M, #1213, b. 1840
| Birth* | 1840 | William Snowden was born in 1840 at Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. |
| Census1850* | 1850 | He appeared on the 1850 census as the head of household, South Mulberry Ward, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania, age 10 w/parents (Evd 54.) |
| (Witness) Event-Misc | 1 July 1858 | He was a witness when George P Snowden and Henry Clay Snowden were George & Henry formed Snowden and Brother, often referred to as "successors to Wiegand & Snowden." George had previously worked as a druggist and now, with his father-in-law's financial support, engaged his instrument-maker brother, Henry, to carry on the family's name in the trade. To announce this intention, in 1860 they issued an Illustrated Wholesale Catalogue of Surgical and Dental Instruments, the first published listing of the firm's product line.
On the eve of the Civi War, Snowden and Brother was the premier Philadelphia instrument-making establishment, having eclipsed older, venerable Philadelphia makers such as the Rorers and the Schivelys.
On 1 Jan 1866, the brother's younger sibling William entered the firm as a partner. Henry retired in May 872, selling his interest in the firm to George. The firm then continued as "George Snowden and Brother". By 1879 William Snowden had become the sole proprietor of Snowden and Brother. Over time, he would solidify the company's reputation and carry it through the end of the century. on 1 July 1858.1 |
| Census1860 | 1860 | William Snowden appeared on the 1860 census as the head of household, 14th Ward 2nd Division, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania, age 20 w/father (Evd 55.) |
| Census1870 | 1870 | He appeared on the 1870 census as the head of household, 14th Ward 42nd District, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania, (Evd 364) pg 204 age 27, surgical instrument maker, w/father. |
| Marriage* | | He married Louisa (__________). |
| Census1880* | 1880 | William Snowden appeared on the 1880 census as the head of household, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania, pg 410b William Snowden 40 b.PA Mathematical Instrument Maker, parents both born PA. "other" (boarder) with Teresa Clark. With him is Louisa, assumed to be his wife. |