A. R. Olds pursued a public school education, supplemented by study in the Roanoke Seminary. He was thirteen years of age when he entered upon an apprenticeship to the shoemaking business, for his father conducted a custom made shoe business in connection with handling the factory product. After completing his apprenticeship A. R. Olds worked at the trade until 1882, when he made his way westward to Oregon, settling in Philomath. A year later he entered the ministry of the United Brethren church and for four years was minister at the college in Philomath. A little later he became connected with the Congregational church as a minister and for almost thirty years devoted his time and energies to the work, filling the pulpit in various churches. After his retirement from a regular charge he continued to do county missionary work until about a year ago. In September, 1896, he arrived in Walla Walla to take charge of the county missionary work but failing health caused him to give only a part of his time to the work in later years. Earnest and zealous in his efforts to upbuild the church, his labors wrought good results. He was not denied the harvest nor the full aftermath of his efforts. His high purpose, his ready sympathy, his words of wisdom all combined to act as an influencing factor drawing men to a better life.
In 1914 Rev. Olds was appointed superintendent of the County Poor Farm of Walla Walla county, in which capacity he has since served, and he has proven himself a master farmer, his crops at the present writing being among the finest in this section of the state. He also displays good business ability in the conduct and management of the Poor Farm and his official service in this connection is characteristic of traits which he has ever displayed, for it has always been his custom to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He never falters in the face of difficulties nor obstacles and his labors have brought good results, both in promoting material and moral progress.
In 1876 Rev. Olds was united in marriage to Miss Etta Fast, of Roanoke, Indiana, by whom he has three children, namely: Earl L., who is a resident of Bend, Oregon; Francis R., living at Klamath Falls; and Ruth, the wife of H. W. Bathany, of Walla Walla.