New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-04
InHN / SNEDEKER-

John ! Snedeker. who fifty years ago was one
OF the best-known racing men in America, died
at his home, No Jas Seventh-ave, Brooklyn, on
Tuesday noon. He was seventy-nine years old. For
many years Mr.. Snedeker was owner of the cee-
brated Union Course racetrack, just east OF the
present Brooklyn city line. II built by his
father, John r. snedeBer seventy-hve years ago.
and was said 10 be the frs; track bulk on Long
Island.
Mr. snedeker ard : D. Hoagand were the only
representatives left in Brooklyn OF the old schoo.
OF racing.
Mr. SneGeker died from heart failure For twelve
years he had been cripple because OF a broken
hin bone For year he had suffered with asthma
Mr. Snedeker came from the old New-Urecht
Dutch family which formerly spelled the name
Snedcor one OF his ancestors. John Snedlcor In
1874 was appointed by the Governor 10 organize the
first church established in Flatbush. His father
John r. Snedicor up 10 about five years after
the birth OF John l. a resident OF New-Ctrecht'
when he moved 10 Queens County. and built the
Union Course track near the Jamaica Plank Road.
In connection with ii he established roadhouse on
the present site of the Truants Home. On the
death of his father John l. succeeded to the owner
ship Of the property 1t is Of interest to note that
his middle initial represents simply the letter J.
after an old Dutch practice.
Many OF the turf battles OF the first half OF the
century we're waged on the Union Course track.
Dexter Lady Thorne, Wilkes, Fashion and Lady
Washington were ell quartered in Mr. Snedeker )
stables and raced on his tracks lie himself was
the owner OF Lady Suffolk Murdoch and other ami
mails well known in their day.
When Mr. Snedeker 1T the height Of his fame
IL was the fashion TO drive toward the Snedeker
roadhouse rather than toward the ocean. as at
present. Scarcely any Of the famous characters OF
NeW-York and Brooklyn OF that day but were
more or less familiar its proprietor guests.
Among them. those Of whom he proudest OF
talking about Daniel Webster, Commodore
Vanderbilt John Jacob Astor, Sam" Houston, OF
Texas and Senator Eoote. OF Mississippi. Charles
TIFFANY, the jeweler one OF his warm friends.
and on one occasion walked his place 10
He was especially famous in those days for his
Asparagus dinners. In his old crapbook is a rec
ord OF a dinner given in his honor in May. ls5 at
which there were many prominent people Of the
day.
Prosneci Park Fair Grounds, which is now known
a. the Brooklyn Jockey Club In lS7o he leased the
old oceanic Hotel Coney Island. and conducted
~. two Jointly. The latter became back mum
bor" when the Culver Road built, and a few
wears afierward Mr. Snedeker gave up both places
~ opposite the Academy OF Music. Later he
ouened q place In the Lyceum Theatre in Will
iqusburc then In the Friends Hotel in Gravesend.
Bi~ last attempt az business was In Captain DIM
siead's roadhouse. opposite the Parade Ground,
from which he retired Ia the early SOS
In his most popular days Mr. Snedeker took in
money so freely that instead OF a money drawer
ne used large barrel. and Vet he died without A
dollar He was neither a spendthr'f, gambler nor
nard drinker but generous 10 a fault. lie signed
thousands OF dollars OF paper and when his friends
went under his fortune went with them since his