Lester Olds

LESTER OLDS, a resident of Neosho township, Labette county, Kansas, has for a number of years been one of the most influential farmers in the county. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1839, and is a son of Benjamin and Abigail (Washburn) Olds.

Benjamin Olds was born in Pennsylvania. For many years he was a minister of the Gospel, but later became a farmer. He made the first pair of pegged shoes ever made in Ohio, as he was also a shoemaker by trade. He married Abigail Washburn, who was a native of New York. They reared the following children, namely: James, Henry, Luther, Abner, Sanford, Jane and Miles, all of whom are deceased; Lester, the subject of this sketch; Charles, deceased; Mary; and Walter, who is a lawyer, living in Chicago, Illinois.

Lester Olds, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in his native state, where he remained until he reached the age of twenty-one years. In 1861 he went to Illinois, but returned to Ohio, and in 1862 enlisted in Company D, 121st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was assigned to the Army of the West. He took part in the battle of Perryville, and in several skirmishes. Mr. Olds was honorably discharged in 1863, after which he returned to his home in Ohio. His next move was to Mahaska county, Iowa, where he engaged in the stock business, and remained there until 1866. He sold out his business in Iowa, and returned to Ohio, where he lived until 1872. His final move was to Labette county, Kansas, where he settled in Neosho township, in the south half of the southwest quarter of section 31. He has resided there ever since, and has carried on general farming. He is a man of honest, upright principles, and has won the confidence and respect of all in the community. He is always willing to assist in any public enterprise that is for the good of the community, and his advice is often sought in such matters. His farm is one of the best in the county, and he has bright prospects for the future.

Mr. Olds was united in marriage with Elizabeth H. Porter, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1846. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics, and has served as trustee of Neosho, township one term. He was also a member of the school board for a number of years. Mrs. Olds belongs to the Methodist church.