Biographical Sketch of

Samuel M. Olds

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 604 - 605 


Samuel M. Olds, who is engaged in the manufacture of gloves and mittens in Wautoma, Wis., is a native of 
the Empire State, having been born in Genesee County, N. Y., June 22, 1819.  His father, Jeremiah Olds, 
was born in Massachusetts, in 1776, and was a soldier of the war of 1812.  During the struggle he was 
engaged in running a ferry across the river at Fort Erie, on which the troops were conveyed over.  In 
Massachusetts he married Miss Betsy Marsh, who was born in Connecticut in 1779, and soon after they 
removed to Otsego County, N. Y., being among its first settlers.  Later they became residents of Genesee 
County, which was comprised within the Holland purchase.  There Mr. Olds developed a large farm in the 
midst of a dense forest.  It was no easy task to clear and cultivate that land but he persevered in his 
efforts, and his labors were at length crowned with success.  His nearest market at that time was Buffalo, 
and he and his family underwent all the hardships and trials of pioneer life.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Olds were the parents of nine children, two of whom died in early life.  The remaining seven 
lived to mature years, and in the family for more than half a century, no death occurred.  Ermina, the 
eldest child became the wife of Harry S. Turner, and is now living in Viola, Richland Co., Wis.; Emeline 
died in Richland County in 1879; James D. died in March, 1888, in Chautauqua County, N. Y.; Orville J. is 
a professor of penmanship in London, England; Rev. Abner D., who was educated in Oberlin College of Ohio, 
and fitted himself for the ministry of the Congregational Church, served as chaplain in the 24th Regulars 
during the late war, and for six years was a missionary on the Island of Jamaica, but is now living in 
Oberlin; Horace P. died in Alabama in 1885; and Samuel completes the family.  In early life, Mr. and Mrs. 
Olds were members of the Presbyterian Church, but afterwards united with the Congregational Church.  They 
were respected and honored citizens, whose lives of usefulness and uprightness won them many friends.  Mrs. 
Olds died in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., on the 8th of July, 1855, and her family mourned the loss of a kind 
and tender mother and her acquaintances a faithful friend.  Mr. Olds survived his wife many years, dying in 
1872, at the very advanced age of ninety-six.  Many years before the war he advocated the freeing of the 
slaves, and was known to be an abolitionist when it was considered very dangerous to betray one's principles 
on that subject.  Immediately on the organization of the republican party, which was formed to prevent the 
further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks and with hope and fear watched the progress of the war 
until at length with great joy he witnessed its successful close.
 
The subject of this notice was reared to manhood in his native county, and in a primitive log school house 
acquired his education.  The pupils were ranged in long rows on slab benches, and there conned the rudiments 
of knowledge.  Having arrived at years of maturity, Mr. Olds was united in marriage in Ithica, N. Y., in 1843, 
with Miss Nancy Thompson, and unto them were born two children:  Frederick S., a commercial traveler of 
Michigan, and Carrie A., who died in 1872.  When the children were yet quite young, the mother was called to 
her final rest, dying in December, 1852.  In April, 1855, Mr. Olds wedded Miss Susie A. Ames, a daughter of 
Luther and Ruby (Davis) Ames, who were natives of New York, and died in that State, leaving their daughter 
an orphan at the age of five years.
 
In 1857, accompanied by his family, Mr. Olds emigrated to Wisconsin, and in Fond du Lac embarked in hotel 
keeping, but after a year came to Wautoma.  He then became proprietor of the Wautoma Hotel, but afterward 
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and followed farming for a period of seven years.  At the end 
of that time he entered upon his present business, the manufacture of gloves and mittens, which he had followed 
in the East.  He has built up a good trade in that line and is now owner of one of the leading industries of 
the county.  Enterprising and progressive, he labors not alone for his own interests, but does all in his power 
for the upbuilding of the county and the promotion of all that tends to increase its prosperity.  He is a warm 
supporter of the Republican party, and has held a number of local offices.  He was instrumental in establishing 
the County Agricultural Society, in which he held the office of Treasurer for eight years.  Mr. Olds and his 
estimable wife are widely known throughout the community in which they make their home, and since coming to the 
county have secured many warm friends.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu