Olds, John N. bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 744; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
John N. Olds. The business career of this gentleman, a dealer in hardware, farm implements, stoves and groceries in Canton, covers a period of thirty-six years. He began his experience here when a mere boy without means, but by faithfulness, energy and application to business, he won his way upward, step by step, and has accumulated quite a competence. The attractive surroundings of his home on North Fourth Street indicate the presence of refined womanhood at the head of the domestic affairs.
The Olds family is of English and Scotch descent in the paternal line, and the maternal ancestors of our subject were originally from Scotland. His father, Otis Olds, was born in Connecticut, where Grandfather Olds was born. Otis Olds married for his second wife Lucinda, daughter of John Smith. Both died in the Empire State. They were the parents of four children, our subject being the eldest. He was born in Saratoga County, near the celebrated Saratoga Springs, March 8, 1835, and passed his school days in his native county in attendance at the common schools. He then came west to Canton, entering the store of his uncle, Amos Smith, in the capacity of a clerk.
After having filled that position eight years, Mr. Olds was taken into the firm as a partner, the style becoming Smith & Olds, and their stock consisting of hardware and stoves. When the connection had continued six years our subject sold out to his partner, taking pay for his interest in groceries. In their sale he continued actively engaged until May, 1868, when his store was destroyed by fire and he sustained a serious loss. However, he rebuilt on the same site a two-story brick building, put in a new stock and continued to trade in groceries exclusively for several years, when he added stoves, hardware, implements and farm machinery, and in connection opened a tin shop. He carries a large and varied stock of all the goods above mentioned and transacts an extensive business. His long acquaintance with and experience in trade has qualified him for the conduct of a flourishing establishment wherein various departments require careful and intelligent oversight.
The marriage of Mr. Olds was celebrated in 1866, he having won for his wife Miss Emma L. Birch, a native of Ohio, whose parents, William and Esther Birch, formerly resided in New York. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Olds was quite popular in Canton society and as the population of the city has increased she has gained new friends. Mr. and Mrs. Olds are the parents of two children, only on of whom, Frank Birch, is now living.
Mr. Olds has served two terms as an Alderman, representing the First Ward. He is a member of Olive Branch Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. A man of intelligence, reliable in his citizenship, honorable in his dealings with his fellow-men, and kindly in social and domestic life, he is regarded with a due measure of esteem by those about him.