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Joseph Snell

Joseph SnellBorn: March 21, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas. Married Ruth Maria Lassiter, August 28, 1955. Died June 9, 2011, Topeka, Kansas.

Joseph Warren Snell was born March 21, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas. The son of Loren O. and Mabel L. Jones Snell, he graduated from Seaman High School, Washburn University, and earned a master's degree from the University of Kansas.

Snell served in the army and the army reserves. He married Ruth Maria Lassiter August 28, 1955.

He began working for the Kansas Historical Society in 1957 as curator of manuscripts. In 1977 he was named secretary of the Historical Society, a position he held until he retired in 1988. Under his leadership the Historical Society acquired land in west Topeka and constructed a new building for the Kansas Museum of History.

In 1985 Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas named Snell Kansan of the Year. He authored several books and articles, most notably Why the West Was Wild. He died June 9, 2011, in Topeka, Kansas.

Entry: Snell, Joseph

Author: Kansas Historical Society

Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.

Date Created: June 2011

Date Modified: March 2013

The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.