chapter 186E

Ezekiel Olmsted

family trees

9/14/2014

Lucas is the latest generation gap Olmsted in Ballston Spa but his ancestors were there 280 years ago. Had to include this to keep your attention before delving into the boring history (more in folders). Is he a root or a branch?

This house is on Ferry Drive in the hamlet of Vischer Ferry, named after the original residents. Nicholas Vischer built and lived in the  small brick house (behind the main house) in 1735. The family trees have been at the homestead for a very long time and are actually Black Locusts. Nicholas had apparently leased land to one of my relatives, Revolutionary Warrior Ezekiel Olmsted (1730-1820) in 1775. I believe Ezekiel was pretty directly in our ancestral lineage. with his given name coming from the visionary Biblical prophet . I have walked by this house in Vischer Ferry pretty much every week for the last 40 years but was shocked this week to find out my family ancestors had a connection here. 

The Vischers were historically important to this area. This sign is a mile from home at the parking spot to walk the towpath along the Mohawk River and canal.

I was amazed to come across this document linking Olmsted to the Vischers. It's accessible free on-line via my library privileges. The lease is referring to the Kayderosseras Patent and the land in question is northwest corner of intersection of Rte 29 and Rowland St. Between Ballston and Greenfield. In this linked document , Ezekiel is shown to be a landowner in 1779. Note the 6 lbs/yr rent was when we were English subjects using their monetary system.

Saratoga County Geneaology Web terrific online information source.

Maps of Saratoga County

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