When his father, Silvanus, became interested in the Rev. Dr. George W. Gale's project for the founding of a college on the western prairies, S.W. followed his leadership and accompanied him on his first expedition to Illinois in September, 1835, when Silvanus went out as a member of the Purchasing Committee to buy the lands recommended by the original Exploration Committee, and was a member of the little group that staked out the site for Knox College at Galesburg in October, 1835. S.W. was unable, however, to accompany his parents to Illinois when they finally moved there in the early summer of 1837 (1838?), doubtless because of the necessity of his remaining behind to settle up his own and some of his father's business affairs. Exactly when S.W. migrated with his family to Illinois is uncertain, but it seems probable that he did so in the fall of 1837, and it may be that he and his brother Nathan Olmstead and the latter's family traveled together, for the latter also probably went in the fall of that year, having written on July 31, 1837, to his brother William Mead, who had accompanied the father in June, that he intended to start the first week in September. S.W. lived on the farm northwest of Galesburg given to him by his father, and was more or less active in the affairs of the community throughout his life. He made at least one trip of some duration away from home, when, in 1877, he visited Washington, apparently, in part at least, for the purpose of attempting to collect a debt, and was in the capital when President Hayes was inaugurated.
When his father, Silvanus, became interested in the Rev. Dr. George W. Gale's project for the founding of a college on the western prairies, S.W. followed his leadership and accompanied him on his first expedition to Illinois in September, 1835, when Silvanus went out as a member of the Purchasing Committee to buy the lands recommended by the original Exploration Committee, and was a member of the little group that staked out the site for Knox College at Galesburg in October, 1835. S.W. was unable, however, to accompany his parents to Illinois when they finally moved there in the early summer of 1837 (1838?), doubtless because of the necessity of his remaining behind to settle up his own and some of his father's business affairs. Exactly when S.W. migrated with his family to Illinois is uncertain, but it seems probable that he did so in the fall of 1837, and it may be that he and his brother Nathan Olmstead and the latter's family traveled together, for the latter also probably went in the fall of that year, having written on July 31, 1837, to his brother William Mead, who had accompanied the father in June, that he intended to start the first week in September. S.W. lived on the farm northwest of Galesburg given to him by his father, and was more or less active in the affairs of the community throughout his life. He made at least one trip of some duration away from home, when, in 1877, he visited Washington, apparently, in part at least, for the purpose of attempting to collect a debt, and was in the capital when President Hayes was inaugurated.
Family Members
Siblings
