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(1076) JOHN OLMSTED, Springfield, Mass. b. June 1, 1820; m. July 4, 1842, Rhodelia E. Langdon; b. Apr. 8, 1822; d. Sept. 29, 1891; dau. of Calvin and Sybil (Pease) Langdon, of Somers, Conn.
In 1902, he was president of Springfield Electric Street Railway Company, and for many years has been one of the most active men in the business world of Western Massachusetts. His mother was a daughter of Ensign John Russell, who fought and gained his title in the Revolution. The Russells were of English origin. Mr. Olmsted's earlier education was obtained in the public schools of Enfield, supplemented by courses at Wilbraham and Westfield Academies. When twenty years of age he was a manufacturer of tinware, and a dealer in paper stock in his native town. He continued in this business for about twelve years. About this time he bought an attractive place in Somers, Conn., and resided there until 1860, when he removed to Springfield, Mass., where he has since lived. He formed a partnership with Lewis H. Taylor, in the business of cotton batting, cotton waste, and paper stock. In 1880, Mr. Frank E. Tuttle became associated with him and the business grew so rapidly that in 1888 it was removed to Chicopee and organized as a stock company under the firm name of the Olmsted and Tuttle Company. Mr. Olmsted was the first president of this company, but in 1898 he sold his interest in the stock. He early became connected with the Springfield Street Railway Company and was at first a stockholder. He has been president for twenty-five years. Under his administration the capital stock has been increased from fifty thousand to a million and a half dollars. Mr. Olmsted has been an excellent manager, both for his fellow-stockholders and for the public, who have better accommodations than are furnished any other city of the size.
In politics Mr. Olmsted was a Republican. He has never been an office seeker and has been a very reluctant office taker. He has served in both branches of the city council. In 1883 he was a representative to the General Court. No man stands higher in the local business world than does Mr. Olmsted. His word passes unchallenged, for whatever he promises he will perform. He has borne no small part in the material development of Springfield. He is president of the Northampton Street Railway Company and of the First National Bank of this city, and he is a director of the United Electric Light Company, of the Indian Orchard Company, of the Hodges Fiber Carpet Company of Indian Orchard, of the Holyoke Street Railway Company and of Oak Grove cemetery, and vice-president of the City Library Association. He is the possessor of a good private library. Mr. Olmsted has been a deep and earnest reader all his long life, having for over sixty years averaged about four hours' reading every day. He is particularly learned in the history and origin of the ancient religions.
2250, Kate E. +.
2251, Mary R. +.
2252, Harmelia E.; b. Jan. 1, 1849; d. Jan. 3, 1851.
