Nathan Olmstead
Rev. Nathan Olmstead came the following year (1853). He was born in Wilton, Connecticut, on the 16th day of September, 1809, and is a son of David and Rebecca (Jackson) Olmstead, who were also natives of that State. When Nathan was seven years old the family emigrated to Tompkins county, New York, where they remained about three years, and then moved to Tioga – now Chemung – county, where the son lived until twenty-four years old. At that time he came West, and after spending one year in La Salle county, Illinois, moved to what is now DeKalb county.
In 1842 he joined the Protestant Methodist Church, and soon after, became a minister of the gospel. He followed this calling, as a local preacher, while in that State, and was also ordained a deacon while living there. In 1853 he came to Butler county, Iowa, and settled on section 18, Beaver township, and in January, 1854, entered the land where he now lives. In 1858 he was ordained an elder.
Mr. Olmstead was an active worker in the church in the early days of the township. He preached the first sermon here the Sunday following his arrival, and soon afterward organized a church. He believes in republicanism, and has taken quite an active part in the politics of the township.
In July, 1831, he was united in wedlock to Miss Julia Ann Knapp, also a native of Connecticut. Ten children have blessed this union, of whom eight are now living – Melissa, now the widow of Henry Thomas; Alonzo, living at Butler Center; Edward, living in Beaver township; Oscar now living in Waterloo; Orvis, now living in Ackley; Julia Ann, widow of Asa Lee, of Ackley; Theodore, who is living at home, and Lydia, wife of L.H. Boyd.
In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Olmstead celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. Olmstead is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, and a man who is greatly beloved and respected by all who have the honor of his acquaintance. Always fearless in doing right, and ready to tread under foot, whatever borders on oppression, he is one of those, whose influence for good is felt by all who come in contact with him.
Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Pages: 452 – 453
Submitted by Terry Todd
