Herman Snyder, one of the pioneers of the Northwest, was born in Hesse-Castel, Germany, in 1812. When seventeen years of age he left his home in Germany, and emigrated to the United States, first locating in Baltimore, Md. He then went to Washington where he followed his trade of blacksmithing for two years, thence to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he enlisted in the First United States Infantry under Captain Quinn, and was sent with his company to Ft. Snell, where he was discharged in about four months. He then was employed by the Government to do the blacksmithing for the Winnebagoes, remaining in that position for twelve years. In 1842 he came to Clayton County, where he entered land and has resided since. In 1834 he married Margaret Foster, who was born in Ohio in 1812. By this union there are four children, viz.: John, Margaret, Martha and Lucy. Mr. Snyder has 362 acres of land, 150 under cultivation, and valued at $35 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 823 |