Smith Howland Olmstead, deceased, was one of the prominent and sterling
citizens of Freedom township, where his entire life was passed. He came from
one of the pioneer families of LaSalle county, and his name is indissolubly
connected with the history of this region. It stands for patriotism and
public spirit, for industry and uprightness — in short, for all of the
qualities which are embodied in the noblest citizens of this great
commonwealth. His memory is tenderly kept in the hearts of scores of his
old-time friends, and many of them will scan with deep interest the
following outline of his career and tribute to his genuine worth.
Sixty years ago Hiram D. Olmstead, the father of the subject of this memoir,
removed from his former home in New York state to the wilds of LaSalle
county. He located in the township of Freedom, and in 1844 wedded Eleanor
Harding, by whom three sons were born, namely: Charles H., Judson H., and
Smith Howland. Hiram D. Olmstead, after a busy, useful life as an
agriculturist, is now living retired, his home being in Ottawa, Illinois.
The birth of Smith Howland Olmstead occurred on the parental
homestead in this township, July 8, 1850. He obtained a common-school
education, and, with characteristic energy, mastered the varied details of
farming when he was a mere youth. He remained under the parental roof until
his marriage, when he was twenty-five years of age, by which time he had
laid the foundations of his future success. Aided by his thrifty,
brave-hearted wife, he steadily prospered, and at the time of his death he
left a large and valuable estate as the result of their united efforts. He
not only was "not afraid of work" but he really enjoyed it; and he was so
thoroughly in earnest in all of his plans that he imparted his enthusiasm
and interest to all around him. It has been said that one of the secrets of
success is "to be in love with your work;" and thus it proved in the case of
Mr. Olmstead. However great his interest in his personal undertakings, he
never neglected his public duties, and his neighbors relied upon his
thorough performance of whatever work was intrusted to him for the general
welfare. He was a zealous Republican, and held the offices of road
commissioner and assessor and school director. His prominence in public and
social affairs of his locality was due to his well recognized qualities of
worth, and his genial, friendly disposition, which won every one with whom
circumstances brought him into acquaintanceship. When death stilled his
noble heart he was in the prime of life, and the blow was deeply felt
throughout the entire community. He entered into the silent land on the 17th
of August, 1886, but a few weeks subsequently to the thirty-sixth
anniversary of his birth.
The widow of 'Mr. Olmstead was, like her
husband, a native of Freedom township. Her parents were Seth F. and
Elizabeth (Frye) Ford, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1815, and
both natives of Massachusetts. They came to this county in 1850 and located
on the farm which is now owned by Charles T. Mosey. Five of their six
children are living at this writing, namely: Fidelia, widow of J. J.
Hutchinson, of Washington county, Kansas; Caroline, widow of Hartson E.
Billings, of Washington county, Kansas; Myra S., wife of F. A. Barker, of
Parsons, Kansas; Hattie F., Mrs. Olmstead; and Florence E., Mrs. Isaac G.
Parish, of this township.
Mrs. Hattie F. Olmstead resided with her
parents until her marriage, December 30, 1875. Of her five children two died
in infancy and a daughter and two sons survive: Myra, the eldest, born in
1878, became the wife of William Gregg, November 20, 1897; Burton C., the
elder son, was born in 1880, and wedded Olive, daughter of Lewis Warren, of
Serena township, November 30, 1898; and Frank D., the younger son, was born
in 1885, and, with his elder brother, is of great assistance to his mother
in the management of the home farm. She has manifested marked ability and
excellent judgment in the cultivation and maintenance of the homestead, and
enjoys the respect of her neighbors, who regard her as a model farmer and
financier. She has maintained the same interest in public affairs as did her
lamented husband, and has served her locality as a school director for six
years, being the only woman here who has had this responsibility and honor.
She also belongs to the County Grange and to the Woman's Relief Corps, and
is kind and helpful to the poor and needy.
Extracted 13 May 2019 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 605-606.
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