George R. Snowden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Randolph Snowden
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| Born | February 12, 1841 Franklin, Pennsylvania |
| Died | April 21, 1932 (aged 91) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
Franklin Cemetery
Franklin, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1900 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Unit | Pennsylvania Army National Guard |
| Commands held | Company I, 142nd Pennsylvania Infantry 3rd Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard 1st Brigade, Pennsylvania National Guard Division Pennsylvania National Guard Division |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | Attorney |
George R. Snowden (born February 12, 1841 – died April 21, 1932) was an important person from Pennsylvania. He was a lawyer and a military leader. He commanded a famous group of soldiers, which is now called the 28th Infantry Division.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Randolph Snowden was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, on February 12, 1841. He went to school in his hometown. Later, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1862.
Military Service in the Civil War
In August 1862, Snowden joined the military during the American Civil War. He became a first lieutenant in September. By 1863, he was leading his company, which was part of the 142nd Pennsylvania Infantry.
Snowden fought in several major battles:
He was a captain when he left the army in April 1864.
Life After the Civil War
After the war, Snowden worked as a lawyer in Franklin. In 1874, he moved to Philadelphia. He also stayed active in the military by joining the Pennsylvania National Guard.
He became a colonel and led the 3rd Infantry Regiment. He helped during a big railroad strike in Pittsburgh in 1877. In 1878, he was promoted to Brigadier General. This meant he commanded the 1st Brigade.
Besides being a lawyer, Snowden held other important jobs. He worked for the government in Philadelphia. He also helped set up rules for government jobs.
Later Career and Leadership
In 1890, Snowden became a major general. He was put in charge of the entire Pennsylvania National Guard Division. This division included many different groups of soldiers.
In July 1892, General Snowden led the National Guard during the Homestead Strike. This was a big disagreement between steel workers and the owners of the Carnegie Steel company. Snowden's soldiers helped the company owners. Their actions allowed the steel mill to reopen with new workers.
Retirement and Legacy
Snowden retired from the military in 1900. In his later years, he worked as a Real Estate Assessor in Philadelphia. This job involved figuring out the value of properties for taxes.
He was also a member of several groups for former soldiers, like the Grand Army of the Republic. He attended many reunions and helped dedicate monuments. Snowden was also part of other community groups, like the Masons.
He enjoyed writing about military topics and giving speeches. Some of his speeches were even published. In 1971, parts of his Civil War diary were published as a book.
George Snowden never married and did not have any children.
Death and Burial
Snowden died in Philadelphia on April 21, 1932. He was buried in Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Pennsylvania. He had actually helped start this cemetery in 1869.
