My Genealogy Hound

DAVID D. SNAVELY, whose practice through life has been to live according to the teachings of the Golden Rule, has met with success, and is now one of the leading men of Silver Spring township, Cumberland Co., Pa. He was born in Hampden township, this county, March 26, 1853.

The earliest ancestor of Mr. Suavely of whom there is any definite record is his paternal grandfather, George Suavely, a resident of Cumberland county, who, together with his brother John, took up a homestead of 250 acres, which he farmed throughout his active years. He married Mary Searer, a native of Cumberland county, living near Fairview, and four children were born to them: George, who died at the age of forty-six years; Henry, who died in 1885; Margaret, who remained unmarried, and John.

John Snavely received his education in the common schools, and after completing his studies engaged in milling for a short time, and then began farming upon the place his son D. D. now occupies. About 1846 he was married to Mary Dietz, daughter of Daniel and Lydia (Stoner) Deitz, of East Pennsboro. The Stoners were originally residents of York county, whence they moved to Hampden township, Cumberland county. Seven children were born to John Suavely and his wife: Elizabeth remained unmarried and is still living; Mary Jane is at home; Lydia Ann married Levi Shettle, a farmer who at present is the proprietor of a boarding-house in Marysville, Perry Co., Pa.; Daniel died in childhood; David D. is mentioned below; John H., unmarried, is at home; Ellen is at home. The father died July 22, 1878, the mother on June 18, 1891. The farm is now worked by the children residing upon it.

David D. Snavely received his education in the common schools of Cumberland county, and when he was sixteen years of age worked upon the farm owned by his father until the latter’s death, when he assumed the care of the family. Mr. Snavely resides upon a finely cultivated farm of forty-eight acres in Silver Spring township, and he is recognized as one of the leading farmers of his community. He has been a lifelong Democrat, and at the present time is auditor which office he has held for the past year, and fills with conscientious ability. The success which has attended his efforts can be attributed to his honesty, sobriety and industry, and his cheerful bearing of the burdens laid upon his shoulders. While not a member of any church, Mr. Snavely is a man of deep religious feeling, and as before stated, endeavors to do his full duty to his Maker and his neighbor, in this way believing he can best act the part of a good citizen and honorable man.