Snyder, Fred Beal, 1859-1951.

Fred Beal Snyder was a lawyer, and city councilman for Minneapolis, a Minnesota State representative and senator, and a member of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

Fred Beal Snyder was born on Feb. 21, 1859 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Snyder enrolled in the University of Minnesota preparatory school (forerunner of the University High School) in 1875. After graduation, he enrolled at the University in 1877, earning a bachelor of arts degree in 1881. In 1882, Snyder became a member of the Minnesota Bar and began practicing law in the firm of Snyder & Jamison. In 1885, Snyder married Susan Mary Pillsbury, daughter of Minnesota governor John S. Pillsbury. She died in 1891. In 1895, Snyder was married to Leonora Stuart Dickson.

Snyder was elected alderman of Minneapolis (1892-1896), and later to the house of representatives (1896-1898) and the state senate (1898-1901). He was a practicing lawyer throughout his life, becoming senior member of the law firm Snyder, Gale and Richards. In 1940, Snyder was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree by the University. He was primarily known in Minnesota for his activities in behalf of the University of Minnesota, which included the removal of the railroad tracks from campus, increased tax support for the University, and led the Regents to independence from oversight of the Minnesota Legislature.

Snyder was appointed to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in 1912. He served as a regent for 38 years retiring in January 1951. He was elected chair of the board in 1914 and served in this capacity until 1950. In 1949, Snyder was named as one of the 10 greatest living Minnesotans. Snyder regarded as his greatest tribute as being named a “Builder of the Name,” the first of such medals awarded by the University of Minnesota in 1948 to leaders in the development of the institution. Fred B. Snyder died on February 14, 1951.