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 John
Snelgrove's lifetime of accomplishments spans more than eight decades.
From a rural background in northeast Texas, to time as a WWII prisoner
of war, and then a distinguished career at Sam Houston State University,
Mr. Snelgrove has had both an interesting and productive life.
Mr. Snelgrove was born and reared on a farm near Kildare, in northeast
Texas. After graduation from Kildare High School, his vocational
agriculture teacher drove him down to the campus of Sam Houston
State Teachers College. Mr. Snelgrove relates, "I had no money,
my parents were poor farmers and had no money to help me, so I
knew I had to make it on my own. Even though I wanted an education
to get off that poor sandy land cotton farm, I knew I wanted to
major in agriculture because of my love for agriculture, and also
it was the only thing I knew anything about."
Snelgrove worked at every job he could get and joined the National
Guard to help pay for his college expenses. When the country prepared
for WWII, the National Guard was mobilized and he was placed into
active duty in 1940.
In 1943, during combat in Italy, the Germans captured Mr. Snelgrove.
During the next two years, he was transferred to four different
POW camps. He experienced great deprivation and cold during his
captivity but relates, "the most horrifying experience was
when we (the POWs) were transferred in box cars and were being
bombed by allied planes." He was finally liberated by Soviet
troops in the spring of 1945.
After being discharged from military service, he returned to Sam
Houston to continue his education. Though it was almost one month
into the fall semester, his agriculture professors encouraged him
to enroll. Mr. Snelgrove says, "I'll always be grateful for
those caring professors who helped me to get started in school
again."
Mr. Snelgrove buckled down on his academic studies and received
his B.S. degree in 1947 and was employed shortly after as Assistant
Farm Manager. In 1949 he received his master's degree from SHSU,
and in 1953 was named Farm Manager.
Mr. Snelgrove's teaching career began while he was Farm Manager
as he taught agricultural mechanics courses on a part time basis.
In 1972 he began his career as a full time Professor of Plant Science
and continued in that role until his retirement in 1982. He was
widely respected by both his colleagues and his students for his
practical applications in teaching plant science. For his commitment
to teaching, Mr. Snelgrove received the University's coveted "Excellence
in Teaching Award" for the 1981-1982 academic year.
Mr. Snelgrove was recognized throughout this area for his expertise
in soil and water conservation. He served the Sam Houston Resource
Conservation and Development area for more than 20 years. He also
was elected to the Region IV Soil and Water Conservation Board
that covered the entire east Texas region. He was a board member
for the Walker County Farm Services Administration. In all of these
positions, Mr. Snelgrove played a vital role in assisting SHSU
students to obtain employment.
Agriculture has always been a primary interest of Mr. Snelgrove's,
and he continues to operate his ranch near Dodge, where he raises
Angus cattle. He retains his keen interest in grasses and legumes
and is widely respected for being an innovator in grassland farming
on his ranching operation.
Mr. Snelgrove has two daughters, Janet Klett of Huntsville and
Kay Peck of La Grange. He is also quite proud of his three granddaughters
and grandson. In addition to spending time with his family, Mr.
Snelgrove plays an active role in the life of the Dodge Baptist
Church.
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