PHIL OLMSTEAD
KITTITAS CO., WA

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Contributed by:  Shelli Steedman 4/20/2007


PHIL OLMSTEAD VALLEY PIONEER CALLED-RESIDENT OF VALLEY FOR 61 YEARS PASSED
WEDNESDAY FROM HEART ATTACK-HAD DISTINGUISHED ANCESTORS

Philip S. Olmstead, 73-year-old resident of the Kittitas Valley for nearly 62
years, died suddenly at his farm home Wednesday morning [March 23, 1938] from
a heart attack.  Death came to him without warning about 9:30, shortly after
he had conferred with D. W. Brunson, local auctioneer, about a sale which he
was contemplating next week, after which he planned to retire from active
farming.

Mr. Olmstead was born in Ottawa, Illinois, the 14th day of February in 1865. 
He came to the Kittitas Valley in 1876 with his parents and had made his home
in this locality for 61 years.  He was the son of Samuel B. Olmstead and
Sarah Yale Olmstead, who made the trek across the plains to Oregon in '69.
From there they went to Seattle where his father and his father's cousin were
affiliated in business.

In 1876 the family moved to the Kittitas Valley and took over the homestead
where he lived his life amongst a host of friends and neighbors who held him
in deep affection and respect.  Phil Olmstead had background and numbered
among his forebearers General Samuel Parsons and Richard Olmstead of
Revolutionary War fame and also Captain Richard Olmstead, one of the founders
of the American Colonies.

In the early days he was a freighter and drove the Squaw Creek trail from The
Dalles with others whose first trips were with merchandise for the Shoudy
store, one of the landmarks of Ellensburg.  These trips, however, were made
over the Durr Road which afterwards became the property of the county and
subsequently the Yakima-Ellensburg Road.

Mr. Olmstead was one of the men who made the first cruise of the county and
his experience and knowledge was utilized when he was selected as one of the
appraisers of lands under the Highline.  He was a long time and valued member
of the directors of the Ellensburg Water Company where his sound business
judgment and attention to detail were much appreciated.  He was a past
president of the Kittitas Valley Pioneers Association and was a leading
factor in the organization of this body.

With his death the line came to an end, as his father, mother, brother, and a
sister have all died.  Funeral arrangements have not as yet been announced.
[IOOF Cemetery]