HOME Bios & Families Cemeteries Census Resources History Libraries Military Obituaries Photos Societies & Museums Surnames Towns-Townships Vital Records

SHERIFFS OF MONTCALM COUNTY
1850 to 2006


CHAUNCEY W. OLMSTEAD
Sheriff from 1857-1858


Chauncey W. Olmstead was born about 1815 in Connecticut. His father-in-law, Joseph Stevens, was one of the first settlers in Bushnell Township, coming here from Washtenaw County in the late 1840s. Joseph's arrival soon resulted in a large settlement in that township; one of those being Chauncey W. Olmstead. Chauncey had married Joseph's eldest daughter, Julia, in Washtenaw County and they arrived here in 1849 settling on the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 34. The first birth in Bushnell Township was Chauncey's daughter Rhoda Ann, born in June of 1850. Chauncey was also a member of the school board and was responsible for setting up school district #1 on April 10, 1850. At the first meeting of the newly formed Bushnell Township, held on April 12, 1850, Chauncy was chosen moderator for the election to decide the officers of Bushnell Township. When the 12 votes that were cast were counted Chauncey was elected Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and School Inspector. He would later serve other terms as Supervisor for the years 1854-1855 and 1857-1860 and was elected Justice again in 1852 and 1856. His name is mentioned as being Probate Judge in 1850 as well as serving as one of the corners that same year. He was elected to serve as sheriff of Montcalm County on November 7, 1856 and served from 1857-58. Chauncey and Julia were the parents of George, Sarah J., Chauncey Sanford and Rhoda Ann. Julia died before 1856 and he remarried about 1856. He and his second wife, Catherine, had Ida and Edgar. Chauncey and Catherine moved to Lyons, Ionia County, by 1870 where he served as Muir Village treasurer for the years 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875 and 1876 and as Justice for the year 1875. It is not known where or when Chauncey died. Catherine appears on the 1880 census for Fairplains Township living with her children and son-in-law, Alfred Parker.

(Sources: History of Ionia and Montcalm Counties, Michigan, by John S. Schenck; Ancestry - census)



SHERIFFS OF MONTCALM COUNTY
was researched and compiled by Stanton area resident Judy Hardy

If you have additions or corrections please contact Paula Johnson
Copyright © 1996-2024 - Montcalm County MIGenWeb

These electronic pages (or any portions thereof), including GRAPHICS & PHOTOS may NOT be copied, saved, or reproduced
in any format for presentation or publication by individuals, organizations, newspapers, etc. (all are copyrighted).
Current County Coordinator: Paula Johnson (c) 2017-2024
Previous content & design by: Gerry Christiansen (c) 2007-2016
Kevin Everingham (c) 2003-2007, Kathleen Rodegeb (c) 2000-2002,
Dave Wheeler (c)1998-2000, Beth Wills (c)1996-1997