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Snyder Syndicate

This page was last updated on November 4, 2025.

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Overview

George G. Snyder (1819-1887) had six wives and 38 children. At least five of the sons are known to have been involved in the 1889 to 1916 period in the development and operation of Utah mines.

Willard F. Snyder (1863-1928)

Willard F. Snyder (1863-1928) (KWVP-SZY)

"Mr. Snyder was born in Woods Cross, Davis county. Utah, Sept. 22, 1843, a son of George G. Snyder. He received his first schooling in Wanship and later in Park City. At the age of 18 he joined his father in teaming and ranching in Summit and Millard counties. He became interested in mining and in 1889 assisted in organizing the Gold Mountain mining district, making several locations, including the Annie Laurie. which was later sold at a profit." (Deseret News, May 30, 1928, obituary)

Willard F. Snyder began his mine-owning career in 1898 with the Holland mine in the Gold Mountain District near Marysvale, Utah, in the vicinity of the more famous Annie Laurie mine.

October 31, 1898
Willard Snyder purchased 8,000 shares of the Bald Mountain Mining company, owners of the Annie Laurie property, among others.

February 18, 1899
Willard Snyder and others incorporated the Snyder Improvement company.

April 7, 1900
Willard F. Synder represented the sellers when the Annie Laurie gold mine near Marysvale was sold for $210,000. The buyers of the Annie Laurie also held options on the properties of the Snyder Improvement company. The sale was first announced on May 3, 1899.

May 29, 1928
Willard F. Snyder died on Tuesday May 29, 1928. Mr. Snyder was closely identified with the Bristol Silver Mines, Black Metals Mines, and Combined Metals mine in Pioche, along with the Dalton and Lark properties at Bingham and the Eureka Lilly property at Eureka. His first mining success was the sale of the Annie Laurie gold mine west of Marysvale, which he sold in 1899. He was the head of the W. F. Snyder & Sons mining companies, and was survived by his sons, Edward H. Snyder, George W. Snyder, Guy M. Snyder, and Neal D. Snyder. (Salt Lake Telegram, May 30, 1928)

Grant Snyder (1868-1959)
Bismarck Snyder (1871-1919)

Grant Snyder (1868-1959) (M1ZM-ZDJ)

Bismarck Snyder (1871-1919) (KLLJ-LVQ)

Grant and Bismarck Snyder were brothers, with the same father and mother. They had the same father as Willard, Horace, and Wilson Snyder, but different mothers.

Grant C. Snyder got the start of his experience in running a mine with the Dixie Copper mine near St. George in southern Utah, in the 1900-1901 period. In May 1901 he was secretary of the reorganized Dalton & Lark company at Bingham.

Grant gained experience as a superintendent at in 1900 and 1901, at the Dixie copper mine near St. George, and he made regular trips from his home in Salt Lake City. He was also superintendent of a copper mine in Shasta County, California, which was controlled by the brothers' Western Exploration company.

Grant Snyder's wife Lois A. Snyder "deserted" him in August 1899, and he did not know where she resided. He filed for divorce in January 1901. They had married in Denver in March 1891. The divorce was granted in April 1901. (No record found in online newspapers of the marriage in 1899.)

 

 

(After selling his interest, and no longer being involved in the day-to-day management activity in the Eureka Lily and other mines in February 1922, Grant Snyder moved to Los Angeles. He apparently did quite well based on his exchanging the stock of his Eureka Lily and affiliated companies for Chief Consolidated stock, and later his North Lily company stock for International Smelting company, benefiting from the regular dividends of both larger companies. Grant Snyder passed away on August 18, 1959 in Los Angeles at age 91. He was born on June 4, 1868 in Snyderville, Utah, to parents who were early settlers of Park City.)

Horace G. Snyder (1873-1952)

Horace Greeley Snyder (1873-1952) (KWZR-B7P)

"He worked with Jesse Knight on the Iron Blossom Mine, and later was associated with the late E. J. Raddatz in the R. and S. Mining Co. It was through the exploration, development and promotional work of this company that the Tintic Standard Mine was proven. Mr. Snyder was instrumental in development of other Tintic district mines, including the North Lily and Eureka Lily properties." (Salt Lake Tribune, February 7, 1952, obituary)

Wilson I. Snyder (1856-1930)

Wilson Isaac Snyder (1856-1930) (KWVG-CR9)

Snyder Syndicate

Willard Snyder was involved in the Holland group at Gold Mountain (Marysvale, Utah) in January 1899.

"Piute County was the scene of another gold rush. The Gold Mountain Mining District and its central town of Kimberly flourished in the early 20th century. The Annie Laurie Mine was a famous gold producer. In 1902 a new cyanide mill in Kimberly processed 250 tons of ore a day. According to George A. Thompson, writing in the Frontier Times of June-July 1974, Gold from Kimberly’s mines was shipped in bars 6 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches valued at over $20,000 each, on the Shepard Brothers Stages to the railroad in Sevier, eighteen miles to the northeast. The heavy yellow bars were stacked on the floor of the stagecoach, between the passengers’ feet. An armed guard always rode ahead of the coach." (Utah History To-Go)

Grant Snyder was involved with the Vulcan mine at Fish Springs in January 1899.

Grant Snyder was the operator of the Tintic mill at Robinson, until September 1899.

The Snyder's first venture into mine management was in July 1901 when Willard, Grant, and Bismarck together took over the New Pass mine group in Austin, Lander County, Nevada.

Known as the "Snyder syndicate", their company, Western Exploration company, organized on August 18, 1901, took control of the Sampson company in Bingham, and the Boss Tweed group in Tintic, and the Crown Point group in Elmore County, Idaho. Willard F., at 38, was president; Grant, at 33, was assistant secretary; and Bismarck, at 30, was a member of the board. Their half-brother Gideon, at age 39, joined the family business in 1906 when the brothers formed the National Development company.

(Western Exploration company remained as an operating company as late as February 1931, when it was announced that the company would oversee development of inactive mines in the Ophir and Dry canyon areas. George W. Snyder, one of Willard's sons, was president. In the years after 1906, it was controlled by others who had cut their ties with the Snyder brothers, although there was usually a Snyder on the board of the Western Exploration company.)

The Snyder brothers organized the National Development company in June 1906 to manage their mining interests in Nevada and Utah. Willard was president, Bismarck was vice president, Gideon was secretary, and Grant was a board member. Among others, they controlled the Ely Consolidated Copper company at Ely, Nevada.

(Throughout these early years, the National Development company did what it name implies, it developed promising mining properties in numerous locations in Utah and Nevada. The goal was to develop properties, then sell them at a profit. In the meantime, profits were made selling valuable ores extracted during the development process. The "development" activities included identifying investors and sources of funding. In addition to metallic mining, the company was one of the pioneers in the development of Utah's early oil production.)

(Also throughout these early years, Willard Snyder was company president, serving as the "promoter," and Grant Snyder was general manager, serving as the "developer.")

October 1, 1907
The Tintic Standard Mining company filed its articles of incorporation with the Salt Lake County clerk. Officers were E. J. Raddatz, president and treasurer; W. I. Snyder, vice president; H. G. Snyder, secretary. (Salt Lake Herald, October 2, 1907, "yesterday")

Grant, Horace, and Bismarck Snyder were the organizing force behind the Eureka Lily Mining company in August 1908. Grant had visited the Tintic area several times in early 1908, and was impressed with the district's prospects.

From Salt Lake Tribune, August 28, 1908.

1909
Grant Snyder was reported as being president of the Eureka Lily Mining company, with Bismarck Snyder as one of the directors. ("The Home Of The Dividend Payers," souvenir book published in 1909)

October 6, 1916
The North Lily Mining company was incorporated on October 6, 1916, with H. G. Snyder as president and A. N. Holdaway as vice president. The other officers and directors were Gidean Snyder, Ben G. Hite, and Claude Freed. The company purchased the Snyder and Horton groups of mining claims, which adjoin the north boundary of the Eureka Lily Mining company. Work was to begin on sinking a 1000-foot deep shaft immediately. The two mining claims were being surveyed in preparation to file for patents. H. G. Snyder was also manager of the adjoining Eureka Lily Mining company. (Salt Lake Herald, October 7, 1916; Eureka Reporter, February 2, 1917)

(The Snyders organized their North Lily Mining company on ground that was immediately north of the Eureka Lily Mining company.)

(H. G. Snyder was reported as the person who made the consolidation happen, through his control of the Eureka Lily, East Tintic Development and Provo companies.)

(Read more about the North Lily Mining company.)

(The name of the National Development company last appeared as a Synder organization in online newspapers in July 1916, after which research suggests it was controlled by other mine development interests.)

(Changes in 1916 coincide with the reorganization of their major property, the Eureka Lily mining company when it was consolidated with other adjacent properties).

October 6, 1916
The North Lily Mining company was incorporated on October 6, 1916, with H. G. Snyder as president and A. N. Holdaway as vice president. The other officers and directors were Gidean Snyder, Ben G. Hite, and Claude Freed. The company purchased the Snyder and Horton groups of mining claims, which adjoin the north boundary of the Eureka Lily Mining company. Work was to begin on sinking a 1000-foot deep shaft immediately. The two mining claims were being surveyed in preparation to file for patents. H. G. Snyder was also manager of the adjoining Eureka Lily Mining company. (Salt Lake Herald, October 7, 1916; Eureka Reporter, February 2, 1917)

(Read more about the North Lily Mining company)

(Read more about the Eureka Lily Mining company, as part of the Tintic Standard company)

November 21, 1917
"During the past week the capitalization of the South Standard Mining company was raised from 1,000,000 shares of the par value of 10 cents to 1,300,000 shares of the same par value. A deal was also made whereby all of the old stock of the company was retired and the shareholders given new stock on a basis of one share for six. The the company also absorbed the United Tintic company, giving one share for each two shares of United Tintic stock. Officers of the South Standard company are E. J. Raddatz, president and general manager; W. I. Snyder, vice president; H. G. Snyder, E. W. Hulse and C. E. Renner constitute the board of directors." (Eureka Reporter, November 21, 1917)

December 28, 1917
"Notices which have just been sent out by H. G. Snyder indicate that the Tintic Bonanza Mines company of the eastern end of the Tintic District, is to be absorbed by the Eureka Standard Cons. Mining company." (Eureka Reporter, December 28, 1917)

October 17, 1918
Five mining claims were deeded to H. G. Snyder by A. J. Weber, including the Caldwell, Weber, Miller, Clark, and Dewey. Then H. G. Snyder deeded the same five claims, along with the Natrona claim to the North Lily Mining company. (Ogden Standard Examiner, October 18, 1918)

(These same six claims were surveyed and patented by the U. S. Land Office in August 1919.)

March 9, 1919
Construction of the Goshen Valley railroad began in mid March 1919. The purpose was to serve the Tintic Standard and Iron King mines. Other mines in the immediate area to be served by the new railroad included the Eureka Lilly, Eureka Bullion, Eureka Standard, South Standard, and the Apex Standard. The officers of the railroad were E. J. Raddatz, president (president of the Tintic Standard mine); C. E. Loose, vice-president (president of the Iron King mine; and W. I. Snyder, secretary. (Salt Lake Tribune, March 9, 1919)

November 5, 1921
The Chief Consolidated Mining Co. acquired control of the Eureka Lily Mining Co. and the East Tintic Mining Co., both of which are situated in the East Tintic district. The Eureka Lily property adjoined the Tintic Standard mine, while, the East Tintic company owned two blocks of ground that are divided by the Iron King holdings. At the annual meeting of the Eureka Lily stockholders on November 5 a new board of directors was elected, four of whom are officials of the Chief Consolidated. Acquisition of these two properties was in line with the policy of the Chief Consolidated to enlarge its holdings so as to perpetuate the company. (Deseret Mews, November 5, 1921, "this morning"; Mining and Scientific Press, Vol. 123, November 19, 1921)

(There were rumors during late October 1921 that someone was buying large blocks of Eureka Lily stock. Grant Snyder, manager of the Eureka Lily stated that the Eureka Lily stock was "badly scattered" and that control had "never rested in the hands of one or two people." At one point, parties connected with the Chief Consolidated company bought 4,000 shares of Eureka Lily stock at 9.5 cents per share. -- Eureka Reporter, October 28, 1921; Salt Lake Telegram, November 5, 1921)

(The purchase of control of the Eureka Lily company by the Chief Consolidated company put the Chief company on the ground in East Tintic, adjacent to the Tintic Standard, which had been shipping large tonnage and high value ores almost from its early days in 1915. The Chief company wanted in on the success.)

(This was when the Snyder group sold its interest in the Eureka Lily, with Grant Snyder and Wilson I. Snyder being shown as former directors.)

February 3, 1922
Control of Apex Standard, East Tintic Consolidated, and Eureka Lily -- "During the past year the Chief Consolidated has acquired substantial interests in East Tintic. Among the properties acquired are the East Tintic Consolidated from the Knight Interests, the Eureka Lily from the Snyder interests and through purchase of treasury stock in the Apex Standard, control or options for the control of the Apex Standard, Tintic Zenith and Tintic Union." (Eureka Reporter, February 3, 1922)

Combined Metals

One of Willard's sons. E. H. Snyder, in 1915 went on to control and expand the Combined Metals company that held interests in the Bristol Silver mines at Pioche, the Honerine mine and tunnel at Stockton, the reduction mill at Bauer, and the former Utah Metals/Park Bingham Butterfield tunnel at Bingham.

(Edward Harrison Snyder, 1889-1967, KH57-Y6H)

(Read more about Combined Metals)

(Read more about the Combined Metals purchase of the Butterfield Tunnel)

FamilySearch

George Gideon Snyder (1819-1887) (KWN2-1QM)
Sarah Wilder Hatch 1820-1861) (KWVQ-21F)
Marriage
17 April 1842
Hancock, Illinois, United States
Children (10)

Robert Calvin Snyder (1843-1843) (KWVG-C55)
Parley Pratt Snyder (1844-1848) (KWVG-CR4)
Emily Lydia Snyder (1846-1928-KWVQ ZWW)
Lucy Rhoena Snyder (1848-1917) (KWN1-CPC)
George Wilder Snyder (1850-1871) (LL9M-5JT)
Lovisa Comstock Snyder (1854-1913) (KWZ3-SYR)
Wesley Jordan Snyder (1856-1857) (KWVG-CR7)
Sarah Wealthy Snyder (1858-1862) (KWVG-C5Y)
Isaac H. Snyder (1861-1861) (LJT1-P24)
M. Jordan Snyder (-1859) (GGXR-HH5)

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George Gideon Snyder (1819-1887) (KWN2-1QM)
Elsie Pamelia Jacob (1831-1891) (KWVQ-21X)
Marriage 3 December 1854
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Children (6)

Wilson Isaac Snyder (1856-1930) (KWVG-CR9)
Norton Snyder (1860-Deceased) (KZ6Q-QZW)
Cora Elsena Snyder (1861-1942 *KLQ8-C2M)
Maryette Snyder (1866-1867) (KC8P-K6D)
Grant Snyder (1868-1959) (M1ZM-ZDJ)
Bismarck Snyder (1871-1919) (KLLJ-LVQ)

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George Gideon Snyder (1819-1887) (KWN2-1QM)
Caroline Kilfoyle 1839-1889) (KWN2-131)
Marriage 29 June 1856
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Children (11)

Orilla Inez Snyder (1857-1936) (KWVQ-215)
Luna Romania Snyder (1859-1949) (KWVQ-21P)
Franklin Richard Snyder (1860-1932) (KNCV-2FT)
Olive Minniette Snyder (1862-1898) (KWVQ-21T)
Zina Caroline Snyder (1864-1962) (KWVQ-21 B)
Gideon Emerson Snyder (1867-1950) (KPH3-FDN)
May G. Snyder (1869-1885) (G9YL-4XQ)
Brigham Young Snyder (1871-1947) (LLQV-8Q8)
Horace Greeley Snyder (1873-1952) (KWZR-B7P)
Dr. Crayton Chambers Snyder (1874-1961) (KWVQ-21Y)
Jane Parketta Snyder (1880-1970) (KNCV-2GB)

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George Gideon Snyder (1819-1887) (KWN2-1QM)
Martha Kilfoyle (1841-1865) (KWVQ-21N)
Marriage
12 July 1857
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Children (3)

Louis Andrew Snyder (1859-1945) (2Z3C-7QD)
Nellie Martha Snyder (1861-1929) (L78P-SB2)
Willard Fiske Snyder (1863-1928 (KWVP-SZY)

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George Gideon Snyder (1819-1887) (KWN2-1QM)
Rachel Winter Tanner 1848-1905) (LLH3-PD7)
Marriage 16 January 1864
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Children (1)

Rachael Matilda Snyder (1865-1942) (293R-M8H)

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George Gideon Snyder (1819-1887) (KWN2-1QM)
Rhoda Shadwell Orchard (1842-1925) (KWJN-7GW)
Marriage
23 December 1864
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Children (7)

Lillie Snyder (1866-1938) (KWZN-96Y)
Sylvia Rhoda Snyder (1869-1903) (KWVQ-9NK)
Heber Kimball Snyder (1872-1931) (KWVH-HKH)
Sherman Mason Snyder (1874-1902) (KWV5-XK9)
Pearl Snyder (1877-1879) (L7PV-242)
Ruby Lucile Snyder (1881-1983 *KWZQ-X84)
Rose Lynette Snyder (1883-1970) (KWCL-J25)

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