George J. Snyder

GEORGE J. SNYDER. Among the prominent and successful business men of Allentown a high place is accorded our subject, who is mine host of Snyder's Hotel. To this enterprise he adds that of a dealer in fine horses, from which branch of industry he reaps a handsome income.

Mr. Snyder was born in Snydersville, this county, December 9, 1834, and is the son of George Snyder, also a native of the above county and place. The latter died when in his eighty-first year. He in turn was the son of George Snyder, Sr., whose birthplace was likewise in the Keystone State, and who lived to attain the age of eighty-eight years. The great-grandfather of our subject, Michael Snyder, was born in Germany, and on coming to the United States in early life made location in Pennsylvania, where his death occurred when ninety-two years of age.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Miss Elizabeth Schantz. She likewise was born in this county, and was the daughter of Philip Schantz, who was a farmer by occupation. George J., of this sketch, was given a good common-school education, passing his boyhood and youth in his native place. He began his business career at Snydersville, where he opened up a hotel, and at the same time was engaged in buying and selling horses.

October 25, 1864, Mr. Snyder came to Allentown, and here purchased the Black Bear Hotel, which he conducted for seven years. Finding the hotel business a very profitable enterprise, he has since continued to operate as “mine host,” and is now the proprietor of a good building located on Tenth and Linden Streets. Mr. Snyder is one of the largest dealers in fine horses in the Lehigh Valley. His conveniently arranged stables are located on Linden Street, where he handles nothing but the best grade of animals. In his political relations his is a stanch Republican.

In 1853 our subject was married to Miss Martha M., daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Schindel. The lady was born in 1833, and by her union with Mr. Snyder has become the mother of the following six children: Alice, Emma, Martha, Jeremiah, Charles and Harry.

Mr. Snyder, although a very busy man, has always taken an active part in the public affairs of the city, and in 1892 was elected Councilman of the Seventh Ward for a term of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder occupy a comfortable residence at No. 46 North Tenth Street. Their intelligence, good citizenship and fine character entitle them to the esteem of their acquaintances, and their friends are many and sincere.

Source: Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Pages 692-693.