HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
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attached to the District of Detroit); in 1853, was re-appointed to the Collectorship by President Pierce, serving two years. During the "Mormon War" (1844) he organized and equipped, at his own expense, the Montgomery Guards, and was commissioned Colonel, but the disturbances were brought to an end before the order to march. From 1856 he devoted his attention chiefly to his practice, but, in 1862, was one of the Democrats of Chicago who took part in a movement to sustain the Government by stimulating enlistments; was also a member of the Convention which nominated Mr. Greeley for President in 1872. Died, in Chicago, May 5, 1882.
SNYDER, Adam Wilson, pioneer lawyer, and early Congressman, was born at Connellsville, Pa., Oct. 6, 1799. In early life he followed the occupation of wool-curling for a livelihood, attending school in the winter. In 1815, he emigrated to Columbus, Ohio, and afterwards settled in Ridge Prairie, St. Clair County, Ill. Being offered a situation in a wool-curling and fulling mill at Cahokia, he removed thither in 1817. He formed the friendship of Judge Jesse B. Thomas, and, through the latters encouragement and aid, studied law and gained a solid professional, political, social and financial position. In 1830 he was elected State Senator from St. Clair County, and re-elected for two successive terms. He served through the Black Hawk War as private, Adjutant and Captain. In 1833 he removed to Belleville, and, in 1834, was defeated for Congress by Governor Reynolds, whom he, in turn, defeated in 1836. Two years later Reynolds again defeated him for the same position, and, in 1840, he was elected State Senator. In 1841 he was the Democratic nominee for Governor. The election was held in August, 1842, but, in May preceding, he died at his home in Belleville. His place on the ticket was filled by Thomas Ford, who was elected.-William H. (Snyder), son of the preceding, was born in St. Clair County, Ill., July 12, 1825; educated at McKendree College, studied law with Lieutenant-Governor Koerner, and was admitted to practice in 1845; also served for a time as Postmaster of the city of Belleville, and, during the Mexican War, as First-Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Fifth Illinois Voluntee
