Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14048, for William Odell, Connecticut
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Conn
Conn Sea Service
Odell William
NUMBER
S14048
Carded
CONTENTS
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See letter to Mr. Dodd Mar 27th 1834 (Stafford) 
Let 18th  Sept 1834 Nath’l Perry   
275 
Connecticut 
William Odell
New Milford in the State of Connt was a private in the company commanded Captain Benjamin of the Regiment commanded Colonel Silliman's in the Connt State line for the term of three years 1776 to 1781 
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of eight Dollars per annum to commence on the 4 day of Mar. 1832   
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 of August 1832 and sent to Claimant 
Arrears to 4th of March 1832  80
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1832  40
$120  
Act 7 June 1832 
Recorded 
Book D. Vol. 3 Page [unreadable]
G.W.C
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State of Connecticut,
County of Litchfield,
Probate District of New Milford Ss:
On this 25th day of July AD. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District & County, William Odell a resident of said New Milford aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he was born in Fairfield in the State of Connecticut in the year 1758 and resided there, (except as will appear from the following statement,) until March 1794 when he removed to said New Milford where he has ever since resided - That, at the age of thirteen years, he was bound as apprentice to Capt. Benjn. Brooks of Stratford in Fairfield County. That he was engaged with said Capt. Brooks as his apprentice in the West India business till the year 1775, at which time he was taken prisoner by His Majesty's ship seven of twenty Guns commanded by Capt.n Ascue and was detained a prisoner, as near as he can recollect, about three months when he escaped & ran away from said ship & returned home. That he then went a voyage with Capt. David Hawley of
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Bridgeport to the West Indies & procured muskets, lead &c – 
That in the spring of the year 1776, (the deponent cannot tell the day) he enlisted in said Fairfield with Lieut. Lacy in Capt. George Benjamin's Company of Infantry in Col. Gould Selleck Silliman's Regiment for the term of six months & served till the expiration of said term. He, together with the rest of the company marched from Fairfield to New York at which time the British Troops were on Staten Island.  He was then detached from the Regt & sent to New Jersey where he remained but a few days - He then returned to New York and with the rest of the company immediately marched to Long Island and was in the engagement at Flatbush. That he was then taken from the Regiment and was assigned to help man a field piece at said Flatbush - (having while a prisoner on board the seven as above stated learnt to exercise a cannon). That Genl. Sullivan, Lord Sterling & Lieut. Joseph Hull who commanded the Field piece above mentioned were taken prisoners by the enemy - That he (the dept) then retreated & got back into the lines and soon after he, together with the rest of the troops retreated from the Island
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to New York. That, after staying there [illegible] days he was in the retreat from New York in the Provost Guard with the prisoners and in such retreat they lost their Lieut. and three of the Guard and all the prisoners but one. That he encamped at Harlem near Fort Washington and staid some time, (the deponent does not recollect how long,) From there he, with the Regt. to which he was attached crossed King's Bridge into Westchester County, and had a skirmish with the enemy at Westchester Church and that he went from there to White Plains in the State of New York
At White Plains he (the deponent) was in a small detachment under Lieut. Warren to penetrate into the British Army and get their Light Horn. Early in the morning they met the enemy and were obliged to retreat and on their retreat fought the enemy & joined the main army and was in the Battle at White Plains. After which the Regiment was stationed at different places on the Hudson River and on the 25th day of Decr 1776 he was honorably discharged by Col. Silliman near White Plains. The deponent did not have a written discharge. The Officers under whom he served were Col. Gould S. Silliman - Lieut. Col. Chandler of Newtown
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was employed in the service against the enemy at the burning of Fairfield & Norwalk -
He also declares that he has no documentary evidence to prove his services and he knows of no person living by whom he can prove his services except Fayerworth Brothwell by whom he can prove a part & whose testimony is hereunto annexed. He also has the deposition of Nathaniel Jennings (now) decd taken on a former occasion to prove his service on board the Oliver Cromwell which deposition is annexed to this declaration
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
Sworn to, & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid-
William Odell

July 25- 1832
We Enoch Huntington, a clergyman residing in the town of New Milford and Walter Booth residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Odell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years
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of age; that he is respected & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn, & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid
 Enoch Huntington
 Walter Booth

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Enoch Huntington who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the town of New Milford and that Walter Booth who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit
 Nathaniel Perry Judge of the Court of Probate for said District
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State of Connecticut
District of New Milford Ss:
I WIlliam J. Starr Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Odell for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 25th day of July AD 1832
[signed] William J. Starr
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State of Connecticut,
County of Litchfield,
Probate District of New Milford Ss:
On this 25th day of July AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District & County Joseph F. Brothwell of Woodbury in said County & State, being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, depose & say that - he is well acquainted with William Odell formerly of Fairfield Connecticut (now) of New Milford in Litchfield County Connecticut - that the deponent & said Odell enlisted under Lieut. Lacy - in Capt. George Benjamin's Company in Col. Selleck Silliman's Regiment about the 20th of June in the year 1776 and the deponent says that the said Odell served under said enlistment in the service of the United States six months - and the deponent and the said Odell were dismissed on the 25th day of December of the same year - Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
 Joseph F. Brothwell
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And this Court certifies that the said Joseph F. Brothwell (the deponent) is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit
Nathaniel Perry Judge of the Court of Probate for said District
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The deposition of Nathaniel Jennings of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield is as follows Viz -
The dept. saith that he is well acquainted with William Odell formerly of Fairfield in Fairfield County but now an inhabitant of New Milford in Litchfield County and State of Connecticut and that he is knowing that said Odell in the year 1777 served as a seaman on board the then Continental Ship Oliver Cromwell of twenty Guns commanded by Seth Harden Esqr. -
And the dept. saith the said Odell enlisted on board said ship at the time the dept and many others enlisted and which enlistment was for a year during which term they served and that there is no person in this part of the country or known by the dept now living who can testify to the above facts -
 Nathaniel Jennings

State of Connecticut Ss. Fairfield October 14. 1818
Personally appeared Nathaniel Jennings to me well known and a person of credibility and made oath to the truth of the above deposition to him subscribed
Before me 
Saml. Rowland Jus Js
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State of Connecticut
Fairfield County} Ss:
I David Burr of Fairfield, in the County of Fairfield, Clerk of the County Court, or Court of Common Pleas, within & for said County; I certify & make known that Samuel Rowland Esquire is a Justice of the Peace, within & for said County, duly commissioned, with full power and Authority to administer Oaths, take Affidavits & do all other matters and things appertaining to the Office of a Justice of the Peace in said County - And that full faith and credit, is, and ought to be given to his Official Acts and proceedings -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court in said Fairfield this 15th Day of October AD. 1840 -
 David Burr
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William Odell
275
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State of Connecticut,
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford ss:
On this 7th day of October AD. 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District and County, William Odell a resident of said New Milford, who, being duly sworn according to Law, made the following declaration for the purpose of obtaining a restoration of his pension [illegible] of which has been suspended by the War Department -
He declares that he is entirely ignorant of the charges or allegations that are made against him by reason of which the payment of his pension has been suspended. He authorized Nathaniel Perry to address a letter to the Commissioner of Pensions inquiring the reasons why payment has been suspended and asking for a copy of the allegations (if any) which have been made against him and received for answer that the affidavits of two persons have been filed in the Pensions Office having in detail that he opposed
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the American Army in the course of the Revolutionary War.  At the same time the Commissioner says that copies of these affidavits cannot be furnished.  The Commissioner states that the facts are of a very notorious character yet refuses to furnish him a copy & requires him to shew that he was a whig during the whole war by persons surviving who then lived in Fairfield.  There may be many persons surviving who then lived in Fairfield & with whom he was then acquainted but if so, he knows not who they are or where they reside.  He has made inquiries in the neighborhood of Fairfield since the receipt of the letter from the Commissioner to find some of his contemporaries & has not been able and he would state as a reason why he has no more acquaintance with persons residing in Fairfield at that time, that he resided then himself but very little after he arrived to the age of twelve or thirteen years. He states in his declaration made for the purpose of obtaining his pension that he was born at Fairfield in 1758 (which is true) and that was in fact his home (though his father died when he was
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but twelve years old) until he removed to New Milford in the year 1794 yet his following statement will show that he was absent from that place the greatest part of the time after he was twelve years old - By referring to his former declaration the Department will see that from the year 1771 to 1775 he was an apprentice to Capt. Brooks in the West Indian business. He was then taken prisoner by the British ship seven & detained about 3 mos. On his escape from said Ship he returned home and then went a voyage to the West Indies with Capt. David Howley - In the spring of 1776 he enlisted into a company of Infantry and was absent six mos was discharged about Christmas '76. In the same winter he joined a volunteer company & was absent 2 mos In the month of April 1777 he was out in a skirmish to Ridgefield Immediately after, he was absent a year on board the Oliver Cromwell as stated in his former declaration - In the Spring of 1778 he was in the service 2 mos and from the 1st of July 1778 he was in the service 2 mos more. he was put out by his friends in Weston to learn to
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make shoes before the last expedition of 2 mos from the 1st of July 1778 - He remained at Weston & in that vicinity till in the last year of the war. When he & his cousin of the name of William Odell went to Ballstown Saratoga County State of New York and there remained to the close of the war. After the close of the war he returned to Bridgeport and went to New York and from that time till the time he went to New Milford to live he was engaged in the coasting trade from New York to Boston, Virginia and at different ports on the American shore and has not lived in Fairfield since. That his friends put him to Weston to make shoes in 1778 - but he resided in Fairfield County except during his absence as above stated - That he was 75 years old last November and is poor & dependant on his pension for support, that he has two children who served in the late war agt. [against] Great Britain to whom he shall be obliged to look for support if his pension is finally withdrawn. He annexes hereto the affidavits of David. S. Boardman, Ena Noble & Walter Booth Esquire in support of his character for honesty, truth & and he now declares that he was always a whig during the Revolutionary War & never joined the British Arms agt. this country on no occasion  
Wm Odell
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Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid and this court is satisfied that the foregoing statement of the said William Odell is truth and correct
Nathaniel Perry Judge of Probate for sd District

State of Connecticut
Probate District of New Milford
I William J. Starr Clerk of the Court of Probate of said District do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in taking the statement or declaration of William Odell made for the purpose of obtaining his pension the payment whereof has been suspended.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 7th day of October AD. 1834 -
 William J. Starr Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
County of Litchfield 
Probate District of New Milford ss 
On this 4th day of October 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District & County David S. Boardman Esq Chief Judge of the County Court for said County who being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say as follows to wit. 
I the subscriber, having been duly sworn do depose & say; that for more than thirty years past I have been acquainted with William Odel of New Milford a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States. That he is & always has been since I knew him apparently a man of small property. And has for a long course of years been occasionally & very considerably, in the service of merchants & the dealers who entrusted to his care monies for the property in a manner indicative of full confidence in his intrepidity and I do not recollect having ever heard his character either for truth or honesty called in question
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and I believe that since my acquaintance with him he has sustained the character of a trustworthy man, & a man of truth. I am informed that the payment of Mr Odel's pension has been stopped on the ground of his having been accused of having opposed the American arms in the Revolutionary War. Of Mr Odel's conduct during that period, I know nothing personally, never having either seen or heard of him untill long after the conclusion of that War - But somewhat more than twenty years ago (as I should think from memory, about twenty five years ago) at a time where political partisanship ran very high in this place & the parties were very near equally balanced in point of numbers, Mr Odel was offered as a candidate for admission as a voter in the Election of Representatives & State Officer; & was objected to on the ground of having (as was alleged) been with the British Armament in their attack upon New London in Sepr 1781. & having aided them there in - This was denied by Odel, & no evidence
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was adduced in support of the allegation, nor did it gain credit for truth with the board before whom it was made; & he was admitted to the privilege sought although a majority of the Board (of which I was at that time a member) were known to coincide in political sentiment with those who objected to his admission. And I further say that I do not believe that the accusation had any foundation in fact. From conversation with sd. Odel both before he applied for his pension, & since he obtained it, I fully believe that he bore arms in the American cause both on land & at sea against the common enemy, but do not believe that during the Revolutionary war he ever joined the British cause against his country. But as before observed I know nothing positively upon that subject
David S. Boardman

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid and I certify that the said David S. Boardman Esq retains a good character for truth and is a credible witness
Nathaniel Perry Judge of Probate for said District
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At the same court
Personally appeared Ena Noble & Walter Booth Esquires of said New Milford who being duly sworn depose and say that they have been acquainted with and lived neighbors to William Odell named in the foregoing affidavit of David S. Boardman Esq. for twenty five or thirty years past. That they have heard the foregoing deposition of the said Boardman read and do fully concur in the opinion therein expressed by the said Boardman as to the character of the said Odell for honesty, integrity & truth that they have heard the report that the said Odell assisted the British Arms in their attack upon New London in 1781 spoken of in sd affidavit of Boardman but never believed that said report was had any foundation in fact. and that they do not believe that the said Odell ever took arms against this Country and they do believe that the said Odell served in the American Army both on sea & land during the Revolutionary War. but that they have no particular recollection about the said Odell being offered to be admitted a voter as spoken of by  said Boardman
Ena Noble
Walter Booth
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Sworn to and subscribed by the said Ena Noble & Walter Booth the day & year aforesaid and I certify that the said Ena Noble has, for a number of years past been, & now is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Litchfield in said town of New Milford and the said Walter Booth has, for a large number of years last past been a Selectman of said town of New Milford and that they both sustain good characters for truth and as credible witnesses
 Nathaniel Perry Judge of Probate for said District

State of Connecticut
Probate District of New Milford ss:
I William J. Starr Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in taking the affidavits David S. Boardman, Ena Noble and Walter Booth Esquires. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 7th day of October AD. 1834 -
 William J Starr Clerk
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July 5, 1932 
BA-J/AWF  OWN
William Odell
S. 14048
Miss Elinor N. Cobb 
25 Claremont Avenue 
New York City 
Dear Madam: - 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Odell, a soldier of the War of the Revolution. 
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.14048, based upon the Revolutionary War service of William Odell. 
He was born in November, 1758 in Fairfield, Connecticut. While a resident of his native place, he enlisted June 20, 1776 and served as a private in Captain George Benjamin's company in Colonel Gold Selleck Silliman's Connecticut regiment, was in an engagement at Flatbush, a skirmish at Westchester Church and the battle of White Plains, and was discharged December 25, 1778. He volunteered in the winter of 1777 and served two months under Lieutenant Aaron Turney, and was at the battle of Ridgefield. 
He later enlisted on board the ship "Oliver Cromwell” commanded by Seth Harding and served one year, captured the British ship Weymouth and another ship, and a brig on which he was made second mate under prize master Woodruff. 
In the spring of 1778, by order of General Silliman, he served two months in command of a guard at Black Rock, and on July 1, 1778 enlisted and served the he in which he was in an engagement at the massacre of Indians
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near Sing Sing.  
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, then a resident of New Mallory, Litchfield County, Connecticut. 
In 1834 he referred to his two children who had served in the late war against Great Britain, their names not given. The name of soldier's wife is not stated. 
Very truly yours  A. D. Hiller
Assistant to  Administrator
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Rev War 14048 
INVALID
File No. 14,048 
William Odell 
Priv Rev War  
Act: June 7, 1832 
Index: --Vol. 1, Page 282 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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1892 Ap 26 Hist to Chas L McNeill Torrington Conn
Mch. 2, 1896 Soldier pensioned to Miss Helen W. Reynolds Poughkeepsie NY 
1908 Jany 4. Hist. to Geo. W. Bates V.L.M.
1919 Mch. 13 Hist to Margaret E. Anthony 
1925 Dec 29 - Hist. to Mrs. Nelson Robinson MMHF
1932 July 5 Hist to Miss Elinor N. Cobb AWF
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Wm Odell act 32 
See letter to Cont P. Agt [pension agent] & Hon P Smith, Senate Jan 15 1839
Letter to Conn Pen Agent & P Auditor 11 Nov 1839
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I Wildman Hall of Weston in Fairfield County & State of Connecticut being sixty nine years of age  Depose & say, that I am acquainted with William Odle of New Milford in Litchfield County State of Connecticut. who was formerly of Fairfield in Fairfield County in said state and have been acquainted with him for nearly sixty years. and that said Odle was considered a notorious Tory, during the Revolutionary War - his family was living within a short distance from me during the War. & he was absent & durst not make his appearance - Report said that he was put in Fairfield gaol. And escaped & joined the British. Also that he was at Groton & engaged in the massacre. said reports are believed by the Deponent having often heard them affirmed, & never contradicted 
Dated Weston 20th March AD. 1834
Wildman Hall

I Joseph Seeley of Weston in Fairfield County & State of Connecticut being seventy seven years of age, Depose & say that I am acquainted with William Odle of Newmilton in Litchfield County State of Connecticut; wo was formerly of Fairfield in Fairfield County & said State. And have been acquainted with him for more than sixty years. And do know that said Odle joined the British in the Revolutionary War - and said Odle told me that he went with Arnold to fort Griswold at Groton and that he was the first man that landed; and that they massacred the Garrison. and then took the wounded & put them into carts, & waggons and run them down into the sea- and said it was the Darndest frolic he ever had in his life & the deponent further says. that after this he & Capt. Benajah Bennet with Lieut. Joseph Sherwood went & took said Odle & brot him before Hezekiah Hubbell Esq of said Fairfield - had his trial, & was sentenced to gaol - & Gen Abuss took him to gaol in said Fairfield -
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And in a short time, by some means, (I know not how) he escaped from said prison & again joined the British- He was reputed as a tory during the War, & one of the worst kind, has frequently in the hearing of the deponent expressed great satisfaction in relation to the cowards that he pursued. especially in the Groton Massacre -
Joseph Seeley

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County} Ss. Weston 
On this 21st day of March AD. 1834 Personally appeared Wildman Hall, & Joseph Seeley signers of the foregoing depositions, both known to me as credible witnesses, and made solemn oath that said depositions are true 
before me  James Seeley Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County} Ss. Weston
I Harvey Hubbell, Notary Public for sd Fairfield County certify that James Seeley is a Justice of the Peace in & for said Fairfield County, duly commissioned & sworn, and that full faith & credit is due to his official acts - And that the above signature purporting to be his, is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 21st day of March A.D. 1834 -
 Harvey Hubbell Notary Public
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[stamp] NEW MILFORD CT SEP 13 
J. S. Sept 18 1834
Con
Free 
J. L. Edwards   
Commr of Pensions  
Washington City D.C.
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New Milford (Con.) Sept 13 - 1834
Sir
The Semi Annual payment of the pension of William Odell of this town, upon the application of an attorney properly authorized was refused by the agent for paying pensions in Hartford, saying that payment was suspended without giving any further explanation -
Mr Odell was surprised at not receiving his money and is at a loss to conjecture the cause of its suspension, but supposes that it may proceed from some representations made to the Pension Department by his personal or political enemies (with which he is will as every other man is found) - 
If there have been any representations made to the Department which are the cause of its suspension, will you do him the favour to send me a copy together with the name or names thereto attach'd 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
 Nathaniel Perry

Hon J.L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
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Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
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New Milford (Con.) Octo 8th 1834
Sir -
I herewith send some documents relative to the Pension of William Odell the payment of which has been stopped, for the alleged cause that he opposed the American Arms in the course of the Revolutionary War. I was not a little surprised on the receipt of your letter informing me that copies of the allegations made against him could not be furnished you say that his opposition to the American Arms is shown in detail. Why then is it not proper that he should be furnished with those details that he may have a fair opportunity to rebut them if untrue? It is at all times difficult to prove a negative and still more difficult if we are not permitted to know what the affirmative allegations are. The names of the deponents are also witheld. You will recollect sir that these affidavits are taken ex parte & no opportunity is given Mr Odell for cross examination, when a single question sometimes put to a
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witness, (he be sure so honest,) will destroy entirely the effort of his former testimony. Perhaps he might be able to show that the deponents are unworthy of credit - I venture to say that then affidavits do not [illegible] from a love of country in the deponents but from personal or political enmity to Mr Odell -
He has stated at large his his declaration his reasons why he cannot strictly comply with the requirements of the Department 
He has annexed to his declaration the affidavits of three persons as to his general character for truth or so whose characters & standing in society are as high and unexceptionable as any individuals in this town. - He reports that [illegible] been circulated about Mr Odell have never gained any credit and I do not believe there is an individual here who supposes there is any truth in the reports relative to his opposing the American Arms. 
Very Respectfully
Yours Sr
Nathaniel Perry

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
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Jany 15, 1839
Pension Agent
Hartford Conn.
Sir The pension of William Odell a pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832 was suspended some years since. The suspension has been removed. You will therefore resume the payment of his pension 
Copy of letter
A.O.T.
Oct. 8, 1906
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Odell
Jurat Dec 17
Ct
Hon P. Smith
Senate U.S.
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards   
Commr of Pensions  
Washington City D.C.
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Washington Decr 15. 1835 
Sir Enclosed is an affidavit of William Odell of New Milford, by whose pension has been suspended. When I that year produced a deposition contradicting the statement made against Mr Odell, I forgot to exhibit the affidavits now [unreadable].  I hope this, with the other evidence in [unreadable], will be sufficient to remove the objections to his resuming his pension. If you should not consider it sufficient, will you have the goodness, to send me a copy of the affidavits produced against him, omitting, if you not choose to disclose them,  the names of those who gave the affidavits.  Very Respectfully, your Obt Svt.  Perry Smith 
Honl J L Edwards 
Comr of Pensions
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Conn Jan 15
Wm Odell Ct NH 
275 
18 Dec 06
Hon Perry Smith Senate U.S. 
Free Hon J. L. Edwards 
Commr of Pensions 
Washington  D.C.
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Washington Jany 14 1839 
Sir  Were not satisfyed that injustice is done to Mr William Odell, whose pension, has been suspended, by withholding it from him, I should not  trouble you with any statement of my own. I have been well acquainted with Mr Odell a great many years. He is some what a singular man, but has always been in character of a man of honesty and truth, and I believe well deserves that character. He is a very jocular man, and as willing to make sport for others at his own expence, as any way.  I believe was in this manner, that ten witnesses were furnished with the materials, whose testimony was the cause of his pension being suspended. I have heard his contemporaries speak of him at the time, it was said, he had to the British, and joined them against his own country. I have always understand these were the facts, and which I presume are the true facts, that Odell was a [unreadable] during the war, and some part of it, and was the taken down there in the sound by the British, and carried off and detained some
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four weeks, from this, he was called [unreadable] the old tory; and to carry in the [unreadable] often ascribed to the appellation.  I have no idea there he was joined the British in the war more than I did, and I was not born till after the war.  In justice to Mr. Odell, I make this statement, and have no doubt but it is substantially true. Very Respectfully your Obt Svt
Perry Smith
Hon J L Edward Commr &c
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Hon Perry Smith
Senate U.S.
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I the Subscriber do hereby certify that I have, for more than forty years been acquainted with William Odell of this place, a Pensioner of the United States, the payment of whose pension, I am informed, has been for some time past suspended on account of an alledged participation in the descent upon New London & Groton by the British forces in September 1781. This allegation I have ever believed, & now believe to be unfounded in fact.  That he was for a short time near the beginning of the Revolutionary war a prisoner in the hands of the British & while so detained may have rendered some compulsory service on board of a man of War, I believe to be probable [unreadable] his escape from such involuntary service, which was before the attack upon New York in the year 1776, I have no reason to believe, nor do I believe, after considerable enquiry upon the subject, that he ever rendered any service either in the British Army or Navy - and the he did render service both by sea & land in the cause
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of his County. I take to be an undoubted fact.  His conduct since I have been personally acquainted with him has been that of a peaceful & Orderly citize.   He is in [unreadable] & I believe dependent circumstances, is too far advanced in years to be able to support himself by hard labour.
David S. Boardman 
New Milford Conn 
Aug. 23. 1837-
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We the undersigned, are well acquainted with William Odell of New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut, and have been for many years, and with his General reputation as a man, and citizen and as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His character as a faithful citizen and patriot, has as far as we know, always proved fair; has and he has as far as has come to our knowledge, always borne the character of a faithful Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and of a patriot; and we have no reason to believe from any thing we have ever heard or know, there he aided the British in the Revolutionary Struggle, in any manner whatever. 
Dated at New Milford the 7th day of July 1837 
Solomon E. Bostwick 
Edward N Hine 
Geo. W. Whiteley 
Ezra Noble 
Cyrus Northrop 
Noadiah Mygatt 
Wm J Starr 
Thomas Canfield 
Nathaniel Perry 
Eli Mygatt 
Walter Booth 
E. Huntington
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State of Connecticut 
Litchfield County }  ss New Milford, Nov 10, 1834. 
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for in said County, William Odell, of said New Milford, a Revolutionary Pensioner, and made solemn oath, that he was never at Fort Griswald at Groton in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War nor at any other time, and that he never saw Col Ledyard during his life, and that he never bore arms against his Country during the Revolutonary War or at any other time and that he has no knowledge, that he ever [unreadable] any body &c as has been stated to the Secretary of War. 
Wm Odell 
Perry Smith  Justice of the Peace
Page 47

P. Smith
Ct
Hon P. Smith
Senate U. S.
Page 48

Question When did you more into the town of Weston 
Ans I think about A.D. 1778 
Qt  where do you now live 
Ans the town of Sharon Litchfield County State of Connecticut 
Qt How long since you left the town of Weston 
Ans about forty years 
Sharon February 13 1838 
Jonas Platt
Personally appeared before me Jonas Platt of sound mind and maid oath to the above affidavit to be true.  
John W McKay Justice of the Peace in and for Litchfield County Connecticut Sharon February 13 1838 
Sharon Litchfield County Feb. 13 1838 
I William T. Chamberlain of the town of Amenia and County of Dutchess do hereby certify that Jonas Platt is personally known to me and that he is a man of sound mind and also as far as my knowledge extends of undoubted truth and veracity 
William S. Chamberlain M.D. 
Personally appeared before me John W McKay Justice the peace of the town of Sharon William J Chamberlain and made to the above affidavit 
John W McKay Justice of Peace
Page 49

Sharon Lichfield County St Conn Feb 18. 1838 
We hereby certify that Jonas Platt is personally known to and as far as our knowledge extends is a man of sound mind & undoubted truth and veracity.   
Oliver E Chamberlain 
Milo Winchester 
Personally appeared before me John W McKay Justice of the peace for the town of Sharon Oliver Chamberlain & Milo Winchester and made oath to the above affidavitt – 
John W. McKay Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Jonas Platt and consider him to be a man of truth and veracity Sharon February 1838 
John W McKay Justice of the Peace 
STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 
LITCHFIELD COUNTY, } ss Litchfield  
I Origen S. Seymour Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John McKay Esq of Sharon is an Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and by law authorized to administer Oaths and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds. And that his commission was dated on the 10th day of June A. D. 1837 and will expire on the 20th day of June, A. D. 1838, that the foregoing signatures purporting to be of said Justice.  
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 14th day of February A.D. 1838 
Origen S. Seymour Clerk
Page 50

Litchfield County SS 
Sharon February 13th 1838 
Personaly appeared before me Jno W. McKay Justice peace for Litchfield County State of Connecticut Jonas Platt of Sharon in said State and County being duly sworn deposeth and saith that at the time of the attack made by the English on Fort Griswold September A.D. 1781 in N. London County State of Connecticut & was at that time well acquainted with Wm O Dell of the town of Weston Fairfield County State of Connecticut that & the said Platt was at that time living within about two miles of the said Wm O Dell and the said Platt says that he can with certainty say that the said Wm O Dell was there at home to work with one Richard Lang as a journeyman Shoemaker and further deposeth that he was acquainted with the said Wm O Dell and had been living by him for two years previous to the above transaction and time mentioned the the said Platt says he will recollects the time the attack was made on Fort Griswold and can positively testify to the fact that the said W. O. Dell was not come in the above transaction but was at home at work in Weston at the time specified above.   
Question by Justice 
How old are you Mr Platt 
Ans 80 years old this 13 day of February 1838 
Question Where were born 
Ans in the town of Ridgefield Fairfield County State of Connecticut
Page 51

William Odell
No claims under act of 1818
Records searched Oct. 18, 1906
M. Rice
Page 52

W. BRUCE COBB 
25 CLAREMONT AVENUE 
NEW YORK CITY 
May 30, 1932
U. S. Pension Bureau, 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
I understand that one of my ancestors, William O'Dell, of Fairfield, Connecticut, was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisted for service from New Milford, Connecticut. 
Have you any record of him, or should I apply to the War Department? 
reply will be much appreciated. 
Yours very truly 
Elinor N. Cobb 
(Miss ) Elinor N. Cobb, 
25 Claremont Avenue, 
New York City
[stamp] RECEIVED MAY 31 1932 PENSION FILES [UNREADABLE] RECEIPT SECTION
Page 53

MAKE ALL POSSIBLE REMITTANCES THROUGH STATE TREASURER
Washington State Society 
[seal] DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
FIRST VICE REGENT Mrs. H. D. Hurley 5028 9th Ave. N. E. Seattle 
SECOND VICE  REGENT Mrs H. J. Maury Winlock
STATE REGENT Mrs.. Warren W. Tolman 125 13th Ave. W., Olympia 
OFFICERS
Mrs. W. M. Williams 111 Crocket St., Seattle 
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Miss Milford Stanford 1815 Water St., Olympia 
HISTORIAN F. C. Pickering, 208 5th N., Mt. Vernon
LIBRARIAN Mrs. J. F. Watson 626 Pearson St., Walla Walla
REGISTRAR Mrs. Frederick Beebe 2120 Anderson St., Tacoma
CHAPLAIN Mrs. J. B. Harvey, Hanford 
BOARD MEMBERS 
Mrs. W. G. Hopkins, Aberdeen 
Mrs. H. W. Patton, Hoquiam 
Mrs. Wm. Goodyear 602 California St., Pullman 
Mrs. James Donald 801 Queen Ave., Yakima
LIFE MEMBERS
Mrs. Eliza Ferry Leary, Seattle
Mrs. Wm. S. Walker Seattle
CHAPTER EXTENSION
Mrs. David C. Leaming
1214 Sprague Spokane
PATRIOTIC EDUCATION Mrs. Miles L. Clifford 1425 N. Oakes St., Tacoma 
ADVISORY TO UNIVERSITY CHAPTER 
Mrs. Wm. S. Pond 1416 35th Ave Seattle 
JURISPRUDENCE
Mrs. H. D. Hurley
5023 9th N. E. Seattle
PRINTING
Mrs. W. M. William 111 Crocket St. Seattle
PROGRAM
Mrs. Burt J. Williams
504 Kittitas ST. Wenatchee
SPECIAL COMMITTEE
GENEALOGICAL DATA
Mrs. J. B. Moyer 3322 Lombard Ave, Everett
Dear Sir
There was a Wm Odell a pensioner from Litchfield, Conn. who served in the Revolution.  May I have a copy of his pension record
Mrs Nelson Robinson 
4510 Brooklyn Seattle Apt 37.
Page 54

REV SEC 
1216 CASS AVENUE R February 28, 1919 
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir, 
In regard to my Ancestor, William Odell who fought in the Revolutionary War, recorded at the Bureau of Pensions S. F 14048. 
Please give me data of his Military career. Does this record disclose any of his personal life? Does it disclose the place of his death of the names or dates of his children? Where can obtain the latter information. 
Also did the pension cease at his death and if not to whom was it paid? Where can I obtain this information thanking you in advance
Send usual record to Aud to enable to support data as present AW
Page 55

for information you may have.   
I am Yours sincerely, 
Margaret E. Anthony 
P.S. Pension applied for July 25, 1832
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE K MAR 4 1919
Page 56

Respectfully referred to the Chief Record Div. for his consideration & reply to Mr. Bates 
A. H. Thompson (KM) 
Chief Finance Div.
 Dec. 23 /07.
[stamp] U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS FINANCE DIVISION DEC 21 1907 BOOKKEEPER
Page 57

THE MICHIGAN SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 
[SEAL]
PRESIDENT THOMAS PITTS, DETROIT, MICH. 
SECRETARY HENRY S. SIBLEY. DETROIT, Mich. 
TREASUR N. EDWIN W. GIBSON, DETROIT, MICH 
VICE PRESIDENT REV. R. W. CLARK D.D. DETROIT MICH
REGISTRAR GEORGE W. BATCH DETROIT MICH
CHAPLAIN REV. LEE S. MCCOLLESTER DETROIT MICH
JOSEPH GREUSEL HISTORIAN DETROIT MICH
HEAQUARTERS ROOM 24 BUHL BLOCK 91 GRISWOLD STREET
DETROIT MICH, December 17 1907
S. 14048
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 
Would you please send me a certificate of the pension issued to William O'Dell of the town of Weston, County of Fairfield Connecticut, who served in the Revolution and who obtained a pension under Act of Congress, approved June 7th, 1832, as a soldier in the Revolution as shown by the record in the Connecticut Men of the Revolution on page 653. 
Also please find $1.00 for certificate. 
Yours truly, 
Geo N. Bates  
S.14048
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE E DEC 20 1907
Bank check for $1.00 drawn Dec 18 / 07 by Asst Cashier of Commercial Bank Detroit Mich. to order of Geo W. Bates ret’d to him Dec 23 / 07 K. M. Fin Div
Page 58

J.N. DUNHAM, Prest. 
S. J. Hall Secy
A. J. Wright Treas
SPRINGFIELD FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY
SPRINGFIELD MASS
Agency at Torrington Conn. March 10 1892
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C 
Sir 
In a book issued by the Adj Genl of this State entitled "Record of Connecticut in the War of the Revolution War of 1812 and War. with Mexico on page 653 – 3d Column appears the name of William O’Dell as a Pensioner of 1832 residing in Litchfield County.  Under the heading of this section page 650 reference is made to Sen Doc 1st Sec 23 Cong. 1833-34 for further particulars please send me copy of record concerning said William O’Dell with charges for same and I will Remit 
Your Respectfully 
Chas. L. McNeil 
Farrington Litchfield County Conn
Page 59

pension on file in this Bureau.  William Odell S. F. 14048
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  June 20 Spring of 1776  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  Dec 24 1776  RANK. Pvt   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain George Benjamin  STATE.  Conn
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Winter of 1777  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos.  RANK.    OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Lieut Aaron Turney STATE.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  1 year  RANK.  mariner  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  On board Oliver Cromwell commanded by Seth Harding captured British Ship Weymouth and another ship and a brig. was made 2nd mate on captured brig under prize Master Woodriff  
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Spring 1778   LENGTH OF SERVICE.   2 months  RANK.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Commanded guard at Black Rock
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  July 1 1778  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 months  RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Hull 
Battles engaged in,  Flatbush, White Plains, Ridgefield and in engagement at massacre of Indians at Sing Sing and of at burning of Fairfield and Norwalk 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Fairfield Co. Conn.  
Date of application for pension, July 25 1832 His cl al [his claim allowed]  
Residence at date of application, Milford, Litchfield Co. Conn.  
Age at date of application, Born Fairfield Conn. Nov 1758  
Remarks: In 1834 soldier referred to his two children who had served in the "late war” against Great Britain, no names stated.  
(Soldiers father died when he was 12 years old, name not stated)
Page 60

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MMHF
December 29, 1925
Mrs. Nelson Robinson 
4510 Brooklyn, Apt. 37 
Seattle, Washington 
Madam:  
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 14048 it appears that William Odell was born in November 1758 in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut. 
While a resident of his native place he enlisted June 20, 1776, served as a private in Captain George Benjamin 's Company, Colonel Gold Selleck Silliman's Connecticut Regiment, was in an engagement at Flatbush, a skirmish at Westchester Church and the battle of White Plains and was discharged December 25, 1776. 
He volunteered in the winter of 1777, served two months under Lieutenant Aaron Turney and was at the battle of Ridgefield. 
He afterwards enlisted on board the ship "Oliver Cromwell”, commanded by Seth Harding, and served one year, captured the British ship "Weymouth”, and another ship, and a brig on which he was made second mate under prize master
Page 61

Woodruff.
In the spring of 1778, by order of General Silliman, he served two months in command of a guard at Black Rock, and on July 1, 1778, enlisted and served two months in which he was in an engagement at the massacre of Indians near Sing Sing. 
He was subsequently engaged, occasionally on alarms and was at the burning of Fairfield and Norwalk. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 25, 1832 while a resident of New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut. 
In 1834 he referred to his two children who had served in the late war against Great Britain, their names not given. The name of soldier's wife is not stated.  
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.