My Genealogy Hound

HON. GEORGE ANDREW SNYDER was elected to the Assembly in 1894, previous to which time he gave his attention to farming in the town of Hector, Schuyler County, where he owns one of the most beautiful estates in the section. This tract is the old homestead, and in addition to the many improvements which were placed there by his father, Mr. Snyder has beautified it still further. His knowledge of agriculture and the relative value of soils enables him to carry on the vocation in a most profitable manner.

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Catharine, then in Chemung, but now a part of Schuyler County, September 22, 1852. He lived there until 1866, when, in company with his parents, Adam and Jane E. (Darling) Snyder, he came to this part of the county. His father was born in New Jersey, near Belleville, in the year 1826. His mother, however, was a native of the town of Hector, this county, and the daughter of Andrew Darling, one of the old pioneers of Ulster County, N. Y. Adam was brought to the town of Hector, which was then in Tompkins County, when four years old. His parents, John W and Catherine (Brugler) Snyder, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively, located in this town, three miles south of Reynoldsville, in 1830, and here the grandfather continued to make his home until his decease, at the age of seventy-six years, when George A., of this history, was a lad of thirteen years. Of this family, Peter lives in the town of Montour; Catherine lives in Elmira; John makes his home in Elmira; and Adam, the father of our subject, is living retired in Burdett.

George A. Snyder was in his thirteenth year when his parents moved upon the place which he still calls home. This is located just one mile east of Burdett, and there our subject has made his home ever since. Until attaining his twenty-fifth year he gave his time to his father, whom he greatly relieved from the more arduous duties of farm work. At the time the latter moved to Burdett, however, George A. purchased the old place, in addition to which he owns a sixty-five acre tract one mile east. Although engaged in general farming, he makes a specialty of sheep-raising, and now has on his place one hundred and forty head.

The education of our subject was carried on inthe district school. He is self-made, however, and has never ceased to add to his already extended knowledge by reading good books and studying those subjects which aid him in his chosen vocation. He was married, October 15, 1873, to Miss Annette, the daughter of Capt. John C. Mead, formerly of Burdett, but now deceased. Mrs. Snyder was born in Hector, and is a most estimable and well educated lady. Our subject and his wife had a son, Stewart, who died at the interesting age of three years. Hon. Mr. Snyder has acted for the past twelve years as one of the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Burdett.

Our subject is a stanch Republican in politics, and on that ticket was elected Supervisor in 1890, holding the office for four years. The town pays thirty-four per cent, of the county taxes, hence this is considered a very important office. During the elections the town of Hector polls twelve hundred votes. In 1893 Mr. Snyder was elected to the State Assembly from Schuyler County, receiving a majority of six hundred of the votes cast over his opponent, Waldo S. Bishop, of Watkins. During this term he served on various committees of importance, among them being those of Internal Affairs, Public Health and Agriculture. So well did he fulfill the duties of this responsible position, that in 1894 he was placed in office again, being victorious over the Democratic nominee, Osborn Smith, of Hector. This time Mr. Snyder was placed in office by a majority of over one thousand, which shows his popularity as a citizen and official. As before, he was placed on committees of importance, and is now Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, his knowledge of this vocation making him a very valued member.