William H. Snodgrass

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.

WlLLIAM H. SNODGRASS, a farmer of Henderson County , now living on section 15, township 12 north, range 4 west, claims Illinois as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Warren County on the 9th of June, 1856. He was one of twelve children born unto Daniel and Mary E. (Wimmer) Snodgrass. The father was a native of Tennessee, and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming. The mother was a daughter of Jacob Wimmer. The children of the family are: John, who now makes his home in Kansas; George W., a farmer of Nebraska; Jacob, a resident of Monmouth, Ill.; William H; Thomas, who is located in Kirkwood, Ill.; Mary, deceased; Lynn, now of Nebraska; Hattie, widow of James Hanley, of Chicago; Charles, who resides in Nebraska; Martha, wife of N. Bitterman; and Daniel, deceased.

William H. Snodgrass spent the first six years of his life in his native county, and then came with the family to Henderson County, where his time was passed in work upon the farm or in conning his lessons in the district schools of the neighborhood. Thus his education was acquired. He lived at home until twenty-two years of age, and then, starting out in life for himself, he began farming in Des Moines County, Iowa. For four years he made his home in the Hawkeye State, after which he returned to Illinois, and since 1882 he has lived upon the farm which is now his place of residence.

On the 9th of October, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Snodgrass and Miss Laura L. Rozell, daughter of James and Sarah (Hoveyj Rozell. Eight children have been born to them, two sons and six daughters: Ida M., Pearl E., Sarah A., Maude E., Jennie M., Henry E., Robert J. and Minnie R. The family circle yet remains unbroken, and the children are still with their parents.

Mr. Snodgrass votes with the Republican party, and holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, who takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He has lived a quiet and unassuming life, giving the greater part of his time and attention to farm work, yet is recognized as a valued citizen of the community, and therefore it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of his life work.