From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 865-866

Albert H. Omstead was born in Springfield Township, Lagrange Co., Ind., March 15, 1853. His father, Harvey Omstead, located in Lagrange County in 1837, and there married Miss Gage. One son, Elijah, and daughter, Clarissa, were born to them, now residents of that county. After the death of his wife he married Mrs. Anderson, who died a short time later. He then married Miss Elizabeth Burel, who died in 1864 leaving four children -- Albert H., Mrs. Elizabeth Routsong, Mrs. Clara Jennings and Jacob A. Omstead, of Lagrange County. He is now living with his fifth wife, and at his last birthday, Dec. 7, 1884, was seventy-three years of age. Albert H. Omstead made his father's house his home till his eighteenth birthday, March 15, 1871, when he started for Oregon, and lived in that State at Baker City, Powder River Valley, three years, and at Silver City, Idaho, nearly one year, engaged in farming and mining. Returning East he reached home in March, 1875. He rented the old homestead which he worked three years. In the spring of 1879 he became identified with Steuben County, buying the farm on section 17, Richland Township, where he has since lived. He owns 109 acres of choice land and his buildings are all comfortable and in good repair. His worth was soon recognized by his townspeople and his intelligence and honorable, upright life have won the confidence and esteeem of all who know him. He was elected Township Trustee in 1884, a position he is filling with satisfaction to all. He was married March 16, 1876, to Rachel Rudisill, who was born in Lagrange County, Ind., Oct. 6, 1852, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Rudisill. Her father died Jan. 6, 1878, and her mother is now the wife of Harvey Omstead. To Mr. and Mrs. Omstead have been born two children -- Harvey Jacob and Margaret E.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com