John Pillsbury Snyder

Who was Mr John Pillsbury Snyder?

Mr John Pillsbury Snyder was a prominent American businessman and Titanic survivor. Born on January 8, 1888, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he came from a notable family and went on to lead a successful life in business and politics. Snyder’s remarkable journey included surviving the Titanic disaster as a newlywed, establishing a thriving automobile business, and serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Early Life and Family Background

John Pillsbury Snyder was born into a distinguished Minnesota family. His lineage included:

• Father: Fred Beal Snyder (1859-1951), a partner in the law firm Snyder & Gale and former president of the University of Minnesota
• Mother: Susan May Pillsbury (1863-1891), daughter of former Minnesota Governor John Sargent Pillsbury
• Stepmother: Leonora Stuart Dickson (1865-1946), whom his father married in 1896
• Stepsister: Mary Stuart (1897-1963, later Mrs Crawford Johnson)

Growing up in Minneapolis, John was surrounded by influence and opportunity. His family’s connections to law, education, and politics would shape his future endeavors.

Marriage and Titanic Voyage

A Newlywed’s Journey

On January 22, 1912, at the age of 24 (twenty-four), John married Nelle Stevenson, a native of St Croix Falls, Wisconsin. The couple embarked on a European honeymoon, visiting Gibraltar and Italy. In Italy, they arranged a dealership for Fiat cars, hinting at John’s future in the automobile industry.

Boarding the Titanic

For their return to the United States, the Snyders booked passage on the RMS Titanic, boarding at Southampton. Their ticket details were:

• Ticket number: 21228
• Cost: £82, 5s, 4d (equivalent to approximately $13,000 in 2023)
• Cabin: B45
• Class: First Class

While on board, they befriended other passengers from Minnesota, including the Douglases, the Silveys, and Miss Constance Willard.

The Night of the Sinking

John and Nelle’s experience on the night of April 14-15, 1912, was harrowing yet fortunate. Key events included:

1. Retiring to their cabin around 11:30 PM
2. Feeling a slight jar when the ship struck the iceberg
3. Investigating the commotion and being initially reassured by a steward
4. Deciding to dress and go to the upper decks after hearing more serious news
5. Being among the first passengers to enter Lifeboat 7
6. Witnessing the Titanic’s sinking from their lifeboat
7. Observing the tragic scenes of people struggling in the water

John later reported hearing two explosions as the ship sank, which he attributed to the boilers exploding. He also described seeing the ship break in two before its final plunge.

Life After the Titanic

Family and Business Success

Following their rescue by the Carpathia, John and Nelle returned to Minneapolis and started a family. They had three children:

1. John Pillsbury (1913-1989)
2. Thomas Stevenson (1915-1976)
3. Susan (1918-1984, later Mrs Rowley Miller)

John’s business acumen led him to success in various ventures:

• Operated Snyder Garage Inc. at 507 S. 10th Street in Minneapolis
• Served as a director for multiple mining corporations
• Sat on the board of directors of the Great Northern Insurance Company

Political Career

In the 1920s, John served one term in the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Republican, following in his family’s tradition of public service.

Continued Adventures

The Snyders’ taste for travel never waned. In 1938, they found themselves in Austria during the Anschluss, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. They hastily returned to the USA aboard the Queen Mary, arriving in New York on April 4, 1938.

Later Years and Legacy

John retired in 1955, settling in Ferndale, Wayzata, Minnesota. He pursued his passions for hunting, fishing, bowling, and golfing. Tragically, it was his love for golf that led to his final moments. On July 22, 1959, at the age of 71 (seventy-one), John suffered a fatal heart attack while at his local Woodhill Country Club in Orono, Minnesota.

John Pillsbury Snyder’s life encapsulated the American dream of the early 20th century. From surviving one of history’s greatest maritime disasters to building a successful business and serving in public office, his story remains a testament to resilience and achievement. Today, he rests in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, leaving behind a legacy that intertwines with the fateful voyage of the Titanic and the progress of his home state of Minnesota.