Mr. Snyder attended the district schools of Greene County, N. Y., and the Claverack Institute, of Columbia County. He became a deck hand on a steamer plying on the Hudson River, and a little later was fireman on the same vessel. At the age of twenty he came to New Fork City and engaged in the produce commission business in Washington Market. This business lie followed for twenty-eight years, being very successful. Through his early steamboat experience lie also became interested in the project of the Catskill line of boats on the Hudson River. He was at first a Director in the corporation owning this line. but presently became its President and General Manager, and has continued in this position for twenty-two years, to the present time. Under his management the business of this line has grown, and five boats are now kept in commission, instead of two boats, as formerly. Among the well known boats of this line are the "Escort," now the "City of Hudson"; the "Walter Brett," now out of commission; the "City of Catskill," which was destroyed by fire in the winter of 1884; and the "Kaaterskill," one of the finest steamboats on the Hudson, now in active service. The "Escort" was rebuilt and lengthened and rechristened the "City of Hudson." The steamers "W.C. Redfield " and "Thomas McManus " were purchased under the present management. In 1898 the "Onteora" was built by W. & A. Fletcher, of Hoboken, is entirely new, with steel hull, and has proved to be one of the fastest and ablest boats on the river.

Mr. Snyder has long resided in one of the most elegant mansions on Palisade Avenue,, West Hoboken. He built this edifice, and has also erected twenty-four other residences in West Hoboken. He is also well known for his public spirit in other directions, has taken great interest in the public school system, has contributed to its development, and is likewise conspicuous in connection with other public institutions and public movements. He is a leading member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Hoboken, with which he has been officially connected for about thirty years. He has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party since it was organized, and has been one of its liberal financial assistants and influential in its councils.