Charles Leidy Snowdon
b: 25 JUN 1854
d: 1937
Biography
Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Fayette County by Gresham and
Wiley, 1889, p297
Charles L Snowdon is the son of John N Snowdon and Eliza J McSherrySnowdon and the grandson of Captain John Snowdon. Charles L Snowdonwas born June 25, 1854, in Brownsville, Penna, and was reared andeducated there. He was afterwards employed as a clerk for severalyears and from 1873 to 1877 acted as teller in the Dollar Savings Bankof Brownsville. In 1887 he went as first clerk of the steamer Genevathat ran between Pittsburgh and Brownsville, and belonged to thePittsburgh, Brownsville & Geneva Packet Co. He remained in thiscapacity for three years. In January, 1880, he becaem interested inthe Umpire Coal Works of Cunningham & Co. The firm consisted of J SCunningham, L H Abrams, and CL Snowdon. They continued in businesstogether till 1881 when J S Cunningham and L H Abrams drew out, and SS Graham and W B McCormick became interested and the firm then becameGraham, Snowdon & co. In 1882 S S Graham sold his interest to N B HoggJr, and the name was changed to C L Snowdon & Co. The mine is locatedjust above the mouth of Redstone Creek between the railroad bridge andBrownsville. The coal is of superior quality and is shipped by riverto Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville and New Orleans. They shippedfrom this mine annually from one and one half to two millions ofbushels of coal and employ on the average one hundred and twenty fivemen. The firm of C L Snowdon & Co operate coke overs in connection wththeir coal mining interests, and their coke is pronounced by the EdgarThompson Steel Works to be equal to the Connellsville or any othercoke they have ever used. The slack and dust from this mine haspreference in the Pittsburgh market. In 1882 Mr Snowdon opened the OroCoal Works on Water street opposite the glass works in Brownsville; heoperates them to supply the home trade. In 1885 Mr Snowdon formed apartnership with Frank T Hogg and opened the Albany mine, located onemile down the river from Brownsville near the mouth of Redstone creekon the site of the old Albany Glass Works. The coal is of an excellentquality and they ship from two million to two and a half millionbushes yearly.

As it will be seen from the above recital of Mr Snowdon's businessventures, he is a stirring, energetic, go ahead businessman. On June26, 1879, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Hogg, daughter of George EHogg of Brownsville. They have four children: Eliza Snowdon; GeorgeHogg Snowdon; Caroline McClurg Snowdon; and Felix Brunot Snowdon. MrSnowdon is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church at Brownsvilleand is a member of the vestry. He is a member of the borough council,havng been twice elected, first in 1883, re-elected in 1887, and in1889 he was elected as a member of the school board.

CHARLES LEIDY SNOWDON, banker, coal and coke producer, railwayexecutive, and officially connected with various manufacturing,financial, and public service enterprises in the Pittsburgh district,is the son of John Nelson and Eliza J. (McSherry) Snowdcn, andgrandson of John and Mary (Smith) Snowdon.
John Snowdon was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, March 22,1796. He learned the blacksmith trade. He married Mary Smith, and in1818 came to America, settling in Brownsville, Pa., with his wife andtwo small daughters, Ann and Elizabeth, the former of whom became thewife of Capt. Adam Jacobs, one of the pioneer river men of thedistrict. She was born in lfl6, and died in 1916, a few months beforereaching her one hundredth birthday. After coming to Brownsville, JohnSnowdon worked at his trade for a short time at a wage of one dollarper day. He soon established a shop of his own, however, to which waslater added a foundry and machine shop, and when the steam engine cameinto use he began building steamboat engines and general steamboatmachinery equipment. The familiar mile posts of the "National Pike"were cast in his foundry. He was the maker of one of the first stovesused in America, and he built the "National Pike" bridge over Dunlap'screek at Brownsville, the first tubular iron bridge west of theAllegheny mountains.
The four other children of John and Mary (Smith) Snowdon, born aftercoming to this country, were: Samuel S., who died at the age ofeighty-five; Elizabeth, who died at the age of ninety-two; JohnNelson, of whom further; and Margaret, born 1832, still living (1921).John Snowdon was one of the striking characters of pioneerBrownsville, and probably contributed more than any single individualto its upbuilding. He was a Mason, a prominent churchman, and an oldline Whig in politics.

John Nelson Snowdon, youngest son of John and Mary (Smith) Snowdon,was born in Brownsville, Pa., Oct. 15, 1827, died in December, 1912.He grew to manhood in Brownsville, and joined his father in businessunder the firm name, John Snowdon & Son. This firm furnished a largepart of the engine and machinery equipment to the local riversteamboats for many years. At the beginning of the Civil War, theyreceived the contract to build the historic river monitors, "Manyunk"and "Umpqua." During the war, a second plant was opened in Pittsburgh,the two employing more than two thousand men. John Nelson Snowdonserved as postmaster of Brownsville under Presidents Hayes, Garfield,and Arthur. He married Eliza J. McSherry, and they were the parents ofthree children: Charles Leidy, of whom further; Mary, who marriedWalter S. Bare, of Lancaster, Pa.; and John H., of Brownsville, Pa.
Charles Leidy Snowdon, son of John Nelson and Eliza J. (McSherry)Snowdon, was born in Brownsville, Pa., June 25, 1854. He attended thegrammar and high schools of his native town, and then went to work ina general store in Brownsville, where he remained from 1870 to 1876.He was then appointed teller of the Brownsville Dollar Savings Bank,where he remained for two years. In 1878 he became a clerk on theriver steamboat "Geneva" in the employ of the Pittsburgh, Brownsville,and Geneva Packet Company, working and saving for two years more,when, having become interested in the coal trade, he associatedhimself with the J. S. Cunningham Company, the firm operating theUmpire mines at Brownsville. In 1881 he purchased Mr. Cunningham'sinterest in the mine, becoming its managing owner, and in 1885, inassociation with his brother-in-law, Frank T. Hogg, he developed theAlbany mines, near Brownsville. In 1809 he sold all these interests tothe Monongahela River Company.
The executive and administrative abilities of Mr. Snowdon have madehim a valuable member of the directing boards of many organizations.He was elected a director of the Brownsville Gas Company in 1887. Inikik) he was made a director of the Monongahela National Bank, ofBrownsville, and in 1893 he was chosen president of that institution,an office which he still holds. This bank is one of the oldest moneyinstitutions in Western Pennsylvania, and since receiving its charter,in 1812, has never suspended specie payment, paying dividendscontinuously since 18r3. In 1890 Mr. Snowdon was elected president ofthe Pittsburgh, Brownsville, and Geneva Packet Company. In 1892 heorganized the Brownsville Water Company and the Bridgeport WaterCompany, being elected president of each. The Queen City Coal Company,of Cincinnati, was organized in 1889, at which time he was electedpresident and a director. Two years later he was elected president ofthe Pacific Coal Company, organized to transport coal to the variouslower river markets. He is also president of the Snowdon Coke Company;a director of the Exchange National Bank, of Pittsburgh; president anda director of the Redstone Cemetery ComMr. Rath married (first) SarahPatterson, daughter of Robert and Priscilla Patterson, who died in1891, leaving one daughter, Mary Priscilla, now the wife of PaulStroyer, they being the parents of one daughter, Mary Priscilla. Mr.Rath married (second) Jessie Klingensmith, of Aspinwall, Alleghenycounty, Pa., on April 14, 1917.
Facts
  • 25 JUN 1854 - Birth - ; Fayette County, Pennsylvania
  • Burial - Note: , Burial Date 1945, Ref: Cemetery Records Burial: Homewood ; Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1937 - Death - ; Coral Gables, Florida
  • 1945 - Death -
  • 1920 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; Pittsburgh Ward 14, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1860 - Residence - ; Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States
  • 1910 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; 411 Market St., Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1900 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; Brownsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
  • 1870 - Residence - ; Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States
  • 1880 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Self ; Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1930 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1935 - Residence - Relation to Head of House: Head; Relation to Head of House: Husband ; Precinct 59, Dade, Florida
  • 18 AUG 1923 - Arrival - ; New York, New York
  • 18 APR 1908 - Arrival - ; New York, New York
  • Occupation - Teller of Brownsville, PA Savings bank, then clerk on steamboat
  • 1920 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; Pittsburgh Ward 14, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1860 - Residence - ; Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States
  • 1910 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; 411 Market St., Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1900 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; Brownsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
  • 1870 - Residence - ; Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States
  • 1880 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Self ; Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1930 - Residence - Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head ; Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
  • 1935 - Residence - Relation to Head of House: Head; Relation to Head of House: Husband ; Precinct 59, Dade, Florida
Ancestors
   
John Snowdon
02 MAR 1795 - 25 JAN 1875
 
 
John Nelson Snowdon
15 OCT 1827 - 14 DEC 1911
  
  
  
Mary Smith
ABT 1794 -
 
Charles Leidy Snowdon
25 JUN 1854 - 1937
  
 
  
 
 
Elizabeth J. McSherry
23 SEP 1830 - 23 JUN 1910
  
  
  
 
Family Group Sheet - Child
PARENT (M) John Nelson Snowdon
Birth15 OCT 1827Brownsville, PA
Death14 DEC 1911 Brownsville, PA
Marriage17 JAN 1853to Elizabeth J. McSherry at Fayette Co., PA
FatherJohn Snowdon
MotherMary Smith
PARENT (F) Elizabeth J. McSherry
Birth23 SEP 1830Brownsville, PA
Death23 JUN 1910 Brownsville, PA
Marriage17 JAN 1853to John Nelson Snowdon at Fayette Co., PA
FatherMale McSherry
MotherFemale
CHILDREN
FMary Snowdon
BirthABT 1857Pennsylvania
Death1940PA
Marriage1889to Walter Scott Bare at Fayette, Pennsylvania
MJohn Howard Snowdon
BirthABT 1858Pennsylvania
Death24 APR 1933Brownsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania, USA
Marriageto Bertha Easter
Marriage1896to Emeline L Snowdon
MCharles Leidy Snowdon
Birth25 JUN 1854Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Death1937Coral Gables, Florida
Marriage26 JUN 1879to Elizabeth "Bessie" Bissell Hogg at Brownsville, PA
Family Group Sheet - Spouse
PARENT (M) Charles Leidy Snowdon
Birth25 JUN 1854Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Death1937 Coral Gables, Florida
Marriage26 JUN 1879to Elizabeth "Bessie" Bissell Hogg at Brownsville, PA
FatherJohn Nelson Snowdon
MotherElizabeth J. McSherry
PARENT (F) Elizabeth "Bessie" Bissell Hogg
Birth26 JAN 1856Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Death1927
Marriage26 JUN 1879to Charles Leidy Snowdon at Brownsville, PA
FatherGeorge Ewing Hogg
MotherSarah Anne McClurg
CHILDREN
FEliza "Lida" Helen Snowdon
Birth21 JAN 1883Pennsylvania
DeathDEC 1973Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Marriageto Edward Henesy
FCaroline McClurg Snowdon
Birth16 MAY 1886Pennsylvania
Death03 JUN 1971
Marriageto Ralph Strother Richards
MFelix Brunot Snowdon
Birth23 OCT 1887Pennsylvania
Death07 OCT 1954Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
Marriageto Martha Guthrie
MGeorge Hogg Snowdon
Birth27 APR 1883Brownsville, PA
Death25 MAY 1931Pittsburgh, PA
Marriage30 DEC 1909to Louise Witherbee Taft at Manhattan, NY
FMary Elizabeth Snowdon
Birth06 SEP 1895Pennsylvania
Death06 JUN 1915Pennsylvania
Marriageto Joseph Coudon Hoopes
MCharles Leidy Snowdon Jr.
BirthABT 1892Pennsylvania
DeathAPR 1984Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, USA
Marriageto Ruth J Snowdon
MCharles Nelson Snowdon
Birth24 JUN 1891Pennsylvania
DeathAPR 1984Wilmington, Delaware
Marriageto Ruth J. Johnson
Evidence
[S65] 1930 United States Federal Census
[S64] 1920 United States Federal Census
[S59] 1880 United States Federal Census
[S84] 1860 United States Federal Census
[S176] Florida, State Census, 1867-1945
[S58] 1910 United States Federal Census
[S76] 1900 United States Federal Census
[S181] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
[S430] Fayette County, Pennsylvania Vital Records, 1750-1890
[S52] 1870 United States Federal Census
[S330] Web: Pennsylvania, Find A Grave Index, 1682-2012
[S156] Florida Death Index, 1877-1998
Descendancy Chart
Charles Leidy Snowdon b: 25 JUN 1854 d: 1937
Elizabeth "Bessie" Bissell Hogg b: 26 JAN 1856 d: 1927
Eliza "Lida" Helen Snowdon b: 21 JAN 1883 d: DEC 1973
Caroline McClurg Snowdon b: 16 MAY 1886 d: 03 JUN 1971
Ralph Strother Richards b: 04 MAR 1881 d: 21 FEB 1945
Charles Snowdon Richards b: 22 NOV 1911 d: 26 NOV 1983
Ralph Strother Richards Jr. b: 19 APR 1922 d: 06 APR 1987
Felix Brunot Snowdon b: 23 OCT 1887 d: 07 OCT 1954
Martha Guthrie b: ABT 1896
George Hogg Snowdon b: 27 APR 1883 d: 25 MAY 1931
Louise Witherbee Taft b: 20 DEC 1891 d: 23 JAN 1926
Charles Taft Snowdon b: 23 JUL 1911 d: 08 MAY 1992
Marion Louise Snowdon b: 01 AUG 1916 d: 05 OCT 1961
James Hay Reed b: 01 AUG 1914 d: 10 NOV 1962
Jerry Reed b: 25 NOV 1942 d: 25 NOV 1942
Henry Taft Snowdon b: 03 NOV 1912 d: 29 APR 1995
Agnes "Nancy" Curtiss Buckingham b: 19 SEP 1916 d: 05 MAY 2006
Henry Taft Snowdon Jr. b: 28 JAN 1947 d: 16 NOV 2011
Mary Elizabeth Snowdon b: 06 SEP 1895 d: 06 JUN 1915
Charles Leidy Snowdon Jr. b: ABT 1892 d: APR 1984
Ruth J Snowdon b: ABT 1896 d: 04 JAN 1990
Charles Leidy Snowdon III b: 09 NOV 1921 d: 14 JUL 1945
Elizabeth Reeves Snowdon b: 06 NOV 1919 d: 05 MAR 2004
Charles Nelson Snowdon b: 24 JUN 1891 d: APR 1984
Ruth J. Johnson b: ABT 1896