John B. Snoddy is one of El Monte’s successful farmers. His ranch is located two miles northeast of El Monte where he is engaged in vegetable raising on a portion of his fifty acres, the remainder he rents out. His father, William Snoddy, represented elsewhere in this work was one of the early pioneers of California, successful in his personal affairs and prominent man among the citizens of this community. John B. Snoddy was born on his father’s ranch in El Monte, November 1, 1874, the oldest child in the family. He received his education in the public schools and at the same time was trained to the practical duties of a farmer’s son. After leaving the public school of Savannah he attended Woodbury’s Business College of Los Angeles, from which institution he was graduated in 1894. Returning home he remained on his father’s ranch until attaining his majority, when he became dependent upon his own resources, his first business venture being as a proprietor of a feed and sale stable in Pasadena. He was successful in his enterprise, but after three years was burned out. The greater part of his capital being lost, he then engaged in farming and in 1898 purchased his present ranch north of El Monte, adjoining his father’s property. For a time he removed and the land utilized for truck farming. His ranch received irrigation from the Tungate and Snoddy ditch, until in 1912, when a pumping plant was installed. A capability born of experience together with an intelligent interest in his work having placed Mr. Snoddy among the enterprising and successful men of this section.
In 1899 Mr. Snoddy was united in marriage with Miss Anna C. French, who was born in Missouri and reared in California from the age of twelve years, her parents being early pioneers of the state who came to California in 1887. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its work. They have one son, Emory, residing in Los Angeles. Mr. Snoddy belongs to the Woodmen of the World of Pasadena and the Ancient Order of United Workman, his wife having the Degree of Honor in the latter.
Politically Mr. Snoddy is a Democrat. For over thirty years he was a trustee of the Savannah Cemetery. Active and well, Mr. and Mrs. Snoddy reside on the home ranch on Arrow Highway north of El Monte.
Source: C. D. Mayon, F. Brow, L. Stoddard, and C. Mudd; El Monte from the Pioneer Days. WPA Project No. N-5740, 1936. In record 19-187072. (California Historical Landmark No. 765: El Monte). On file at the SCCIC, CSU Fullerton.