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Railroad Employee Helped Build City PDF Print E-mail
Opinion
Written by Grady Atwater   
Wednesday, 22 April 2009 08:00
J.E. Snedeker was appointed the superintendent of the Central Kansas division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1908, which had its headquarters in Osawatomie.

Frank Blackmar reports in “Kansas: a Cyclopedia of State History,” published in 1912, that “In every profession or line of business activity men of ability and integrity are eagerly sought and their rapid advancement to positions of increasing trust and responsibility are not the result of chance but the due recognition of merit deserved through their own well directed efforts and conscientious performance of whatever duty at hand.

It was through such faithful discharge of duty that Mr. Snedeker advanced in his railroad career from the position of a brakeman to that of superintendent of the central Kansas division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, with headquarters at Osawatomie.”

Snedeker began working for the Missouri Pacific Railway as a brakeman, running out of Sedalia, Mo., shortly after 1884, and after three years was promoted to conductor. He was promoted to train master in 1903 headquartered in Jefferson City, Mo., and later transferred to Sedalia.

The Missouri Pacific Railroad promoted Snedeker to superintendent of the South Kansas Division in Coffeyville on Dec. 1, 1906. Snedeker was appointed superintendent of the Central Kansas Division, headquartered in Osawatomie, on May 1, 1908.

J.E. Snedeker was active in the Osawatomie community and was a member of the Masonic Order, and the Order of Railway Conductors. Snedeker was interested in the then novel automobile, and Frank Blackmar reports that, “He is also auto enthusiast and keeps a fine car for use besides the railroad motor car in which he can be seen speeding along the tracks of his division.”

Railroad employees such as J.E. Snedeker helped to build Osawatomie’s economy and culture by working with skill and dedication to keep the trains running out of Osawatomie. Railroad employees, and retirees continue to have a positive impact on the town’s economy and culture, and we owe them a debt of gratitude and respect.
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Barbara Metalsky: ...
Thank you for paying tribute to this fine individual who contributed immensely to the development of our nation's transportation. As a relative, it was a proud moment to read of this man who was born in Ohio being still recognized, and honored, today for his accomplishments that were achieved after his 1884 arrival in your state of Kansas.
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May 05, 2009

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