John Sneed: Centenarian and Revolutionary War Veteran.
Posted in Filson Favorites on 07/29/2010 05:24 pm by Sarah-Jane M. Poindexter
John Sneed (1755-1855), painted 1855 by unknown artist.
On the third floor landing, just outside the door to the curator’s office, hangs a very unusual portrait: Mr. John Sneed.
Nearly all of the Filson visitors who reach the third floor, without fail, pause to marvel at this unusual image of the elderly man. Perhaps it’s his no-nonsense expression that captures the imagination? Sneed was 100 years old when he sat for this portrait. Who wouldn’t be cranky at having to sit still for long stretches at such an age! Perhaps it’s the starkness and honesty of his old age that compels the viewer? There are few comparisons for Sneed’s portrait in American 19th-century portraiture, as historical portraiture of elderly people is rare.
John Sneed was born in 1755 Albemarle, Co., Virginia where his father worked as Thomas Jefferson’s first teacher. At the age of 14, Sneed was said to have been employed as Thomas Jefferson’s personal secretary. In February 1778 he enlisted in the army and fought in the Revolutionary War, serving until January 1782. During the Battle of Guilford, Sneed was taken prisoner and did not return to his regiment until after the Battle of Eutaw, some six months later. Sneed married Sarah Johnson; together they settled in Boyle County and had ten children. Family tradition asserts that Sneed was so frugal that he was known to walk from his home in Danville all the way to Lexington to collect his veteran’s pension several times a year. He did this even in his elderly years, as opposed to paying for a carriage or a courier service. At the age of 100, Sneed passed away in 1855, only a few months after this portrait was painted by an unknown artist.
11/04/2010 at 5:13 am
My husband, Todd Miller, is descended from John Mills Sneed’s daughter Cynthia Sneed-Wilson. I am just thrilled over seeing this portrait. I had heard there was one but had no idea where it was located – so we are very grateful for your post!!
Hugs,
Shelley Miller
11/04/2010 at 2:26 pm
Thanks Shelley! Feel free to come by The Filson and take a closer look at Sneed’s portrait. His image is on permanent display in the Ferguson Mansion. Thanks for following The Filson blog!
11/29/2010 at 12:04 am
I was told my ancestors came thru Virginia and settled in S. Kentucky (Casey County). I wonder if we are related in some way? Thank you the story was a good read. Larry Sneed
11/29/2010 at 4:30 pm
Larry,
Given the size of John Sneed’s family and that Boyle County and Casey County abut one another, there seems to be high probability that you are related. If you are in the Louisville area, you should stop by the Filson to conduct genealogical research and see the Sneed portrait. Our library has many resources that would be helpful to your inquiry such as books on the settlement and development Casey Co. as well as 19th-century county census data, birth, and marriage records.
04/07/2011 at 2:01 am
John Mills Sneed was my four-times-great uncle. His father Benjamin Sneed (1721-1819) was my five-times-great-grandfather and was a tutor to Thomas Jefferson and other relatives.
07/01/2011 at 5:28 pm
My grandmother’s maiden name is Snead and this is a great find. So excited to see it. What an neat Family line.
07/04/2011 at 3:19 pm
John Sneed is my 4th Great Grandfather through his daughter Martha who married Michael Hope. I have the Sneed family all the way back to the 12th century in England but I am at a dead end with Michael Hope.
08/12/2011 at 3:09 pm
I have researched and found family in the area of Albemarle county at the same time, but this gentleman is not in my direct line. In that area at that time I have…
John Sr DOB 1692 New Kent VA
John Jr DOB 1692 New Kent VA
William DOB 1721 Hanover VA
Robert DOB 1760 Amelia VA
Can anybody connect me to this Gentleman?