Wm. S, Snook, Age 60 8Wm. S. Snook, Age 70 8

William Sayer Snook (October 10, 1826 – December 7, 1911) was a city council member from 1871–1874, representing the First Ward. He was a Republican. 2

Snook came to California in 1849 and was a member of the "vigilance committee" which tried to help keep order in San Francisco's wild early days. 4

William married Susan Helen Laughran (Snook) (May 27, 1834–January 9, 1922) in 1856, and they had eight children: Frederick William Snook, George W. Snook, Charles E. Snook, Susan H. Snook, James Athern Snook, Margaret Jane Snook (Tupper), May Doremus Snook (Williams) and Emily C. Snook. In 1880, they lived at 1678 Taylor Street (now 9th Street) in West Oakland. In 1896, they lived at 806 - 13th Street. By the time of William's death in 1911, they had moved to Berkeley.

Snook was in the plumbing business, running William S. Snook & Sons (later & Son). The firm is listed in the Plumbers Trade Journal in 1905 as having landed several large jobs in San Francisco. 3 William's brother George A. Snook of San Francisco was also in the plumbing business. He committed suicide in 1901 by filling his pockets with rocks and jumping into the bay. 6

WS Snook & Sons did the plumbing work on the YMCA building at 21st and Telegraph when it was constructed in 1909-1910. 7

Clay Street near 14th Street

Snook was a Freemason, a member of Alcatraz Lodge, No. 244. William was first appointed to the newly created Board of Education, then elected. He served on the school board in 1866, 1 something Charles would do several decades later.

Death and Burial

Snook died in Berkeley on December 7, 1911, and is buried in plot 12 in Mountain View Cemetery. 4

Links and References

  1. Wood, MW. History of Alameda County, California. Oakland: MW Wood, 1883.
  2. "ALAMEDA COUNTY POLITICS: Election of Delegates to the State Conventions." San Francisco Chronicle: April 25, 1880.
  3. The Plumbers Trade Journal, Vol 38, 1905.
  4. Funeral of Former Councilman is Held. San Francisco Call: December 10, 1911.
  5. SUBURBAN BREVITIES San Francisco Chronicle: Jan 8, 1898.
  6. Fate of Missing Merchant Snook is Veiled in Mystery San Francisco Call April 24, 1901
  7. Eleven Contracts Are Awarded For Building San Francisco Call November 24, 1909
  8. Photos from family archive, courtesy of Velma Snook.
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