Richard Olmsted (settler) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Olmsted
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| Deputy of the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut from Norwalk |
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| In office May 1653 – October 1653 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Norwalk not represented in October 1653 session |
| In office October 1654 – May 1655 |
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| Preceded by | Matthew Canfield, Matthew Marvin Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Matthew Canfield |
| In office May 1658 – October 1658 Serving with Matthew Canfield
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| Preceded by | Samuel Hales, Isaac Moore |
| Succeeded by | Nathaniel Richards, Walter Hoyt |
| In office October 1660 – May 1661 Serving with Samuel Hales
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| Preceded by | Matthew Canfield, Samuel Hales |
| Succeeded by | Matthew Canfield, Walter Hoyt |
| In office May 1662 – October 1662 Serving with Matthew Canfield
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| Preceded by | Walter Hoyt |
| Succeeded by | Matthew Canfield, John Gregory |
| In office May 1663 – May 1665 |
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| Preceded by | Matthew Canfield, John Gregory |
| Succeeded by | John Gregory |
| In office October 1665 – October 1667 Serving with Matthew Canfield
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| Preceded by | Matthew Canfield, John Gregory |
| Succeeded by | John Gregory, Walter Hoyt |
| In office May 1668 – October 1669 |
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| Preceded by | John Gregory, Walter Hoyt |
| Succeeded by | John Gregory, John Douglas |
| In office May 1671 – October 1671 Serving with Walter Hoyt
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| Preceded by | Daniel Kellogg, John Gregory |
| Succeeded by | John Gregory, John Bowton |
| In office May 1679 – October 1679 Serving with John Gregory
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| Preceded by | Mark Sension, John Platt |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Kellogg, John Bowton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1612 Harwich, England |
| Died | April 20, 1687 (aged 75) Norwalk, Connecticut Colony |
| Resting place | East Norwalk Historical Cemetery, Norwalk, Connecticut |
| Spouses | Frances Haugh, Magdelen Hill Smith (m. before 1670, widow of William Smith) |
| Children | John Olmstead, Richard Olmstead, Rebecca Olmstead, James Olmsted |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | King Philip's War, Pequot War |
Richard Olmsted (born February 20, 1612 – died April 20, 1687) was an important early leader in the Connecticut Colony. He helped start two major towns: Hartford and Norwalk. Richard Olmsted was also a Deputy (like a representative) in the General Court many times. He served in this role from 1653 to 1679, helping to make laws for the colony.
Early Life in England and America
Richard Olmsted was born in Harwich, England in 1612. It is believed he traveled to America from England. He arrived in Boston in 1632 on a ship called the Lion. He came with his uncle, James Olmsted, and other family members.
Richard first lived in an area called Mount Wollaston in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This place is now known as Quincy.
Moving to Hartford
In 1636, Richard Olmsted moved to Hartford, Connecticut. He joined a group led by Thomas Hooker. This group became the original settlers of Hartford.
In 1637, he was a soldier in the Pequot War. This was a conflict between English colonists and the Pequot tribe.
Around 1647, Richard Olmsted got married. His first wife's name is not known. Later, around 1670, he married Magdelan Smith. She was a widow.
Richard Olmsted held several important jobs in Hartford. In 1646, he worked as a constable. In 1649, he was a fence viewer. This job involved checking and maintaining fences.
Helping to Settle Norwalk
Roger Ludlow bought the land for Norwalk in 1640. Ludlow then hired fourteen men to start the new town. In 1649, Richard Olmsted and Nathaniel Ely became the first two settlers to move there.
Richard Olmsted quickly became a leader in Norwalk. In 1653, he was chosen as a Deputy for Norwalk. This meant he represented Norwalk in the General Court in Hartford.
He continued to serve the community in many ways:
- In 1656, he was appointed as a leather seller for Norwalk.
- In 1657, he was chosen as a Townsman.
- In 1659, he helped settle a land dispute. This dispute was between the towns of Stratford and Fairfield and the local Native American tribes.
- In 1660, he was appointed as a Grand Juror for Norwalk.
- In 1661, he helped survey the boundary between Fairfield and Stratford.
Richard Olmsted also served in King Philip's War from 1675 to 1676. This was another major conflict in colonial New England.
He was a Selectman in Norwalk from 1669 to 1675. Selectmen were local officials who managed town affairs. He was also a Commissioner for Norwalk from 1668 to 1677. This role gave him powers similar to a judge.
Richard Olmsted is honored as a founder of both Hartford and Norwalk. His name is on the Founders Stone in the Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford. He is also listed on the Founders Stone in the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery.
