Edson Baldwin OLDS, Congress, OH (1802-1869)

OLDS, Edson Baldwin, a Representative from Ohio; born in Marlboro, Windham County, Vt., June 3, 1802; completed preparatory studies; moved to Ohio about 1820; taught school; was graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1824; commenced the practice of medicine in Kingston in 1824; moved to Circleville, Ohio, in 1828 and continued practice until 1837, when he engaged in the general produce business and mercantile pursuits; member of the State house of representatives in 1842, 1843, 1845, and 1846; served in the State senate 1846-1848 and was its presiding officer in 1846 and 1847; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-first, Thirty-second, and Thirty-third Congresses (March 4, 1849-March 3, 1855); chairman, Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads (Thirty-second and Thirty-third Congresses); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1854 to the Thirty-fourth Congress; moved to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1857; was arrested for disloyalty and imprisoned in Fort Lafayette in 1862; while in prison was again elected a member of the State house of representatives; after his release from prison served in the above capacity from 1862 to 1866; resumed mercantile pursuits; died in Lancaster, Ohio, January 24, 1869; interment in Forest Cemetery at Circleville, Ohio.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present