On last Saturday, October 9, 1915, the sad news reached Wilmore and this city from Wichita that O. P. Snare, one of the best known citizens of this county, had died at 3:15 p.m. on that day in the Wichita hospital, where he had been taken about ten days before for medical treatment. A few weeks ago he was seized with an attack of paralysis which affected not only a part of his body but also his throat, thus making it very difficult for him to swallow. A second attack of paralysis was the immediate cause of his death. His wife was with him when he passed away.Deceased was a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Findlay, Ohio on May 16, 1847. His age at the time of death was, therefore, 68 years, 4 months and 13 days. On August 30, 1866 in Findlay, Ohio, he was united in marriage with Amanda Andre. During the early days of the settlement of western Kansas (In May, 1884) Mr. Snare decided to come westward and build for himself and family a home. They came to Comanche-co. and settled near Wilmore, thus becoming pioneer settlers here.
They shared with many others the hardships and deprivations of pioneer life, but with characteristic western patience they stayed with the country, never allowing a few discouragements such as hot winds or partial crop failures to cause them to give up hope in the possibilities of this county. During the years of "hard times", Mr. Snare, in addition to his farm duties, worked for the Santa Fe railway at Wilmore. By industry and frugality he succeeded, and in the course of a few years he had acquired a good home and a fair competence.
A few years ago Mr. and Mrs. Snare sold their farm and moved to Wilmore where they erected a comfortable home which they continued to enjoy. Mr. Snare played a prominent part in much of the early day history of Comanche co. He took an active part in public affairs and always favored those measures which led to public improvement and the general welfare of the people. He was progressive in spirit, liberal in his views, and, in every respect, was a good citizen. In his dealings with his fellow men he was always honorable, and it may be said of him that he was true to every trust committed to him. In 1908 Mr. Snare became a member of the Baptist church in Wilmore and continued his membership therein during the remainder of his life.
As a Union soldier, Mr. Snare made an honorable record during the Civil War. He was a member of Co. K., Twenty first Ohio Infantry. He was mustered into the service in 1863. He was at the battle of Chickamaugua, Lookout Mountain and a number of other engagements along the line of Sherman's march to the sea. A portion of the time he did scout duty under Gen. Sherman. His devotion to his country and his loyalty to the flag were unquestioned. Six comrades of the Civil War acted as pall bearers at his funeral. They were: Owen Connaughton, W. H. Kimple, J. A. Jarnagin,
D. F. Edmonds , Elias Willard and W. E. Fisher."In the death of Oliver Hazard Perry Snare, Comanche co. loses another early settler who helped to make the county what it is today. Mr. Snare will be missed, not only in his own home, but throughout the entire county. He is survived by the devoted wife and by five children. The children are: Frank Snare of Leavenworth, Kans.; Elmer Snare of Anderson, Ind.; Sylvester Snare of Granda, Colo., and Bruce Snare and Mrs. Mary Vance of this county. All of these, except Elmer Snare, were present at the funeral. Two children died in infancy.
Funeral services were conducted in the Baptist church in Wilmore at 2 o'clock p.m. on Wednesday and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. Bert Smith, who preached a very appropriate sermon. Rev. A. Burrill of Wilmore and Rev. W. B. Leonard of this city assisted in the services. A large number of the friends of the deceased were present from all parts of the county. Interment was made in the Wilmore cemetery.
"Hubert H. Snare, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Snare of Wilmore, died last Sunday evening at 9 o'clock, aged about 19." -- Obituary: Hubert H. Snare, The Western Star, January 17, 1891.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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