Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 3 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 34

In the person of Alva E. Snow, Fresno has a citizen of sterling integrity and worth, a lawyer of skill and ability, who, as district attorney for four years rendered excellent service to the county, and whose administration as mayor of the city was marked as one of the most progressive the city had experienced. He comes from distinguished ancestors, being a descendant of the Pilgrims who came to American shores in the Mayflower. This immigrant ancestor was Nicholas Snow, who came from England and married at Plymouth, Mass., prior to June 1, 1627. Constance Hopkins, who came over with her father, Stephen Hopkins, on the Mayflower in 1620. Nicholas Snow died in Eastham, Mass., November 25, 1676. His descendants were for many years active in the management of public affairs of Plymouth County, Mass., which was the birthplace of Alva E. Snow and his father, the late Harvey Snow. Capt. Prince Snow, grandfather of Alva E., was born, lived and died in Plymouth County. He was a seafaring man and to some extent was also engaged in farming pursuits.

Succeeding to the occupation to which he was reared, Harvey Snow was a New England farmer, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Mattapoisett, Plymouth County, where he reared his family. He died at the age of sixty-five years. He was held in high esteem as a citizen, serving as selectman and as school trustee: he was liberal in religious beliefs, and a member of the Universalist Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Bridget Marron, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, makes her home with her son Alva E., in Fresno. He is the oldest and the only one living, of the children born to his parents.

Alva E. Snow was born at Mattapoisett, Plymouth County, Mass., October 13, 1860, was reared in that county and educated in the public schools, and at Taber Academy at Marion, Mass., then at Tufts College, from which he was graduated in 1887, with the degree of A. B. He then entered Harvard Law School and was later admitted to the bar in Massachusetts in 1889. Coming at once to California, he stopped for fifteen months in San Francisco, where he was with the law firm of Herman & Soto. He located in Fresno on January 1, 1891, practiced his profession two years and then served two years as deputy district attorney, under Firman Church. As the nominee on the Republican ticket, Mr. Snow was elected to the office of district attorney of Fresno County in 1894, serving for four years, and having the distinction of being the first Republican district attorney of Fresno County. As deputy district attorney, Mr. Snow succeeded in convicting the train robber, Chris Evans, securing life imprisonment; he also conducted the prosecution of Sanders, the noted forger. He was successful, as district attorney, having conducted several cases of importance, and established an enviable reputation as an able prosecutor. In 1909 Mr. Snow was elected to the city council and in 1912 was appointed mayor. In 1913 he was elected to that office for a term of four years and ably filled the position, reflecting great credit to himself, his constituents and to the city. During the term many necessary improvements were made in the city government, new methods instituted and new problems worked out, in all departments the administration was one of progress. After his term expired, Mr. Snow resumed his law practice, which has grown to be of large proportions.

On December 12, 1891, Alva E. Snow was united in marriage with Miss Dora P. Colson, born and reared in Plymouth County, Mass., where her father, Owen D. Colson, was a prosperous merchant. In 1903 Mr. and Mrs. Snow visited their old New England home county, afterwards made a trip to England and the continent, traveling throughout Europe. Mr. Snow was made a Mason in Marion, Mass., but is now a member of Fresno Lodge, No. 274, F. & A. M.; of Fresno Lodge B. P. O. Elks; and is a member of the County Bar Association. He is a member of the Congregational Church. Socially he is a member of the University Club, of Fresno and in politics he is an unswerving Republican.