general education. At the age of eighteen he was initiated into the mysteries of his father's business; proved an apt scholar; and soon became an expert in the application of scientific principles to the mixing of colors and the dying of fabrics. His active mind found congenial study in political economy. The demands of his countrymen for liberty were seconded by him, and with the enthusiasm of youth he entered heartily into the plans of his fellow patriots for the amelioration of his country. Hopeless of accomplishing the herculean task of freeing his people, despairing of gaining at home that place among his fellows which his inborn ability warranted him in demanding, he quietly bade farewell to his fatherland, and embarked for America at the age of twenty-seven.The good ship, "General Washington," brought him over, and he landed in New York, June 13, 1848, hastening at once to the constituted authorities to signify his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States.
His skill as a dyer readily gave him employment in the neighborhood of Boston. Within a few months he launched his own commercial bark, entering into business on his own account. Various fortunes attended his efforts for the next ten years. In 1858 he became a citizen of Manchester, at first accepting employment in the Manchester mills, afterward in the Amoskeag mills, until in 1863, when he commenced the manufacture of hosiery by the use of machinery. From a small beginning he has built up a very extensive business, employing about two hundred and sixty operatives at the mill, and affording pin money for a thousand women for miles around, using nearly a thousand tons of wool every year, and preparing for the market about one hundred thousand pairs of stockings each month.
Such mechanical skill and business capacity as his was sure to win for him a foremost place in commercial pursuits. Mr. Olzendam cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce. Since then he has been a Republican, joining the party at its very outset, and ever being a quiet worker for its interests. In 1873 and 1874 he was elected to represent Manchester in the legislature, but has never sought political preferment. For many years he has been identified with the First Unitarian Church of Manchester, having served several terms as director, and frequently acting on important committees when executive action was demanded. In 1862, Mr. Olzendam became an Odd Fellow, and a few years later was initiated into the mysteries of Masonry, and now gracefully wears the title of Sir Knight. Since its organization, in 1874, he has been a trustee of the People's Savings Bank.
October 1, 1851, he was married to Theresa Lohrer, of Dresden, Saxon. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Clementine Olzendam, Alexander H. Olzendam, Gustavus Olzendam, Sidonia Olzendam, and Louis Olzendam survive and reside at home. After the death of the mother of these children Mr. Olzendam was joined in marriage to Mrs. Susie J. Carling.
The family occupy a spacious residence in the northeast part of the city, surrounded by grounds carefully cultivated.
"Mr. Olzendam has risen to a very honorable position in Manchester, primarily by closely attending to his business as a manufacturer, and since then, in addition, by showing himself an excellent citizen, liberal, high-minded, disposed to do what he can to aid every benevolent object and to further the growth and prosperity of the city. Manchester is better for his coming and his staying. A genial gentleman, he enjoys the acquaintance and confidence of a large number of warm personal friends. Many men, as fortune favors them, withdraw more and more from society, and give out less and less towards it, but society feels his prosperity and enjoys with him his success."[1]
- ↑ History of Manchester.
