Individual Details

Thomas arrived in Boston on 7 Jun 1635 on the "Planter" from Londen. He was accompanied by his wife and Thomas age 3 and Epenetus age 1. First settled at Salem, MA where he was made a freeman in 1636. As a sympathizer of Roger Williams he was excluded from the colony on 12 Mar 1638 and became one of the 13 original proprietors of RI.
Last Will and Testament dated 21 Mar 1680. Proved 17 Oct 1682. Bond taken for Thomas Olney, son of Thomas Olney, senr, and he was granted letters of Administration. Son, Epenetus; son-in-law John Whipple; son-in-law Joseph Williams; son, Thomas.
Inventory reveals he was a Tanner by trade.



History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Biographical, NY: The American Historical Society, Inc. 1920
(I) Thomas Olney, founder of the family in this State, was a native of England, and came to Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, in 1635. He was one of the followers of Roger Williams, taking the same stand as did that remarkable man on the question of religious belief, and suffering with him many persecutions on the part of his fellow-colonists, and eventually virtual banishment. He was one of those who came as Holden's company, Colonel James Varnum's regiment, at Bunker Hill, and later came under General Washington's command. In June, 1777, he was appointed as first lieutenant of Captain Cole's company. He was ensign in Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment, which marched to Morristown, N. J., serving under General Washington in April of that year; marched to Fort Montgomery, joined the main army in Pennsylvania, marched to Whitestone, going later into winter quarters at Valley Forge with the army that suffered such hardships. On June 1, 1778, he was appointed captain; was in General Sullivan's expedition, recruited a company of black troops which he commanded and honorably discharged November 9, 1779. In February, 1780, he was recommended to Congress by General Washington for an office in the army. By virtue of his rank he was entitled to membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, joining the Rhode Island branch of the Society, December 17, 1783.

Birth	1600	Hertfordshire, England
Marriage	16 Sep 1629	Mary Ashton
Death	1682	Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island

Spouse	Mary Ashton (1605 - 1679)
Child	Thomas Olney Jr. (1632 - 1722)
Child	Epenetus Olney (1634 - 1698)
Child	Nebediah Olney ( - )
Child	Stephen Olney ( - )
Child	James Olney ( - )
Child	Mary Olney ( - )
Child	Lydia Olney (1645 - 1724)