Howard M. Snapp

HON. HOWAED M. SNAPP.

While the disposition to do honor to those who have served well their race or their nation is prevalent among all enlightened people and is of great value everywhere and among all forms of government, it is particularly appropriate to and to be fostered in this country, where no man is born to public office or public honor or comes to either by inheritance, but where all men are equal before the law and where the race for distinction is over the road of public usefulness and is open to every one who chooses to enter. To bear an illustrious name is often to invite the shafts of jealousy and envy. As a western editor has expressed it: "If any schon of a house still honored arises to greatness, he will have achieved it. He will not be bum to it or find it thrust upon him and he must be great indeed to overcome the disadvantage of standing in the shadow of the colossal dead." We are led to this train of reflection in taking up the personal history of Hon. [Inward M. Snapp who lias worthily maintained the high reputation of an honored name as borne by his distinguished father, Hon. Henry Snapp. one of Will county's pi:ers. His own individual prominence has come to him, however, not because of his father's record but because of his personal worth and ability and his recent re-election to the United States congress is in itself evidence of faithful service rendered ami an indication of the confidence reposed in him by those who are willing to place their legislative interests in his hands.

Mr. Snapp was born in Joliet, September 27, 1855. His father, as stated above, was Hon. Henry Snapp, whose splendid record as state senator and member of congress is well known throughout Illinois as well as in Will county. He was born on (he 30th of June, 1822, in Livingston county, New York, and came with his parents to Illinois, in 1833, when only eleven years of age. From Unit lime forward lie was identified with the history of Will county and gained a position of leadership in public thought and action, leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the interests of the county. He died, deeply regretted, in Joliet, November 26, 1895, when seventy-three years of age. He had married Mary Adeline Broadie, who was born in Delaware and came to Illinois about the same time as her future husband. She died in 1884, leaving the following children, namely: Sarah M., who is the wife of Judge Dorrance Dibell, of Joliet; Elizabeth, who married George M. Campbell, also of Joliet; Henry Douglas and Howard M., both of this city; and Charles D., of Chicago.

Howard M. Snapp obtained his education in the local schools and in the Chicago University. At the close of the junior year he left the University and took up the study of law in the office of Hill & Dibell, continuing to read with that firm until he was admitted to the bar at Ottawa in 1878. From that time until 1888 he was with his father ami Mr. Breckenridge and later with his father formed the law firm of Snapp & Snapp, which was maintained until the retirement of the senior member in 1890. Howard M. Snapp then continued to practice alone and in addition to attending to the duties of his private practice, held the. office of master in chancery from 1884, until elected to congress. Mr. Snapp is now associated in the practice of law with W. D. Heise, states attorney, and Charles Dorrance Dibell, son of Judge Dibell of the circuit court, under the firm name of Snapp, Heise & Dibell. Their offices are located in the Cutting building on Jefferson street, opposite the courthouse, thus very conveniently situated.

Mr. Snapp has not only figured prominently in local circles hut has for some years been recognized as one of the most influential and prominent minis of (he republican party which has given evidence of confidence in his ability by electing and re-electing him twice to the United States congress. No public representative is more conversant with the legislative requirements of the state and nation as well as of his own district, than Mr. Snapp, and none are more capable to devise ways anil means to secure necessary legislation. Notwithstanding his loyalty to the principles and policy of the republican party there are few public men more highly esteemed by their opponents than he is and the fact is largely due to his co-operation ' at all times in every progressive movement beneficial to his district or the country, regardless of party ties. In 1884 Mr. Snapp was elected secretary of the republican county central committee and because of his efficient service in that capacity he was rewarded by promotion to the chairmanship, a position which he has held with honor longer than any previous incumbent. In 1896 lie was chosen a delegate to the republican convention at St. Louis when William McKinley was nominated for the presidency and since that date has invariably been selected as a delegate to all conventions of any importance.

By energy, perseverance and ability Mr. Snapp has gained his present position and honors. His labors in recent years have become part of the history of Ms county. He has a beautiful home at the northwest corner of Richards street and Fourth avenue and it is justly celebrated for its gracious hospitality. His marriage in Kansas City, Kansas, united him with Miss Alice Halsey, who was born in Henrietta, New York, a member of a prominent old family of Monroe county, that state. They now have three children: Dorrance, Helen and Howard M., Jr.

Mr. Snapp is a member of Matteson lodge, A. F. & A. M., also of chapter and council and of Mount Joliet commandery. No. 1, K. T. tie affiliates likewise with Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Chicago and is a member of the Commercial Club, while at all times he is found in the front in every movement for progress and a greater Joliet.

As printed in Past and present of Will County, Illinois (1907). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.