Coleman Olmsted, deceased, was born in Wilton, Fairfield Co., Conn., April 9, 1792. He is a son of David and Rebecca (Jackson) Olmsted. About 1814 he removed to Tioga Co. N. Y., near what is now called Odessa, and was a pioneer of that county. He learned the trade of blacksmith and followed it in Tioga County until 1838.

In the spring of the year named he moved with his family to this State and located in La Salle County. He remained there until the spring of 1841, when he removed to Shabbona Township and entered Government land. He also purchased a half section of the Reservation. His title was uncertain, and to perfect the same he was compelled to pay for his land three times. In 1846 he moved to Ottawa, La Salle Co., this State, and for several years lived on a farm. In 1872 he went to Missouri, was unfortunate in his business ventures, lost heavily and returned to his son's D. D. Olmsted. where he died, June 5, 1881.

Mr. Olmstead was twice married. His first alliance was with Clara Duchey, in 1811. Of this union six children were born: George, Jan. 19, 1816; Rebecca, July 5, 1818, and died in 1849; John D., July 7, 1820; Daniel D., June 21, 1822; Jane, Aug. 28, 1824; Clara, Nov. 5, 1826.

Mrs. Olmsted died July 14, 1828, and Nov. 4 of that year Mr. Olmsted was united in marriage with Mrs. Hannah Bedient. Four children were the issue of their union, namely: Clara M., born Aug. 6, 1829; Samuel B., Jan. 24, 1831; Hannah, Sept. 9, 1833; Mary, Aug. 11, 1846.

[Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County, Illinois, Chapman Brothers (Chicago), 1885, p 491.]

** Coleman Olmstead is reported to have married once more to Mary Parsons, sister of his second wife Hannah, and she is reported to have died in 1878 while in Missouri, her burial locale is not known...