Overview
Edson Baldwin Olds (1802–1869) was a physician and politician from Vermont. After moving to Ohio in 1820, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1824 and started practicing medicine. As a resident of Ohio, he held multiple political offices, serving in the Ohio House of Representatives (1842–1846, 1862–1866), the Ohio Senate (1846–1848), and the U.S. House of Representatives (1849–1855). An anti-war Democrat, Olds clashed with Governor David Tod and was arrested and imprisoned for his views.
Personal Facts
- Full Name: Edson Baldwin Olds
- Born: June 3, 1802, Marlboro, Vermont
- Parents: Joseph and Sally (Whitney) Olds
- Education: University of Pennsylvania (1824)
- Occupation: Physician, politician
- Political Offices: U.S. Congressman
- Spouse: Anna Maria Carolus (1824)
- Died: January 24, 1869, Lancaster, Ohio
- Buried: Forest Cemetery at Circleville, Ohio
Biography
Birth and Education
Edson Baldwin Olds was born in Marlboro, Vermont, on June 3, 1802. Circa 1820, he moved to Ohio, where he taught school and began studying law with his brother Joseph Olds. Gradually, his interests turned to medicine, and he began studying under Dr. William N. Lucky. Shortly thereafter, Olds moved to Philadelphia, where he completed his medical studies and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1824.
Marriage
After receiving his medical degree, Olds returned to Ohio, where he opened a practice in Kingston, in Ross County. On June 18, 1824, he married Anna Maria Carolus. Over the course of their marriage, the couple had eight children, six of whom survived infancy. Olds moved to Circleville, Ohio, in 1828. He continued to practice medicine there until 1837 when he became involved in commercial business interests.
Early Political Career
While living in Circleville, Olds became active in politics as a member of the Democratic Party. In 1842, voters elected him to the Ohio House of Representatives, where he served until 1846. From 1846 to 1848, Olds held a seat in the Ohio Senate, and he was that body’s presiding officer in 1846 and 1847. In 1848, voters elected Olds to the first of three terms in the United States House of Representatives. He served during the thirty-first through the thirty-third Congresses (March 4, 1849–March 3, 1855). Olds chaired the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads during the 32nd and 33rd Congresses. His tenure in Congress ended in 1855 after his unsuccessful bid for reelection in 1854.
Civil War Peace Democrat
After the Civil War began, Olds sided with Peace Democrats (also known as Copperheads) and became an outspoken opponent of President Abraham Lincoln.
Arrest and Imprisonment
On August 12, 1862, acting on the recommendation of Ohio Governor David Tod, federal officials arrested Olds for treasonable acts, including discouraging enlistments in the army. Although the government never formally charged Olds with a crime or tried him in a court of law, officials imprisoned him at Fort Lafayette in New York for four months. During this time, Olds spent 22 days in solitary confinement.
Popular Copperhead
While Olds was being held at Fort Lafayette, voters in Fairfield County and Hocking County elected him to the Ohio House of Representatives. This showed how popular he was locally, but also was an example of the growing political power that the Copperheads held in southern Ohio.
Upon being released from prison on December 12, 1862, Olds returned to Lancaster.
In June 1863, he filed a warrant for Governor Tod’s arrest for kidnapping. The court granted Tod a continuation, prompting Olds to file a civil suit for $100,000 against the governor.
Tod’s lawyers were able to have the criminal complaint transferred to federal court, where Olds had little chance of winning. The cases dragged on, and Olds eventually dropped his complaint.
Death
Olds served in the Ohio House from 1862 to 1866 and then returned to his home in Lancaster. He died there on January 24, 1869. Olds is buried in Forest Cemetery at Circleville, Ohio.
Accomplishments and Milestones
- 1802, June 3 — Edson Olds was born in Marlboro, Vermont.
- 1820 — He moved to Ohio and worked as a teacher.
- 1824 — Olds graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and started practicing medicine in Kingston, Ohio.
- 1824, June 18 — He married Anna Maria Carolus.
- 1828 — Olds moved to Circleville, Ohio.
- 1842–1846 — He served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.
- 1846–1848 — Olds served in the Ohio Senate.
- 1849–1855 — He was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving in the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd Congresses.
- 1854 — Olds lost his bid for reelection.
- 1857 — He moved to Lancaster, Ohio.
- 1862, August 12 — Federal officials arrested Olds.
- 1862, November — Olds was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives.
- 1862, December 12 — He was released from Fort Lafayette, New York.
- 1862–1866 — Olds served in the Ohio House of Representatives.
- 1863, June — He swore out a warrant for the arrest of Governor David Tod.
- 1869, January 24 — Olds died in Lancaster, Ohio. He was 66 years old.
