Charles Snyder was reared upon his father's farm and educated in his native place. In 1852 he went to California to dig for gold, and mined in Nevada county, making a few hundred dollars in Grass Valley and at Downieville. He then prospected in the mountains. His largest piece of gold was worth about fifty dollars. In 1860 he settled in Carson valley and worked by the day for a year, when he went to Virginia City during the mining excitement. From there he came on to Aurora and built a sawmill on the Buckeye and operated it for four years until the town began to run behind. While he was there he furnished nearly all the lumber used in building the place. In 1865 he made his way to Mason valley, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which was partly improved, and has enjoyed working upon it ever since. To it he has added from time to time, and now owns seven hundred and twenty acres. He also has four hundred and twenty acres in another piece, all of it being rich farming land. Mr. Snyder raises good horses, cattle and other stock. His horses are the English coach, while the stock are Durham. He has sold one thousand tons of alfalfa hay in a single season, and earlier in his career he has driven a herd of cattle to Oregon and received thirty-five thousand dollars for them. In all of his undertakings he has greatly prospered, and is recognized as a good farmer, capable business man and successful stockman.

In 1866 Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Mary Loftus and they have had five children, of whom three are living: John, a farmer residing near his father; Lizzie, who married Charles Hyronomus, a resident of Yerington: Jeremiah, in San Francisco; Emily married Orin Whiting and died leaving one child, Charles, who is being reared by his grandfather, and is a very bright, intelligent little fellow.

Mr. Snyder has been a life-long Republican, but has never sought or desired office. While he has never joined any society, he is very liberal in his support of the churches and all worthy enterprises. The Golden Rule gives him his standard of action, and following its teachings he has gained many friends and firmly established himself in the confidence of the community.

Source:
A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People
By Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company
Published by The Lewis publishing company, 1904