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The subject of this brief sketch was born in Vanderburg county, Indiana, November 1, 1823, and entered the U. S. service as 1st lieutenant of Company A, 42d Regiment, with its organization, at the age of 38 years and 9 months. Before entering the army he was engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business in Evansville, Indiana. Captain Olmstead was promoted to this rank soon after the organization of the command, his captain (Atchison) being made chaplain.
Captain Olmstead was one of the most painstaking officers. realizing from the beginning the importance of efficiency and proficiency in drill, and he at once became one of the closest
students in tactics.
He was killed at the battle of Perryville, Ky., while urging on his men in the fight. No braver nor better soldier ever belonged to the regiment. His body was removed from the bloody field of Perryville, Ky., to his former home, where it found a last resting-place, on what would have been his 39th birthday.
Captain Olmstead was known as a Christian soldier, and although he was denied the celebration of his 39th birth-day here on earth, let us hope and believe he celebrated it in heaven, hard by the throne of God, for he was a Soldier of the Cross, as well as for the Union.
He left a wife, three sons and one daughter, all living except the second son. By all who knew him, Captain Olmstead was loved.
Captain Chas. G. Olmstead, Company A, fell, shot dead, the ball entering near the center of the forehead. He was urging, encouraging and cheering his men and had just said to them : " This is as good a place to die as any other," and the words had scarcely died on his lips when he fell, killed outright. He was one of the best drill-masters of the line, and was loved by all. He fell at his post of duty.
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