Lake Flashback: Ha Ha Tonka Castle Builder Killed In Rare Automobile Accident, In Kansas City

This article from The Herald Democrat, dated October 28, 1906, tells of the death of Robert M. Snyder, a Kansas City millionaire who built the famous/infamous Ha Ha Tonka Castle, which now overlooks Lake of the Ozarks though it was built nearly 30 years before Bagnell Dam, which impounds the Osage River to create the lake. Snyder died in one of the first motor vehicle accidents ever to occur in Kansas City.

The article is republished courtesy of the Colorado State Library/Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection.

Kansas City Millionaire Killed — Hurled Against Trolley Pole — Boy Perishes Also.

Kansas City, Oct. 27 — Robert M. Snyder, millionaire capitalist of this city, and under indictment in St. Louis on a charge of bribery, died at Agnew hospital in this city tonight as the result of an automobile accident at Independence boulevard and Park avenue, a few minutes before.

Snyder, in his own automobile, which was driven by Frank M. Spencer, an expert driver, who came here recently from Cleveland, O., was riding eastward and just passing a moving trolley car, when the chauffeur saw a small boy jump from in front of the car directly in the path of the machine. In an effort to save the boy, Schroeder [sic] turned the machine toward the curb and as it struck the curb, Snyder, who was on the rear seat, was thrown against an iron trolley pole and his skull fractured at the base of the brain. The boy, whose name is Arthur Rodell, was knocked down and killed. Schroeder [sic] was not hurt. Mr. Snyder was taken to Agnew hospital, nearby, but died without regaining conciousness.

Robert M. Snyder was indicted for boodling in St. Louis during the crusade conducted by Joseph W. Folk, who was then the circuit attorney there. Snyder was convicted but appealed the case to the supreme court of the state and he was remanded for a new trial. The case never came to trial, as it was dismissed for want of necessary testimony a few weeks ago.

A new indictment against Snyder was procured about a month ago, when the necessary witnesses were again brought within the jurisdiction of the court. The indictment is still pending.

Robert M. Snyder was the father of Carey M. Snyder, who, while a fugitive from justice, was murdered near Hillsboro, Ore., several months ago. Carey Snyder’s body was found about a month ago. He was believed to be one of three men who robbed a bank at Forest Grove, Ore., and the Oregon officers were trying to apprehend him for that crime. Carey Snyder had been tried for highway robbery in this city before going to Oregon and released on parole.

Robert M. Snyder is survived by a widow and three sons. When killed tonight he was going to his home on Independence boulevard, near Gladstone boulevard, one of the finest residence sections in the city.