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A pioneer settler of Yolo County, John W. Snowball was born October 2, 1827 in England. In 1832, he moved with his parents to Canada, then on to Boston in 1844 where he worked as a bookkeeper. In 1850, he arrived by ship in San Francisco. He moved to Folsom on the American River, where he successfully mined for gold. In 1853, he moved to Knight's Landing and established its first store. Also in 1853, he married Lucy Ann Knight, daughter of William Knight, founder of Knight's Landing. He served as Yolo County Supervisor from 1853 through 1855 and Associate Justice of the Court of Sessions for several years following 1856. In subsequent years, he was a stock raiser and land investor. He died on February 5, 1906.

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