The inevitable law of destiny accords to tireless energy and industry a successful career. Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will eventuate in the attainment of a due measure of prosperity, and in following out the career of one who has gained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which makes such accomplishments possible. The history of such a one also indicates the possibilities that lie before every young man who enters the business world. Mr. Snyder is one who owes his prosperity to his own labors and may well be called a self-made man. He is now one of the owners and the manager of the Francis Planing Mill and Sash & Door Factory, of Troy, an enterprise which contributes not only to the success of the owners but is also of material benefit to the city by promoting commercial activity.

Mr. Snyder was born in German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 28, 1872. His father, Holcomb Snyder, removed from Waterloo, New York, to that township, in 1860, and there engaged in the milling business until 1894. He afterward worked in the Francis Planing Mill until his death, which occurred October 20, 1899. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Frank, and was a daughter of John Frank, one of the early settlers of German township. Her mother belonged to the Loy family, one of the most prominent and influential in Montgomery county. Mrs. Snyder passed away in 1889. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were born three sons and three daughters, but Edgar died at the age of fourteen years. Frank Snyder, the eldest, is now a rising young attorney at law of Portland, Indiana. The sisters, Mollie, Emma and Sallie, reside with their brother, our subject, in Troy, where the family are most highly esteemed.

John W. Snyder is indebted to the public schools of his native town for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. On putting aside his text-books he began work in a saw-mill and also worked in a sash and door factory owned and controlled by his father. Since May, 1899, he has managed the business of the Francis Planing Mill and Sash & Door Factory, becoming his father's successor. Mr. Francis, the owner of the plant, is one of the best known lumber manufacturers and mill-men of this section of the state and is carrying on a very extensive business, and to be associated with him in any enterprise of which he has control is a guarantee of success and an indication that the partner possesses skill and ability of superior order and enjoys an unassailable reputation in business circles. Mr. Snyder is certainly well qualified for his present position. His knowledge of the business is practical as well as theoretical and he is thus enabled to superintend the men under him most effectively. There is no trace of the overbearing taskmaster in him, yet he demands faithful service on the part of the employees and rewards them by promotion as opportunity offers.

Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Martz, daughter of Alvin Martz, a merchant of Germantown, Ohio. They now have four interesting little sons: Curtis, Holcomb, Martz, and Harry. The parents are members of the German Reformed church, and fraternally Mr. Snyder is an Odd Fellow, while in politics he is a Republican. He has never sought or desired office, however, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with good success.