John M. Snowden

Mr. John M. Snowden was the child of the Reverend John Baptist and Margaret (Coone) Snowden. He was born free in 1834. His father ensured that he learned how to read and write, although it was often difficult in antebellum Maryland.

Around 1858, Mr. Snowden married Ms. Mary Ann Woodyard. They would go on to have at least nine children. They farmed, raised pigs and owned considerable property in Westminster that they called “Rosedale.” He was a leader of the community, serving on the board of the school on Union Street. Mr. Snowden was the first African American to serve on a jury in Carroll County.

Over the years, two of their children passed away, so that in 1900 only 7 of the 9 children were still living. Most of them had moved to Everett outside of Boston, Massachusetts. They worked primarily on the railroad as waiters and porters.

In 1906, the couple moved to live with one of their children. Mr. Snowden died in 1907, and was returned to Maryland. He is buried in Ellsworth Cemetery in Westminster, Maryland.