Skip to main content

Simon Snyder papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 00346

  • Staff Only
  • No requestable containers

Content Description

Family papers of Governor Simon Snyder of Pennsylvania and his grandson, General Simon Snyder, brigadier general in Cuba and the Philippines. 56 items: 13 letters, 7 other manuscripts, 17 photographs, and 19 pieces of ephemera.

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1819-2011

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Conditions Governing Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Biographical / Historical

Simon Snyder was the third governor of Pennsylvania, and the first of German descent. Born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on November 5, 1759, Snyder's political journey began as a justice of peace, forging a path that would lead him to the highest office in the state. Rising through the ranks of local government, such as his service in the House of Representatives from 1797 to 1805, Snyder's dedication garnered him widespread support, culminating in his election as the third governor of Pennsylvania in 1808. He served as governor from 1808 to 1817 (he was re-elected two times), and was best known for leading Pennsylvania through the War of 1812. Governor Simon Snyder died in Sellinsgrove, Pennsylvania on November 9, 1819.

General Simon Snyder, Governor Simon Snyder's grandson, was born February 9, 1839 in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. He was best known for his military service in the Civil War, the Philippine-American War, and the Spanish-American War. He was heavily decorated, promoted to Brigadier General in the Army on April 16, 1902, and retired on May 10, 1902. General Snyder died in Reading, Pennsylvania on April 12, 1913.

Extent

.21 Linear Feet (1 half hollinger box)

Language

English

Spanish; Castilian