Genealogy of the Olmsted family in America : embracing the ...

PREFACE
The compilation of the Olmsted Genealogy has covered a period of
over forty years. The early portion of the correspondence of Dr. Henry
K. Olmsted with members of the family, relative to this enterprise, dates
back as far as 1870. From that period on, to the time of Dr. Olmsted's death,
he labored incessantly upon this project, as the bulk of his correspondence
amply proves. In later years the material gathered by Dr. Olmsted was
put into the hands of RoUin H. Cooke, Esq., of Pittsfield, Mass., through
whose efforts the work was somewhat enlarged. Mr. Cooke's lamented
death left the MSS. still incomplete, and needing revision. At the request
of Prof. Everett Ward Olmsted and the daughters of Dr. H. K. Olmsted,
the present compiler, Rev. Geo. K. Ward, of New York City, assumed charge
of the project, which is now carried to completion.
The Olmsted Genealogy is essentially an " Olmsted " volume, having
a larger proportion of descendants of the Olmsted name than is usual in
works of this character. This is easily accounted for by the indefatigable
labor of Dr. H. K. Olmsted, which covered a period of over a quarter of a
century. Since the death of Dr. Olmsted, in 1896, the family has increased
so rapidly, that the names subsequently received represent fully one quarter of
the volume. The collateral branches are carried down in many instances to
the present date. It is hoped that the volume may reach so large a number
of descendants not included, that a second edition will be required in the near
future, and to this end the compiler will be glad to correspond with any
families of the line who are not represented. The intense interest manifested
in this project from its inception, proves beyond question the loyalty
of the family to the Olmsted name and traditions, and is a sure guarantee
of its success.
In prosecuting this work, the compiler has been greatly aided by the
President of the Olmsted Family Association, the members of the Advisory
Committee, and many others whose names cannot be here included. Mention
should be made, however, of the hearty co-operation of Hon. Marlin E. Olmsted,
of Harrisburg, Pa., First Vice-President; Mrs. Frederick Law Olmsted,
of Brookline, Mass. ; Miss Fannie M. Olmsted, of Hartford, Conn.; Mr. John
B. Olmsted, of Bxiffalo, N. Y., and Mr. Frederick S. Hammond, of Syracuse,
N. Y. The compiler is especially indebted to Prof. Everett Ward Olmsted,
of Ithaca, N. Y.; Mrs. Henry S. Stearns, and Mrs. John M. Holcombe, of
Hartford, Conn., for much of the information relating to James, Nicholas,
and Richard Olmsted, the early founders of the family in America.
Valuable data have also been furnished by a large number of descendants,
to whom the thanks of the compiler are due. It is a matter
of regret that so comparatively small a number of descendants have
responded to the call for family portraits. In the event of the publishing
of a second edition, however, the opportunity will be afforded for greater
activity in this respect, and the descendants are earnestly requested to bear
this in mind, in anticipation of a later edition.
There are many Olmsted families scattered throughout the country
whose connection with the Hartford settlers has not been established. Some
of these will be found in their appropriate place in this volume and a constant
effort will be made, by correspondence and research, to bring them within the
family line. It remains only for the compiler to request that those who come
into possession of the Olmsted Genealogy endeavor to make known its
existence to all who, by reason of family ties, might be interested in the volume.