Louisa Snelson was born in 1844 and married George Snelson in 1865. George Snelson was a pioneer storekeeper (he opened the first shop on the Square) and was the first Mayor of he newly created Borough of Palmerston North in 1877, making Louisa the first mayoress. They lived in Fitzherbert Street, and had two children - Frances, who died aged one, and George who died aged two. Their adopted daughter was Matilda Montgomery (later Perrin). Louisa was extensively involved in all aspects of life in Palmerston North including fundraising efforts for Palmerston North Hospital. She died 14 December 1919 aged 75 in Whanganui and is buried in the Terrace End Cemetery. Her obituary in the Manawatū Daily Times described her as the "Mother of Palmerston". Louisa was one of approximately 523 Palmerston North women who signed the Suffrage petition, submitted to Parliament in 1893.