Herbert L. Odell, M. D., an able physician and specialist of Sharon Springs, N. Y., was born in Summit, this county, July 18, 1859, son of Isaac L. and Harriet L. (Baldwin) Odell. The family was founded in America, late in the seventeenth or early in the eighteenth century, by the great-great-great-grandfather, who emigrated from England and settled on Long Island.
Isaac L. Odell, the father, who was born in Jefferson, N. Y., in 1815, moved to Summit when a young man, and carried on quite an extensive business as a cooper. He took considerable interest in public affairs, serving as Town Clerk and in other offices. In politics he supported the Democratic party, and in his religious belief he was a Methodist. His wife, whose maiden name was Harriet L. Baldwin, was born in 1818. They were the parents of five children, namely: Daniel; George W.; Peter L.; Julia E., who married H. A. Wright, of Worcester, N. Y.; and Herbert L., the subject of this sketch. The father died in 1893, the mother's death having occurred a few months previous. Daniel, George W., and Peter L. Odell reside in Summit.
Herbert L. Odell acquired his early education in the public and select schools. His medical studies were begun under the direction of Dr. F. P. Beard, then of Summit and now of Cobleskill, with whom he remained four years. He was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1883; and, while pursuing his course in that city, he studied with Dr. Jacob S. Mosher. Locating for practice in Hobart, N. Y., he remained there until March, 1892, when he came to Sharon Springs. During the last six years of the time spent at Hobart he was associated in practice with Dr. J. S. McNaught. While preparing for his profession, Dr. Odell made a special study of dermatology; and, since entering into practice, he has given much attention to the treatment of rheumatism, in which he is remarkably successful. During the summer a large number of patients come to Sharon Springs, in order to avail themselves of his treatment and at the same time to receive the benefits of the sulphur baths. Dr. Odell attends, also, to most of the obstetric practice in this locality. He was formerly president of the Delaware County Medical Society, is president of the Schoharie and a member of the Albany County Medical Societies. Progressive as well as energetic, he keeps in touch with advanced ideas by making frequent visits to the hospitals of the metropolis.
Dr. Odell and Eva L. Hoose, only daughter of Robert J. Hoose, of Hobart, N. Y., were united in marriage on May 13, 1885. They have three daughters — Grace, Eloise, and Beatrice.
Politically, Dr. Odell acts with the Democratic party. He is a Master Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge in Sharon Springs, and is also an Odd Fellow. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is now serving as steward.