Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-09-25
VIRGINIA.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25.
DEATH OF EDGAR sNOWDEN, ESQ

DEATH OF EDGAR SNOWDEN, ESQ.
EDGAR SNowDEN, editor ADD proprietor Of
this paper, died at seven clock last evening.
He was born 10 Alexandria, December 81, 1910,
and was consequently in the Goth year of his
sge-younger than was generally supposed, for
the circumstances OF his having been in charge OF
the paper for forty-six years, and been intimately
identified with the city's affairs for that length
of time, and consequently associated with peo
Pile of more advanced years, led to the belief
that he was much older man. Alter receiv-
log such primary education as the schools OF
the town afforded, he matriculated at Columbian
College, at the age OF fifteen, but when the cx-
ercses of that College were suspended on &C
count of financial embarrassmeuts, 10 1927, he
returned home aud studied law in the office of
the late r. |. Taylor. Having obtalued a
license, lie was just commencing the practice
of the profession he had chosen, when, at the
early age of twenty, be was called TO the con-
troll of the paper by the death of his iather,
who was the editor and proprietor before him.
From that date his whole life was devoted to
the advancement and prosperity Of his natige
city, aud not measure was proposed that
tended to achieve those ends that did not Sc
cure his hearty aud persistent support; and so
interested was be 10 eftcting those objects that
he looked upon an advantage gained BY the
city almost in the light of personal success
Mr.. Snowden possessed the confidence and
esteem of his fellow citizens, and during his
life, was the recipient of many honors at their
hands. He was Mayor of the city, the first
President of the Alexandria Canal Company
the first member of the Legislature after the
county was rctroceded to Virginia. serving two
consecutive terms; member of the State Con-
stitutiona Convention of 1850, and upon two
occasions, the nominee of the Wing Congres-
sional Convention. He was consistent Whig
until that party was abolished by the war took
the part of his State during the war; and prob
ably suffered thereby, pecuniarily, as much,
proportionately, as any Of his towosmen. Since
the war he was thoroughly in accord with
the principles advocated by the Conservatives
From the time he assumed control of the paper,
until two years ago, he was in the active exercise
of his editorial duties, but about that time his
health began to tail, his indisposition increas-
ing gradually until two weeks ago, when the
paralysis, which had partially afflicted him be-
fore, suddenly grew worse, and from that time
until he breathed his last, bis death approached
rapidly, but so easily, aud at 80 even pace did
it come, that though his bedside was surround
ed by his family and friends, the pulsations of
his heart, and his respiration decreased 80
gently that the exact moment Of their cessation
was imperceptible, and he died uoawakened
from peaceful sleep. The life of an editor
must necessarily be subject to many jars but
Mr.. Snowden met with as few of them as any
man occupying similar position, aud, though
decided 10 his opinions, was so careful of, and
delicate 10 regard to the feelings of Others
that while he enjoyed to the last the esteem and
affection of his numerous friends, he likewise
merited and possessed the respect of his op-
enemy.