Family Stories

Samuel Lewis Snyder

Volume: 1

Page: 434

Samuel Lewis Snyder

Members of the Snyder family were prominently identified with the milling activities of Henry County for many years. This was an industry which had been in existence almost since the village of Holgate was established and for many years its wheels manufactured products vitally necessary to the people of that area.

The flour mills at Holgate were built in 1876. The first owner was a Mr. Albright. Subsequently they were operated under the ownership of Reiser and Gillette. Later Mr. Jacob Reiser became sole proprietor and in March, 1894, sold the property to the brothers, Samuel L., John A., and Julius C. Snyder. Mr. J. Jacklin was the miller of this plant for about 10 years, having worked there off and on for thirty years. Another brother, Elbert F. Snyder, joined the partnership after the death of Julius C. Snyder and the departure of John A. Snyder. S. L. Snyder and E. F. Snyder were associated in the management and ownership of the grain elevator and the mill for eleven years. After incorporation of the business, Samuel L. continued as manager and Elbert F. Snyder moved to Fostoria, Ohio, where he continued in the grain and mill business nearly until his death in 1968. The Holgate mill manufactured fine grade flours and meal, and the special product was the Silver Star brand of flour which was used by a large number of families in this section of northwestern Ohio. The mill had a capacity of 75 barrels per day. It was closed in 1923 and burned a number of years later.

Samuel L. Snyder before becoming a flour miller was associated with his brother John in the lumber business in and near Holgate for about seven years. They succeeded their father in that industry and Samuel L. was employed in his father's saw mill from the time he was seventeen years of age until he was 23. He served several terms as Mayor of Holgate.

Mr. Snyder was born in a log house in Flatrock Township of Henry County on Dec. 6, 1868, and grew up with farming experience as a boy. From the age of 17 he was chiefly identified with lumbering and flour milling. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Leifer) Snyder. Both were natives of Ohio. His father was born in Tuscarawas County, November 6, 1839, and his mother in Allen County, Nov. 3, 1839. They were married in Henry County where their families settled about 1849. Grandfather George Snyder was born in Hesse, Darmstadt, Germany, on Oct. 13, 1806, was married there and on coming to America settled in Ohio. When moving to Henry County, he located on a tract of wild land in Flatrock Township which he developed into a farm. He and his wife, Mary E. (Weaver) spent their last years in Napoleon. He was 79 and she was 85 when they died. The Snyder and Leifer families were members of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob Snyder after his marriage located in Flatrock Township and became well known as a dealer and shipper of livestock. He had a farm and ran a lumber mill. He had first class mechanical ability with good business judgement and altogether his life was one of prosperity and useful service. He died in Flatrock Township in 1900 and his wife in 1903. He was active as a Democrat but did not seek public office. Jacob Snyder and his wife had nine children, all of whom grew up. Mary, the oldest, was the wife of Fred Franz and had a large family. John married and moved to Arkansas and had two daughters and four sons. Catherine, the wife of G. A. Farison, lived in McClure, Ohio. The next in age was Samuel. Julius, a business partner for years, died in 1904 leaving a widow and five children. William resided on the old homestead in Flatrock Township and had two sons and two daughters. Daniel also lived on part of the old farm and had two children. Callie was the wife of William Rettig and had four children. Elbert, a partner in the Snyder Flouring mills at Holgate, married Estella Rodney and had three children.

Samuel L. Snyder was married Jan. 1, 1899 to Nettie May Farison at the Farison homestead (S. P. Farison farm) in Flatrock Township by Rev. Warren of the Holgate Presbyterian Church. They had two sons reach adulthood. Lincoln L. Snyder, named for Abraham Lincoln, was born on the great president's birthday, Feb. 12, 1906. Franklin F. Snyder was born Nov. 11, 1910. Mr. Snyder and family were members of the Presbyterian Church. He and his brothers were Republicans and he was a Charter Mason.

Note: Part of the above is based on "A History of Northwestern Ohio" by Nevin O. Winter, Litt. D., published by the Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago and New York in 1917.