The Odells of Albany, New York, are of English descent. Their family in Bedfordshire, England, bore arms: Argent, three crescents gules; Crest, an eagle displayed gules: Motto "Fac et spera."
(I) William Odell, the emigrant to America, was at Concord, Massachusetts, 1639, removed to Southampton, Long Island, 1642, and was of Fairfield, Connecticut, 1644, where his will, dated June 6, 1676, was proved June 12, 1676. He married in England, and brought wife and children with him to America. His will mentions sons William and John and daughter Rebecca Morehouse, wife of Samuel. A son James, born January 2, 1640, died in infancy. He mentions also grandchildren Samuel and Thomas Morehouse, and John, son of John Odell.
(II) William (2), son of William (1) Odell, born in England, about 1634, was one of the first settlers of Rye, New York, where he owned a large estate and died about 1700. In 1681 he appears on a list of inhabitants of Fairfield, Connecticut, as the owner of three hundred and sixty-two acres. In 1684 he gave a deed of land at Rye to his "son Samuel, living in the same county." In 1697, as resident of Rye, he gave deed to Stephen Sherwood. While an inhabitant of Rye he signed a petition as "William Woodhull." He married a daughter of Richard Vowles, of Fairfield, representative 1665-68-69. Children:
- John, married Joanna Turner, and was founder of the Tarrytown branch. His grandson Jonathan, known as the "Patriot," was a soldier of the revolution and was taken prisoner and confined in New York City. He lived at the "Old Stone Inn," which was used as headquarters by the French General Rochambeau, and was the place Washington first met the French commander. The old "Inn" yet stands, and has been suitably inscribed and marked by the Sons of the Revolution.
- Samuel, of Fordham, New York; married Patience ————.
- Isaac, see forward.
- Jonathan, signed the oath of allegiance at White Plains, New York, 1669.
- Michael.
- Hachaliah.
(III) Isaac, third son of William (2) and ———— (Vowles) Odell, was of Eastchester, New York. In 1669 he signed the oath of allegiance to King William. He married Anne Tompkins. In 1705 he and wife Anne assigned lands at Rye, New York, to Humphrey Underhill.
(IV) Joshua, son of Isaac and Anne (Tompkins) Odell, married Sarah Jones.
(V) Joshua (2), son of Joshua (1) and Sarah (Jones) Odell, married Mary Vincent. He was a soldier of the revolution in the Line, First Regiment.
(VI) Joseph, son of Joshua (2) and Mary (Vincent) Odell, was of Greenburgh, New York. He married Rebecca Tompkins. Children:
- Joshua (3);
- William L.;
- Anne, married Gilbert Tompkins;
- Hannah, married Benjamin Brown.
(VII) Joshua (3), son of Joseph and Rebecca (Tompkins) Odell, was a merchant and farmer of Westchester county, New York, living near Ardsley. He married Jane Lynt.
(VIII) Isaac (2), son of Joshua (3) and Jane (Lynt) Odell, was born near Ardsley, Westchester county, New York, 1820, died 1886. He engaged business in New York City, where he was a sugar refiner for many years. He retired from that business to become president of the Mercantile National Bank of New York, remaining at the head of that institution until his final retirement. He was a well-known and influential man of affairs and occupied a high position in the city. He was a devoted member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church and was for many years trustee. He was treasurer of the American Bible Society and a member of the board of managers. He was equally interested in the missionary societies of his church, both home and foreign. He was a Democrat in politics, an ardent supporter of the Union during the civil war, but independent. He married, in 1846, Elizabeth Hopkins, of the early Rhode Island family. Children:
- Charles Mortimer, see forward.
- Emma E., a resident of Ardsley, New York; unmarried.
- Arthur L., died unmarried.
- William I., a merchant of Ardsley; for thirteen years president of the village corporation; married Abbie Yates, of Ardsley; child: Ruth.
- Isaac H., of White Plains, New York; married Lucy Brown, of High Bridge, New York; children: Isaac H. (2) and Lawrence.
(IX) Charles Mortimer, eldest son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Hopkins) Odell, was born in New York City, September 3, 1847. He was educated at Mount Washington Collegiate Institute, New York, and was engaged with his father in the business of sugar refining for several years. In 1888 he retired from business and came to Albany, New York, where he was appointed to a position in the department of insurance, and has been continuously in that department up to the present time (1910), holding the office of assistant actuary. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Through the patriotic service of his great-great-grandfather Joshua (2), he derives and holds membership in Philip Livingston Chapter, Sons of the Revolution. His social club is the Fort Orange, of Albany. He married, October 21, 1873, Eva M., died August 22, 1907, aged fifty-nine years, daughter of Helmus M. and Harriet A. (Mackey) Wells, of New York City. She was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Albany, and a charter member of Gansevoort Chapter, Daughters of the Revolution. One child, Harriet, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Eva M. (Wells) Odell was a descendant of the patriot soldier Colonel Levi Wells, of Colchester, Connecticut. who entered service May 1, 1775, as captain of Eighth Company, General Spencer's regiment. This regiment reorganized in 1776 under Colonel Wyllys, Captain Wells being made major; and marched to New York via New London and the Sound, and remained in that city until ordered to the Brooklyn front, August 24, 1776, and engaged in the battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776, in which battle Major Levi Wells was taken prisoner and confined in the old Sugar House in New York, and was a roommate of Colonel Ethan Allen. Major Wells was paroled and appointed by the British and sent home to collect funds for the relief of American prisoners in New York. On December 13, 1776, Connecticut voted 500 pounds to Major Wells to be used in helping Connecticut prisoners. Major Wells was exchanged in 1777. In 1780 two regiments were raised in Connecticut; Colonel Levi Wells commanded one of them. In December, 1780, Colonel Wells met the enemy at Horseneck, and was taken prisoner, being the second time.