S. Baldwin Olmstead

HOWARD, OLMSTEAD, MILLER

Posted By: Carol Powell (email)
Date: 4/19/2005 at 09:25:48

Baldwin Olmstead

On the 1838 Iowa census Baldwin Olmstead is residing in Clayton Co., IA. There were 7 males and two Females. At that time only head of household was named.

Iowa 1840-1844
S.B. Olmstead is still in Clayton county, IA. Samuel B. Olmstead was a Delegate to Iowa state constitutional convention, he assisted in the framing of the State Constitutions of both Iowa and Minnesota. Iowa has had three constitutional conventions, all held in Iowa City. The first was in 1844. The constitution drafted then was later rejected in a popular vote. The second constitution, drafted in 1846, was the instrument by which Iowa became a state. A later convention was held in 1857 which drafted the document still used today (although much amended). Each of the conventions had central disputes which were the subject of debate.

Taken from the Minnesota History Society Scrapbook roll # 1 pg. 59 Vol.1
Hon. Baldwin Olmstead

His Death in Texas Last Month sketch of His life Formerly President of the Territorial Senate of Minnesota.

Anoke Republican, 21st.
Mr. W. G. Randolph an old resident of this town, is in receipt of a letter from his son-in-law in Texas, announcing the death of Baldwin Olmstead, which occurred at the farm of the latter in Burnett county on the 27th ult. The mention of the name of Baldwin Olmstead will awake in the minds of old Minnesotians political memories reaching back into territorial times when the subject of this sketch was a member of the Territorial legislature, and a resident of Fort Ripley, where he for a while, we believe, was connected with government contracts. At the close of the war he removed to Burnett county, Texas, where he has pursued the quite life of a farmer up to the day of his death. Mr. Olmstead was born in Otsego county, N.Y. about the year 1810, and migrated West in early manhood, and was an active member of the territorial convention that framed the constitution of the State of Iowa. A few years sojourn there; and from thence came to this new section of the Northwest, which was then for the first time attracting all attention. Here he became a member of the territorial legislature; and was appointed president of the senate. After having passed a great portion of his life in public positions. He at the age of 56 removed to Texas, and has been for a time, perhaps, forgotten by many who were thoroughly familiar with him while he remained in Minnesota.

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Updated Nov. 2006
The grandson of S.B.Olmstead was Louis Clair Miller.

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Updated April 2008

The first settlers of Boardman Township were Elisha Boardman and Horace D. Bronson, who settled upon the site of the present village of Elkader in 1836. They were the first immigrants that crossed the Mississippi at what is now the city of McGregor. Baldwin Olmsted was the next settler in 1837. In 1838 Freedom Howard (Olmstead's Brother in law) was added to the number.

The Boardman Settlement (Elkader) "Many of the most enterprising farmers are to be found here, with extensive farms, in a high state of cultivation. Mr. (Baldwin) Omstead has established at this place a large dairy farm from which he has realized a handsome profit during the past year. (1843) by finding a ready market for his butter and cheese at Fort Atkinson and the Indian Agency.

The first school-house in the township was erected in Pony Hollow and was built of logs. The school was taught by Miss Melissa Howard. (sister inlaw to Olmstead) Here also were held the first religous meetings. An itinerant preacher, Rev. Sidney Wood, would come occasionally and exhort to the few scattered settlers

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The submitter indicates that she has additional info. and can direct interested researchers to other websites with info. on this family.

Off-site bio of Mr. Olmstead

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• S. Baldwin Olmstead (views: 8454)
  HOWARD, OLMSTEAD, MILLER
  Carol Powell -- 4/19/2005 at 09:25:48