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Earl Snell

1895 – 1947

American politician

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About Earl Snell

Lived 1895 – 1947 (aged 52). Earl Snell was an American politician and governor.

Earl Wilcox Snell (July 11, 1895 – October 28, 1947) was an American politician, businessman, and member of the Republican Party, serving in the Oregon House of Representatives, as the Oregon Secretary of State, and as the 23rd governor of Oregon. American journalist John Gunther described Snell as "genial, mediocre, and perpetually on the fence."

Early life and business career

Snell was born on a farm near the small town of Olex, Oregon. He grew up in Arlington. He received a public school education, and attended the Oregon Institute of Technology

Death On October 28, 1947, Snell, Oregon Secretary of State Robert S. Farrell, Jr., and State Senate President Marshall E. Cornett were killed along with pilot Cliff Hogue when their small plane crashed in stormy weather southwest of Dog Lake in Lake County, Oregon. The group left Klamath Falls about 10:00 p.m. en route to a ranch owned by Oscar Kittredge in Warner Valley near Lakeview, Oregon. A state funeral was held for Snell, Farrell and Cornett at the Capitol in Salem. Snell was buried in Salem's Belcrest Memorial Park.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Oregon Institute of Technology
Positions held
Governor of Oregon, Member of the Oregon House of Representatives
Also known as
Earl Wilcox Snell

People in Earl Snell's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Earl Snell's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Earl Snell?

American politician (1895-1947)

When was Earl Snell born?

Earl Snell was born on 11 July 1895 in Olex.

When did Earl Snell die?

Earl Snell died on 28 October 1947 in Lake County.

What was Earl Snell's occupation?

Earl Snell was a politician and governor.

What nationality was Earl Snell?

Earl Snell was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Earl Snell

· Wikidata: Q1277163

· DBpedia: Earl Snell

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Earl Snell. https://biography.guide/earl-snell/

MLA: "Earl Snell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/earl-snell/.

Chicago: "Earl Snell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/earl-snell/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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