John Chapman Snidow

John Chapman is the eldest son of William H. Snidow and Adaline Chapman. His grandparents are Revolutionary War soldier Col. Christian Snidow and his wife, Mary Burke, sister of the noted statesman Sir Edmund Burke.

He was described as a sensible, educated farmer. In his day, he wielded more influence than anyone else in Giles County. He had impeccable manners, purity of character, and integrity, making him very popular. Without solicitation, he was nominated by the Conservative Party for the House of Delegates, elected, and served from 1871 to 1873, declining re-election.

He was happily married to Anne Eliza Hoge, James Fulton Hoge’s daughter, with whom he had four children: William Henry, Annie Johnston, Florence Eliza, and Walter Andrew Snidow.

Only 36 years old, John Chapman died in his home leaving his wife to raise their four young children.