Snyder - Frank
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 29 Dec 1905 p 1
-- Frank L. Snyder is dead. Shortly before 10 o'clock this morning the dissolution came peacefull as his relatives stood by his bedside. His illness dates back to last October. Since that time he has grown gradually worse of cancer of the stomach until death relieved him. Though his demise was not unexpected it came as a shock to the entire community when news was flashed about the city that he was dead. All of his near relatives were present except his brother, Harry Snyder. in his death the city loses one of its progressive business men and one prominent in the affairs of the community in every way, socially, politically, and otherwise. Since its inception Mr. Snyder has been connected with the Tribe of Ben-Hur -- in fact he was one of the prime movers in its organization. He has with D.W. Gerard, the supreme chief, the credit of founding the order and to them principally is due its wonderful growth in membership and stability. Mr. Snyder was elected the first supreme scribe of the order and has continue to occupy this important office ever since. He was one of the leading men in the US in fraternal insurance. His connection and services in the Tribe of Ben-Hur established for him a national reputation in insurance work. In assisting to build up this great fraternal insurance order he has done much for the business interests of the city of Crawfordsville and his effort in this work is worthy of the appreciation which has been so generously awarded it by the citizens of the city. He was interested in the welfare of his city as the one of his choice and when the movement was set on foot to remove the main offices of the Tribe of Ben Hur to Indianapolis he loyally stood by the guns and assisted very materially in keeping the national headquarters of the order here in this city. Since the electric light plant of this city has been run by a board of trustees Mr. Snyder has been one of its three members. Frank L. Snyder was born on a farm near Middletown, Butler Co Ohio Feb 22, 1852. His ancestors came from Pennsylvania and settled there more than a century ago. They were a hardy race of pioneer settlers in Ohio and from there came to his splendid physique and vigorous manhood. Until he was 21 years of age he lived and worked hard upon his father's farm. His education was gained at the village school. He also took a thorough course in a business college in Dayton, O. In 1873 he removed to Crawfordsville and embarked in the undertaking business which he conducted for several years with marked success. In 1882 in connection with some local capitalists he organized the Indiana Live Stock Insurance Company (now Indiana and Ohio Livestock Insurance Company) and was for a number of years the secretary of this organization. He afterward became interested in the lead mines at Joplin, MO where he was quite successful. In 1893 he disposed of his interests at Joplin and returned to Crawfordsville where he has since resided. It was about this time that D.W. Gerard conceived the plan of organizing the Tribe of Ben-Hur. He interested Mr Snyder in his plans and together they called on the late Gen. Lew Wallace. At the interview which following the general granted the request made by his callers to found a beneficial order on his book, "Ben-Hur." It was General Wallace who suggested that the order ben name the Tribe of Ben-Hur rather than the Knights of Ben-Hur as had been suggested. Mr. Snyder was twice married. To the first union two children, Walter and Mabel, a boy and girl were born, both of whom survive, Walter being in business in Toldeo, O and Mabel living at home. He wa smarried the second time to Miss Mabel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.V. Galey, and to them two children were born, Maude and Francis. She and the two children survive him as do two brother, John Snyder of this city and Harry Snyder of Jacksonville, Ill. He was a member of the Masonic order and past eminent commander of Crawfordsville Commandery, No 25, Knights Templar. He was a firm believer in fraternal insurance and carried several thousand dollars in fraternal orders. He and Mrs. Snyder have for several years been attendants at Center Presbyterian Church and recently both united with the church. The funeral will occur Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be in charge of the Tribe of Ben Hur. The Knights Templar will assistant in the obsequies. Funeral arrangements are not completed at this time.