John J. Snakenberg

As printed in 1903

JOHN J. SNAKENBERG.

John J. Snakenberg. a prominent agriculturist of Keokuk county, Iowa, residing on sect 29, German township, was born in a log cabin located on section jo. on December 27, 1849, and is a son of Louis and Mary ( Scharnhorst) Snakenberg, both of whom were born in Germany. Louis Snakenberg, the father of our subject, was one of the earliest settlers in German township and still resides upon the farm which lie entered from the government so many years ago. He came here in May. 1843, ail(' nas reached his eightieth birthday, one of the most highly respected residents of this locality, and a leading member of the Methodist church. His wife still survives also, at the age of seventy-two years, and they are one of the most venerable couples in the township. They had a family that consisted of nine sons and one daughter. all of whom were born in the log cabin which still stands on section _>o. and which sheltered the family in comfort for so many years.

Our subject is the eldest child of the ten born to his parents and was reared on the old homestead in German township; and his interest in his own locality has been so great that be has never cared to leave his native state. His education was obtained in a little log schoolhouse in the woods, where he learned the elementary principles, and his whole life has been devoted to the operation and improvement of his farm. He remained at home until he was twenty-eight years of age and then, on November 3, 1877. he was married to Josephine Fixmer, who was born in German township on February 13. 1857. and is the daughter of Reinhart and Catherine (Blaise) Fixmer. who were old settlers in Keokuk county.

After marriage Mr. Snakenberg settled in section 1, Van Buren township. where he purchased eighty acres of land, remaining on that farm for five years, and then bought the farm where he now resides. He has made notable improvements on this place, one very substantial one being a deep well, which he had drilled in 1896. Mr. Snakenberg

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The family of Mr. and Mrs. Snakenberg consists of four children, namely: Hilda, who married Wesley Hoffman, a prominent farmer of German township; Miss Josie, who is a young lady al home; and Dora and Louis J., who attend school. The Snakenberg family is well known through this county, many of the brothers of our subject being, like himself, prominent and substantial] farmers. Of these: Richard was killed March 25, 1875, in a saw mill explosion; Christian is a prominent farmer of Van Buren township; Louis is also a prominent farmer in the same township; Henry is one of the good farmers of Van Buren township; Charles is a farmer in German township; Frank is located on section 16, in German township; Joseph operates his farm in section 17. German township; William resides on the homestead in section 20, German township; and Annie, the only sister, married Edward Krannan, located on section 17. German township. Until [896 Mr. Snakenberg was identified with the Democratic party, but the issues raised at that time induced him to affiliate with the Republican party, of which he has since lieen a valued member and has acceptably Tilled many of the local offices, Me is a member of the Masonic order, Webb Lodge, No. 182, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Siguorney, in which he has filled the position of junior warden. lie has been actively interested in the development of Keokuk county in his locality and is regarded as one of the representative men of this neighborhood.

As printed in A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa .. (1903). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.