My Genealogy Hound

Harry N. Snowdon, Esq., one of leading citizens of Pontiac, Michigan, was born at Pontiac in 1868, and is a son of the late William H. and Emily (Barrett) Snowdon.

William H. Snowdon, who was born in Manchester, England, came as a pioneer to Pontiac, after a university education in his native land. He was successfully engaged for a number of years as a wholesale dealer in grain and produce, a business entirely removed from that in which he had been trained, — that of an inspector and buyer of silk. He was well and favorably known through Oakland County. His death occurred in May, 1902, at the age of 68 years. The children that survived him are: Harry H., our subject; Fred W., a painter and decorator of Pontiac; Lucy, a stenographer, living in Pontiac; and Mary, who is married, and a resident of Detroit. Our subject’s mother was born in Manchester, England, and came to Michigan in youth with her parents. She was married in Pontiac, and is still a resident of the city.

Harry H. Snowdon obtained his education in the public schools of Pontiac, completed the course in the Pontiac High School and in 1891 was graduated from the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti. Mr. Snowdon has devoted a number of years to teaching and has served as county superintendent of schools. On July 4, 1899, he was elected justice of the peace, and was re-elected July 4, 1903, by a large majority. Mr. Snowdon is also serving his second term as trustee from the Fourth Ward on the Board of Education, and is serving his fourth year as secretary of the said board. In politics he is a Democrat, but his personal popularity is such that he has been twice elected to office in the face of both city and county Republican majorities.

In 1895 Mr. Snowdon was married to Fannie Andrews, of Fenton, Michigan, and they have three children, namely; Harry Edward, Grace E. and Ida C. The pleasant family home is situated on Johnson avenue, in the north part of Pontiac. Fraternally Mr. Snowdon is a valued member of the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Elks and other bodies. In his religious affiliation he is an Episcopalian.