The Founders of Hartford
James Olmsted (Holmsted), arrived in Boston, Sept. 16, 1632, in the “Lion,” from London, with
Goodwin, Wadsworth, and others; there came also with him his two sons, two nephews, Richard and John, and a niece,
Rebecca. He was made a freeman, Mass. Nov. 6, 1632 ; and was constable 1634-5, at Cambridge ; removed to Hartford in
June, 1636 ; an original proprietor. Hs received 70 acres in the distribution Of 1639 ; his home-lot was on the highway
now Front St. He d. before Nov., 1640 ; will dated Sept. 28 ; inv. £397. 19. 2. Mr. Hooker mentions his death in a
letter, “slept sweetly in the Lord, having carried himself gratiously in his sickness.”-Ch. : i. Nicholas,
b. about 1619 ; Served in the Pequot War, 1637 ; m. before 1640, Sarah, dau. Of Joseph Loomis, Of Windsor; surveyor
Of highways, 1647 ; townsman, 1654, 1658, 1667; list and rate maker, 1669; freeman, 1669; deputy, 1672-3; Lieut.,
1673; townsman, 1671, 1679, 1683; appointed Capt. Of a company sent to New London in 1675 ; was in active service in
King Philip's War. His second wife was Mary, widow of Dr. Thomas Loral. lie d. Aug. 31, 1684. ii. Nehemiah, probably
under age when his father died ; he removed to Fairfield in 1649 ; was a sergeant in 1657 ; he m. Elisabeth -; he d.
in 1658, leaving one child; his widow m. Obadiah Gilbert. Deacon Joseph Olmsted, son of Nicholas, settled in East
Hartford, and his descendants have been among its most influential citizens. Prof. Denison Olmsted, Of Yale College,
and the late John Olmsted belonged to this branch.
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