Willard F. Snyder, one of the best known mining men in the intermountain country, whose activities have been no small factor in the development of utah's great mineral wealth, is a native son and was born at Woods Cross, Davis County, Utah, September 22, 1863, the youngest son of George G. and Martha (Kilfoyle) Snyder.

Willard f. Snyder received his first schooling at Wanship and later at Park City, where the greater part of his early life was spent. When about eighteen years olde, he begain his business careet, first in the teaming and ranching business, being associated with his father for about five years, their ranching interests being in Summit and Millard counties. Mr. Snyder had grown up in a mining atmosphere such as has pervaded Park City for many years and half unconsciously became well versed in mining matters, acquiring a general knowledge of the business when but a young man. His first connection of importance with the mining industry was in 1889. He was one of the men who helped organize the Gold Mountain Mining District and made a number of locations. From these came the Annie Laurie property which was sold with others in 1899, bringing the owners a good profit, and it was Mr. Snyder's first big mining success.

In 1900, with associates, he brought the St. George copper mining property at St. George, Utah, which had been an old producer, and after operating it for two years it was disposed of at a nice profit. Soon after this, Mr. Snyder was heavily interested with others in acquiring the Dalton and Lark Properties at Bingham. These holdings were ably handled and brought the owners a most substantial profit. Subsequently Mr. Snyder was one of the organizers of the Western Exploration Company, of which he was president and general manager for five years, and in which P.L. Kinberly was the big owner. This included numerous mining companies, principal among which was the Balakalla Consolidated Copper Company in Shasta county, California and also the Honerine Mining & Milling Company of Stockton, Utah. Mr. Snyder was prominently identified with the WWestern Exploration Company until the death of mr. Kimberly in 1905, when it was liquidated. The connection of Mr. Snyder with mining interests of the intermountain country has been continuous for thirty years and at this time, he is probably more extensively interested than at any previous time in that period. Among the more important of the many mining projects with which he is connected can be mentioned the National Development Company, which he organized and has been its president ever since; president of the Eureka Lilly Mining Company since organization; vice president of the Cliff Mining company; one of the organizers and a director ever since of the Combines Metals, Incorporated; president since "organization of the Black Metal Mines, Inc., was one of the organizers and president since organization of the Silver Reed Consolidated Mines Company; of the Fort shelbourne Mining and milling Company, he was an organizer and has been president since then; vice president of the Lucky Deposit Mining company in the Shell Creek range, Nevada; a director of the White Pine Copper Company; and president of the Yerington Malachite Copper company. inorder to facilitate the handling of his various interests as well as to utilize the capabilities of his sons, Mr. Snyder established the firm of W.F. Snder & Sons in 1916, which has become one of the leading firms in mining circles in Salt Lake. Among other interests, Mr. Snyder is principal owner and director of the Salt Lake Hot Springs Company.

He has for a great many years taken an active part in the political afffairs of the state. He served as state chairman of the American party in the days when that organization flourished in Utah, while in 1904, he was a delegate to the national republican convention at chicago and was a member of the notification committee to apprise Theordore Roosevelt of his nomination for president. In his fraternal connections, Mr. Snyder is a member of the Salt Lake Lodge of Elks, while in his social connections, he belongs to the alta Club.

He was first married in January 1885, at snyderville, utah, to Miss Dora Walker, a daughter of Henry H. Walker of Wasatch county. Mrs. Snyder died in january, 1906, leaving the following children: Ivy is now Mrs. H.B. Bruant of Cle Elum, Washington. Edward H. of the firm of W.F. Snyder & Sons, is agraduate of the School of Mines at Houghton, Michigan and is well known as a most capable mining engineer. He married marie Cushing of Salt Lake. George W. is a member of the firm of W.F. Snyder & Sons, a thoroughly practical mining man and a successful operator. He married Dorothy Gilmer, daughter of Charles V. Gilmer. Hazel is the widow of Ray W. Wiley of Salt lake. Guy M. is a member of the firm of W.F. Snyder & Sons, a practical mining man. He volunteered for service in the United States Navy three days after war was declared and saw continuous service during that struggle, being promoted to first Yeoman on the U>S.S. Taylor. He was released to join the firm. Neil D. a graduate of East Hight School, class of 1919, will continue his education along technical lines.