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

188 Olmsted Family Genealogy
Coates, Tenn payr of Stockings, Tenn Knifes, Tenn Hookes, Twenty Pipes,
Tenn Muckes, and Tenn needles " comprised the western part of Norwalk. In
a table of original grants of home lots to the first settlers of Norwalk, 1652,
appears the name of Richard Olmsted and a description of his home lot: 4
acres and 1 rood. Lots 15 and half of 17, with 219 acres commonage. In the
"estate of lands and accommodations " of Norwalk in 1655 he is credited
with ^219.
Mr. Selleck, in his History of Norwalk (p. 24), says: "It speaks well for the
new company's enterprise and loyalty that it was able to send its maiden
delegate, Richard Olmsted, to Hartford, even as early as May, 1653."
"To make it personal, it is recorded that the day after the Court sat, Richard
Olmsted was appointed Sergeant, and deputed to 'exercise' the Norwalk
soldiers and 'to examine their arms.'
"Richard Olmsted bore the test of power well, and his first year as Representative
was supplemented by a ' dozen other sessions to 1679.' "
Richard Olmsted must have been living as late as July 8, 1686, for his
name appears in a patent bearing that date, by which patent the original purchase
of lands from the Indians for the site of Norwalk is confirmed by the
Governor and General Court of Connecticut.
In 1646, Constable in Hartford.
His Civil Services
In 1649, Fence viewer in Hartford.
In 1653, Deputy of Norwalk to the General Court at Hartford.
In 1656, appointed by the General Court, Leather seller, for Norwalk.
In 1657, chosen Townsman in Norwalk.
May 19, 1659, appointed with three others to settle a difficulty between the
towns of Stratford and Fairfield, with the Indians, relative to lands.
May 17, 1660, he was appointed Grand Juror for Norwalk.
Oct. 4, 1660, Deputy to the General Court at Hartford. He was chosen
Deputy of Norwalk to the General Court a dozen times between 1660 and 1679.
In 1664, " The Court appointed Mr. Campfield, Deacon More, Mr. Fayrechild,
Mr. Hull and Lt. Olmsted a committee to ripen the business respecting
the Calf in controversie between Mr. Lord and Danl. Cone who returned that
they having viewed the Sayd beast, and the evidences of both sides, doe judge
it to be Mr. Lord's steare. The Court confirms this determination that the
stear doth belong to Mr. Lord."
At a General Court, held at Hartford, called by the Governor, July 6,
1665, it was announced that the Court has been advised by his Majesty's
order, that DeRuyter is likely to assault the Colonies, and that his Majesty
had made known his pleasure that the Colonies should put themselves in a
posture of defense. The Court ordered that each plantation in the Colony
should consider some way to discover the approach of the enemy, and appointed
Committees, to act generally in this matter from each town.
Lt. Olmsted appears on the Committee appointed to represent the Colony
or that part between Stratford and Rye.
Oct. 12, 1665, he was appointed to view the lands appertaining to Hastings
and Rye, for a new plantation.