Simon Snyder
Simon Snyder ( born November 5, 1759 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, † November 9, 1819 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ) was an American politician and from 1808 to 1817 the third Governor of the State of Pennsylvania.
Early years and political rise
In 1776, Simon Snyder came to York, where he completed a four year apprenticeship in the tanning trade. In the evening he attended a Quaker school, where he received a common school education. From 1784 he ran in Selinsgrove in Snyder County today a store and a flour mill.
Snyder's first political office was that of a justice of the peace in his home. In the years 1789 and 1790, he was a member of the Assembly, which drafted the new state constitution of Pennsylvania. Between 1797 and 1807, he was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party MP in the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania and at times President of the House. In 1805 he ran unsuccessfully for the office of governor against the incumbent and party colleague Thomas McKean. In 1808, Snyder joined again for the gubernatorial election. This time he had the full support of his party, which had been lacking in 1805. This enabled him to prevail against his federalist opponents John Ross.
Governor of Pennsylvania
Simon Snyder took up his new post on December 20, 1808 and could remain in 1811 and 1814 to 16 December 1817 Official after two re- elections over the years. In 1809 it had almost come to an armed conflict between Pennsylvania and the federal government. It went in the Olmstead case, so-called to claim ownership of an angry British warship. At the last minute, the governor relented, thus avoiding further escalation.
During the war of 1812 Snyder mobilized his state for military use. He supported the policy of the Federal Government under President James Madison. At times, Snyder was also a possible candidate for the vice-presidency under discussion. In Pennsylvania he opposed a parliamentary resolution, which provided for the establishment of 41 new banks. The Parliament overruled the veto of the governor and the banks were established. However, the later resulting in unstable financial conditions. Snyder is responsible for the relocation of the state capital from Lancaster to Harrisburg.
End of life
After the end of his governorship Snyder was elected to the U.S. Senate. But he could not take this mandate because he already died on 9 November 1819. Simon Snyder was married three times and had seven children. Among Congressman John Snyder ( 1793-1850 ). In 1855, the Snyder County was named after him.