Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he was mustered in as a Private in Company E, 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on February 23, 1864, and was eventually promoted to Principal Musician. He would go on to be awarded the CMOH for his brave and distinguished service at the June 5, 1864 Battle of Piedmont, Virginia. His citation reads "Left his place in the rear, took the rifle of a disabled soldier, and fought through the remainder of the action." He had been detailed by the 54th Pennsylvania's commander, Colonel Jacob M. Campbell, to take the regiment's musicians to a position in the rear before the battle and remain there until the fighting was over. After doing so, Private Snedden saw a comrade fall wounded, acquired his weapon, and joined in his regiment's subsequent attack and heavy hand-to-hand combat, where he captured Confederate brigade commander Colonel Beuhring Jones. He served through the end of the war, and was honorably mustered out on May 31, 1865. After the war he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad before becoming a mine owner and operator. His Medal was awarded to him on September 11, 1897, thirty-three years after his bravery.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he was mustered in as a Private in Company E, 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on February 23, 1864, and was eventually promoted to Principal Musician. He would go on to be awarded the CMOH for his brave and distinguished service at the June 5, 1864 Battle of Piedmont, Virginia. His citation reads "Left his place in the rear, took the rifle of a disabled soldier, and fought through the remainder of the action." He had been detailed by the 54th Pennsylvania's commander, Colonel Jacob M. Campbell, to take the regiment's musicians to a position in the rear before the battle and remain there until the fighting was over. After doing so, Private Snedden saw a comrade fall wounded, acquired his weapon, and joined in his regiment's subsequent attack and heavy hand-to-hand combat, where he captured Confederate brigade commander Colonel Beuhring Jones. He served through the end of the war, and was honorably mustered out on May 31, 1865. After the war he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad before becoming a mine owner and operator. His Medal was awarded to him on September 11, 1897, thirty-three years after his bravery.
Bio by: RPD2
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