside at a beautiful home located at the corner of 10th and Forest streets. Mr. Snider is a lover of fishing and hunting, and finds one of his chief sources of recreation in this way. He usually takes a hunting trip each year, and he spends his winters in Florida, in the more balmy climate of that beautiful southern district. He is a man of fine personal appearance, a courteous gentleman of the old school and his standing in business and social circles in Kansas City is among the foremost.

Back

This page was last updated August 2, 2006.