It is with sincere regret we chronicle the death of Major John C. Snidow of Giles Co., which took place on Thursday morning the 10th inst., at his late residence. The deceased was the eldest son of the late William H. Snidow, who in his day, probably wielded more influence than any other man in Giles Co., and a grand-son of Col. Christian Snidow, an officer of the Revolution, and a descendant of the Burke family that settled in the New River Valley, probably over one hundred years ago, and one member of which Mrs. Davidson, was taken prisoner by the Indians on Clear Fork, Tazewell Co., (now Bland) and remained in Captivity about seven years.

In the death of Maj. Snidow, Giles county loses one of her most prominent and useful citizens, in the prime of life, his age being about thirty-six. Though of retiring and unobtrusive manners, he was eminently popular, based upon his purity of character, fine judgment and elevated integrity; and in 1871, without solicitation, he was nominated by the Conservative party for the House of Delegates, was elected, and served the session of 1871-72 and 1872-73, declining a re-election, and a touching and fitting tribute to his worth was manifested in the large concourse that attended his obsequies the largest that is recollected having been present at the burial of any citizen of that county.

In February 1866, he was happily united in marriage with a daughter of the lamented James F. Hoge, Esqr., of Montgomery, and a first cousin of Mrs. A. D. Reynolds of this place, who, with four small children survive him.

We sincerely sympathize with his friends in this great affliction, and tender them assurances of our condolence in this hour of darkness.

There is universal regret and sincere sorrow throughout this city and county, and wherever James Shannon Snidow was known, because of his death which occurred Friday morning at 7:30 oclock at his home on West Monroe street, at which hour he passed from earth as peacefully as a child would fall asleep. He was in full possession of his faculties until the end came, and calling his wife and children to his bedside bade each farewell and counseled them as to their future welfare. Death was the result of an acute case of pneumonia, both lungs being affected, brought on, it is thought, by exposure during the recent county canvass, in which he was the successful candidate for County Clerk, which office he held at the time of his death.

Mr. Snidow was taken ill just one week ago Friday at 3 oclock in the afternoon, grew worse day by day, and for the last forty-eight hours of life and death hung in the balance. All that medical science could do for the relief of the sufferer was brought to bear, but at no time during his illness was it thought Mr. Snidow recover.

As a husband, father and citizen no man was more gentle, kind, indulgent, true, or was held by the public in higher esteem. As a Christian he was above reproach, believing steadfastly in Him who, on Calvary's cross, suffered death that mankind might live. Unostentatious, scrupulously honest, always affable, he made friends who clung to him. As County Clerk he won the favor of our people for the able, conscientious and courteous discharge of his duties. Mr. Snidow was first a candidate for the office in 1882, but was unsuccessful. In 1894 he again made the race and was elected. His time for the present incumbency would have expired next January. He was renominated for County Clerk on April 30 last.

Deceased was a native of Virginia, where he was born in Giles county Feb. 4, 1848, and came with his parents to Missouri in 1849, locating in Monroe county. The death of his father when he was 6 years old left him to solve the problem of his future unaided. It is fact that when 21 years old Mr. Snidow had not learned to read, but with grit and energy as his capital he started out to acquire his education, attending school in the winter and working on a farm in the summer in order to earn the money to procure his education. After completing his studies he selected the profession of school teacher, to which most of his life has been devoted. No better endorsement of his capabilities can be given than to mention that he taught school in one neighborhood for seventeen years and in one district, Excelsior school house, in Saling township, for nine years. In 1877 he came to Audrain county, and his quiet, unassuming manner, together with his devotion to his work, soon grained him a host of friends. Mr. Snidow married Miss Clara D. Milsap, of Osceola, St. Clair county, April 11, 1878, who, with five daughters, survives him. The children are Ethel, Stella, Bertha, Flemma and Fay.

Deceased was a Master Mason and Odd Fellow, and the funeral services will be under the auspices of these orders at 3 clock tomorrow afternoon at the Christian church of which church Mr. Snidow was a member Rev. Mr. Robbins conducting the religious ceremony. The interment will take place in the Mexico cemetery. The bell in the dome of the court house announced the passing away of Mr. Snidow and told in mournful tones the sad tidings that a good man had gone to his reward.


FUNERAL SERVICES
The funeral services over the remains of J. S. Snidow were held Saturday afternoon at the Christian church, which was crowded with friends of the deceased who had assembled to pay respect to the memory of one of Audrain County's most worthy citizens.

The ceremonies were conducted by the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Home Benefit orders, each of which deceased was a member. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. J. W. Robbins, pastor of the Christian church, who took his text from the last half of the fourth verse of the twenty-third Psalm, Thy Rod and Thy Staff Shall Comfort Me. Mr. Robbins spoke beautifully of the noble character of deceased and eulogized the many Christian virtues possessed life by the departed, said words of comfort for the living and gave a brief history of the life and work of him who had entered into rest.

The choir was assisted by all the teachers of the Public Schools and the pupils of the High Schools, and rendered Asleep in Jesus, Meet Me There, Just Over the River and God Be With You Till We Meet Again, all favorite hymns of deceased.

The floral tributes were numerous and many were very handsome. Among the profusion were noticed several magnificent designs, the offerings of the county officials, Masons and the Odd Fellows. Friends were lavish in their floral remembrances. The funeral cortege was one of the largest ever seen in this city and many friends awaited on the outside of the church, being unable to gain admission. The acting pall bearers were J. S. Walker and Thos. S. Wisdom, of Saling; P. E. Locke, W. L. Kent, Taylor Berry and John Abbay. The honorary pall bearers were all the county officials and several of the officials-elect. The Vandalia Lodge of Odd Fellows attended the funeral and many friends form a distance were present.

J. P. Snidow of Madison, Mo., a brother of deceased, and Wm. and Newton Snidow, nephews, of the same place; Jas. Groves, of Moberly; Dr. and Mrs. Kirkland, of Laddonia; Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Vanlandingham and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Neal of Rowena; T. S. Wisdom and J. S. Walker, of Saling, and numerous other friends attended the funeral. The remains were laid to rest in the Mexico Cemetery.