7 He was the son of Felix and Lycha (Moyer) Snyder. His educational advantages were few. At an early age he was apprenticed to learn the machinist trade with an Allentown establishment. After serving his time he worked at Coopersburg and in the Crane Iron machine shops. Upon the erection of the Car Wheel Works at Fullerton, in 1867, by William R. Thomas, Mr. Snyder secured employment at these works. For thirty-five successive years he was superintendent of the wheel department. He was a mechanic of well known ability, having patented a wheel centering machine, two self-oiling wheels, a hydraulic gauge, and, in conjunction with James W. Fuller, a steel tire wheel. He was perfectly acquainted with every detail about the large establishment and was devoted to his employers. Fidelity was personified in every walk of life. Between Mr. James W. Fuller, 2nd, and Mr. Snyder there existed the closest fellowship and most implicit confidence.

When President Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 volunteers. Mr. Snyder promptly responded and served an enlistment of three months in Company D, 9th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and accompanied General Patterson's army into Virginia as far as Martinsburg. When the time of his enlistment expired, he returned to Catasauqua and resumed his work as machinist. He became a comrade of the Lieutenant George W. Fuller Post, No. 378, G. A. It.

Mr. Snyder was a man of a firm religious belief and held his membership in Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in which he filled the office of trustee, of steward, and of class-leader for many years. He was a liberal contributor to the support of the Church of his choice.