Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,830, for John Odell, New York

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(8--1776)
SERVICE New York Odell, John 
NUMBER S.28.830
CONTENTS [section empty]

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[left side of page] [printed form with hand written responses] 
32.018. New York
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John Odell, deceased of Westchester Co in the State of New York who was a pri & Lieut in the Company commanded by Captain Oakley of the Reg commanded by Col Drake in the New York line for 7 months 15 day private} 6 " 17 " Lieut} 
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Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 112 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & ending 6 Oct 1835, the day of his death.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of July 1843 and Sent to Hon Aaron Ward, House of Reps
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Arrears to the 6th of Oct 1835 . . . . Semi-annual allowance ending 
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{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} Recorded by F. S. Evans Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 53

[right side of page] 
Reported. Payable to Jackson Odell and Nancy Underhill, only surviving children. Let R. W. Young. Nov. 7 /53   
1890 March 25 W W Glover- history Loror

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675 Houston Street 
John Odell N M ad 32
Ex B R. W. Young Att,y
May 1832

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[This page consists of a printed form with hand written responses, and the full text of that page is repeated on the next page, page 5 of this file, but this page has a smaller sheet of page with a printed form inserted in the center of this current page]

State of New York, City and County of New York} [County of Westchester -- crossed out] ss:
Be it known, that on the 26 day of December A. D. 1851, before the subscriber, a [Justice of the Peace -- crossed out] [Commissioner of Deeds -- inserted] in and for said City and county, personally appeared Isaac Vermilyea and made oath according to law, that he is [the child -- crossed out] an Executor of John Odell -- deceased -- [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer of the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum; that he has reason to believe that the said pension ought to be increased; and that he [as the Executor -- inserted] is [directly -- crossed out] interested in the same, and makes this affidavit to be filed by his attorney, with any additional evidence or arguments he may deem necessary in the prosecution of said claim. Isaac Vermilyea [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me, Theodore Martine Commissioner of Deeds [Justice of the Peace. -- crossed out]
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State of New York City and County of New York} [County of Westchester -- crossed out] ss:
Be it known, that before me Theodore Martine a [Justice of the Peace -- crossed out] [Commissioner of deeds -- inserted] in and for the said [City and -- inserted] county, personally appeared Isaac Vermilyea who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that he is [the child of -- crossed out] [an Executor of John Odell, -- inserted] deceased, [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer in the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum, that he now makes this declaration to recover any increase and arrears of pension, that may be due, on account of the services of John Odell -- as aforesaid, for the benefit of the Estate of the said John Odell under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case. Isaac Vermilyea [signature]

Sworn and subscribed this 26 day of December 1851, before me, Theodore Martine Commissioner of Deeds [Justice of the Peace. -- crossed out]
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Know all men by these presents, That I Isaac Vermilyea [child of -- crossed out] [an Executor -- inserted] of John Odell --- deceased, [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer in the War of the Revolution,) do hereby constitute and appoint Robert W. Young, Washington City, D. C., my true 

[transcription of printed form with hand written responses on a sheet of paper inserted in the center of this page] 
State of New-York, City and County of New-York,} ss.
I, GEORGE W. RIBLET, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Theodore Martine before whom the annexed depositions were taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorised to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State and for general purposes; and that his signatures thereto are genuine, as I verily believe.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 29th of December 1851.
Geo. W Riblet [signature] Clrk. 

[Below is rest of underneath page, and full text of said page is on next page of this file, page 5] 
(who was an officer in the Revolutionary War,) and that [are her only surviving children: -- crossed out] And that he the said John Odell -- departed this life [on the -- crossed out] [on or near -- inserted] 26 day of October A.D.1835 Alan Mead [signature] Benjamin Carpenter [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me, Alexander Taylor [signature] Justice of the Peace.}
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I Robert R. Oakley, clerk of the County Court in the County of West Chester and State of New York do hereby certify that Alexander Taylor before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and his name thereunto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 20th. day of March A.D. 1852.
Robt. R. Oakley County Clerk [signature]

[round seal attached to bottom left corner of page with top half of seal folded down over bottom half]

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[printed form with hand written responses] 
State of New York, City and County of New York} [County of Westchester -- crossed out] ss:
Be it known, that on the 26 day of December A. D. 1851, before the subscriber, a [Justice of the Peace -- crossed out] [Commissioner of Deeds -- inserted] in and for said City and county, personally appeared Isaac Vermilyea and made oath according to law, that he is [the child -- crossed out] an Executor of John Odell -- deceased -- [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer of the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum; that he has reason to believe that the said pension ought to be increased; and that he [as the Executor -- inserted] is [directly -- crossed out] interested in the same, and makes this affidavit to be filed by his attorney, with any additional evidence or arguments he may deem necessary in the prosecution of said claim. Isaac Vermilyea [signature] 

Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me, Theodore Martine Commissioner of Deeds [Justice of the Peace. -- crossed out] 
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State of New York City and County of New York} [County of Westchester -- crossed out] ss:
Be it known, that before me Theodore Martine a [Justice of the Peace -- crossed out] [Commissioner of deeds -- inserted] in and for the said [City and -- inserted] county, personally appeared Isaac Vermilyea who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that he is [the child of -- crossed out] [an Executor of John Odell, -- inserted]  deceased,  [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer in the War of the Revolution,) and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum, that he now makes this declaration to recover any increase and arrears of pension, that may be due, on account of the services of John Odell -- as aforesaid, for the benefit of the Estate of the said John Odell under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case. Isaac Vermilyea [signature] 

Sworn and subscribed this 26 day of December 1851, before me, Theodore Martine Commissioner of Deeds [Justice of the Peace. -- crossed out] 
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Know all men by these presents, That I Isaac Vermilyea [child of -- crossed out] [an Executor -- inserted] of John Odell --- deceased, [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer in the War of the Revolution,) do hereby constitute and appoint Robert W. Young, Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful attorney for me, and in my name to prosecute my claim to any increase and arrears of pension that may be found due on account of the services of said John Odell -- as aforesaid; and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents touching my claim, on file in the departments at Washington or elsewhere, and file any additional evidence or arguments he may think proper, to ensure the recovery of the same. 
Witness my hand and seal this 29th day of November A.D. 1851--
Isaac Vermilyea [signature] [small black circle attached after signature] 

Signed and sealed in the presence of WITNESS, [2 28th written in left margin] Theodore Martine [signature] WITNESS, Wm. N. Dyckman 
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State of New York, City and County of New York} [County of Westchester -- crossed out] ss:
On this 26 day of December A. D. 1851, before the subscriber, a [Justice of the Peace -- crossed out] [Commissioner of Deeds -- inserted] in and for said [City and -- inserted] county, personally appeared Isaac Vermilyea -- and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.  Theodore Martine [signature] Commissioner of Deeds [Justice of the Peace. -- crossed out] 
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[small square of paper attached covers the left end of the lines in this section of the page, also has 3 lines of words upside down -- not transcribed because not connected to content of this page]  
State of New York County of Westchester} SS
on the 12 day of March A. D. 1852 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for appeared Benjn. Carpenter and one Allan Mead respectable witness, and made oath according to law, that they were well acquainted with John Odell deceased, [widow of -- crossed out] (who was an officer in the Revo- [children: -- crossed out] And that he the said John Odell -- departed this life [on the -- crossed out] [on or near -- inserted] 26 day of A.D.1835 Alan Mead [signature] Benjamin Carpenter [signature] 

Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned, before me, Alexander Taylor [signature] Justice of the Peace.}
--------------------------------- 
I Robert R. Oakley, clerk of the County Court in the County of West Chester and State of New York do hereby certify that Alexander Taylor before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and his name thereunto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 20th. day of March A.D. 1852.
Robt. R. Oakley County Clerk [signature] 

[round seal attached to bottom left corner of page with top half of seal folded down over bottom half]

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State of New York Westchester County} Ss
on this sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before Caleb Tompkins first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Westchester now present at the House of John Odell hereinafter named in the Town of Greenburgh in the said County of Westchester, John Odell a Resident of the Town of Greenburgh in the said County of Westchester aged seventy six years on the twenty fourth day of October last who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated That is to say.-- That in the Month of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, he this Declarant enlisted at Tarry Town in the said County of Westchester as a private for six months in a company called six months men, commanded by Capn. Stephen Oakley of the Town of Westchester in the said County of Westchester, belonging to a Regiment of Militia in the said County commanded by Coll. Samuel Drake, That this Declarant cannot recollect on what day in the month of May in the year aforesaid, he enlisted as

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aforesaid, but according to the best of his recollection it was in the Middle of said month of May.- That shortly after his said Enlistment the aforesaid Company was mustered and this Declarent marched with his said Company to the City of New York and were stationed at the Barracks near Greenwich and were engaged in erecting some fortifications on the Hudson River near Greenwich aforesaid. That this Declarant remained in New York doing Duty as a private in said Company till sometime in the month of August of the last mentioned year when this Declarant was taken sick with the Camp Distemper or Dysentary and returned home to his fathers [to his fathers -- crossed out] near Dobbs Ferry in the said County of Westchester where this Declarent lay very sick for several weeks and as near as he can recollect six weeks, when as soon as he was recovered and able to do duty he returned to the City of New York and joined his said Company just before the American Army retreated out of New York and this Declarent continued serving as a private in his aforesaid company till after the American Army retreated out of New York to Kings Bridge where this Declarent recollects assisting in erecting some of the butworks round Fort Indepen

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dence in the said County of Westchester near Kingsbridge where this Declarent was taken sick again with the same distemper and was obliged and did return home to his fathers in Greenburgh aforesaid where he remained sick for some time, till [the -- crossed out] late in the fall and till the American Army had retreated to Peekskill where this Declarent again joined his said Company and was there honorably discharged with the Rest of said Company in the latter part of November or the first part of December in the year 1776. by Capn. Gilbert Dean then in command of said Company and who had commanded said Company for several months in consequence of their aforesaid Capn. Stephen Oakley having fits & being unable to do duty That when this Declarent enlisted in said Company as aforesaid said Gilbert Dean was the oldest Lieutenant & therefore had command as aforesaid on their said Captain becoming incapable of Duty-- That this Declarent after his aforesaid Discharge from said Company at Peekskill aforesaid was there paid off by the said Lieutenant Gilbert Dean, his full pay for six months service as a private in the aforesaid Company as above stated

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and no deduction whatever from his pay was asked or made by reason of his sickness and absence by reason thereof as aforesaid. That this Declarent then returned home to his fathers House in Greenburgh aforesaid and continued to do duty as a private in the Militia whenever they were called out on Guard and other Duty in said County of Westchester till the spring of the year 1778. But this Declarent cannot recollect the various times and occasions he done Militia duty as last aforesaid, but he recollects going down during that time with Genl Heath to Fort Independence to take That fort, but no attempt was made in consequence of a Reinforcement having been sent into said Fort And this Declarent further saith That in the Month of May 1778, (but the particular day of that month he cannot recollect) he this Declarent attached himself as a volunteer and as a private to Captain Sybert Ackers Company of Levies, in Col Morris Grahams Regiment of New York State levies, and the Declarent continued to do duty as a private in said last mentioned Company in the said County of Westchester for the space of two months till the American Army under the Command of Genl. George Washing

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ton came into the said County of Westchester in the vicinity of White Plains in the said County of Westchester in the month of July 1778 as near as this Declarent can now recollect. when Genl Washingtons Army being encamped near White Plains aforesaid, this Declarent at the request of Genl Washington, through his Quarter Master (as this Declarent verily believes) consented and attached himself as a volunteer and mounted Guide to the Continental Army then under Genl Washington at White Plains and this Declarent received pay for his services as such mounted Guide at the rate of two Dollars per day & rations for himself & his Horse. That this Declarent continued to serve from the time last mentioned as such mounted Guide to the Continental Army While Genl Washingtons Army remained in the said County of Westchester, and till it removed to Frederickburgh in Dutchess County early in the fall of that year when this Declarent remained in the said County of Westchester and continued to act as such Guide to the State Troops on the American Lines in the said County of Westchester and particularly to Capn. Dannel Williams Company of State Troops of Col Morris Grahams Regiment who was attacked & taken prisoner at Youngs House about Christmas of the last mentioned year

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That when this Declarent entered and commenced serving as a volunteer Mounted Guide as aforesaid to Genl Washingtons Army in the said County, four others viz. Abraham Dyckman, John Rice Michael Dyckman and Isaac Odell all of the said County of Westchester also commenced acting as mounted Guides with this Declarent to said Army That in the early part of January 1779 This Declarent commenced serving as such Mounted Guide to Col Aaron Burr who then had the command of the American Lines in the said County of Westchester, and this Declarent continued serving as such Mounted Guide to Col Burrs troops, till Col Burr left those lines when he was succeded by Major Wm. Hull to whom this Declarent served as such Guide, then to Major Oliver, who lay at King Street in the said County of Westchester. this Declarent also served as a Guide, then to Col Thompson who was stationed at Young House in the said County of Westchester, till he Col Thompson was attacked and defeated at Youngs House in the Month of February 1780. That this Declarent was present at the last mentioned engagement at Youngs House and was then acting as a mounted Guide to said Col Thompson & his troops stationed there. That [last line om page crossed out]

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about ten oclock of the forenoon of the day on which the attack was made on Col Thompson and his party at Youngs house aforesaid, this Declarent was present as such Mounted Guide to those troops. That Col Thompson having previously received intelligence of the approach of the enemy had ordered all the Companies of his Detachment which [were -- inserted] dispersed along the lines in that vicinity to repair to his quarters, but when the Refugee horse approached with a few Infantry and took Thompson Picket Guard near Youngs House but three companies of Col Thompsons Detachment had arrived and the firing had commenced. Then this Declarent rode up to the House and called Col Thompson out of the [House -- crossed out] [Line -- inserted] and advised him to retreat to the east or West as soon as possible, as a large body of the enemy were then in sight (advancing to join the Refugees) at a distance of about one Mile and a half. to which Coll. Thompson Replied "what shall I do I am ordered to defend this post, and the men have not all come in. & this Declarent answered him. "not against imposibilities, --  Col Thompson then ordered this Declarent to go to the East and being in [Capn -- crossed out]

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[Casper -- crossed out] [the -- inserted] Company [find -- crossed out] on the left and form them on the Hill in his rear. this Declarent immediately started and found that Company retreating at a distance of two Miles and was obliged to desist, as it would be impossible to get them back in time to assist Col Thompson That in that engagement Col Thompson and all his men (but about 30 under Lieutenant Moulton) were either Killed wounded or taken prisoners, and Youngs House burnt by the British Troops. That in a few days after the last mentioned engagement Col Bigelow with a Detachment of Continental Troops came on the American lines in the said County of Westchester and this Declarent served as such Mounted Guide to Col Bigelow & his Detachment who had his head Quarters at Mights Mills in said County till he was relieved by Col Millen under whom this Declarent continued to serve as such Guide till the month of May 1780. when Jonathan P. Horton [then a volunteer of the aforesaid City of the State of New York -- crossed out] [of the said County of Westchester -- inserted] in the name of Governor [George -- inserted] Clinton offered this Declarent a Lieutenants Commission in Capn. Daniel Williams's Company in Coll.

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Morris Grahams Regiment [word crossed out]  of New York State Levies to go to the Northward, that this Declarent agreed to accept the Commission and about the first day of May 1780 (but the precise day of that month he cannot recollect) this Declarent went to Fishkill in Dutchess County and joined himself to a part of [Capn. Daniel Williams -- inserted] Company of said last mentioned Regiment That had mustered there. from there this Deponent embarked with said part of said Company for Albany with orders to stop at Esopus or Kingston for his Excellency Govr George Clinton, which he did do, where Govr George Clinton came on board the vessel & went with them to Albany. That while Govr George Clinton was on board of said Vessel, he handed this Declarent his Commission as a Lieutenant in said Company and this Declarent went on with his part of said Company to the German Flats on the Mohawk River, as such Lieutenant and there remained as such Lieutenant till his said Captain Daniel Williams and Lieutenant Michael Dickman of the same Company joined them with the part of same Company under their command. That this Declarent continued to serve as such Lieutenant in said Company Guarding the stores for marching to Fort Stanwix. till about the

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last of July in the last mentioned year: when a Continental Recruiting officer came where said company was stationed and offered a bounty of 30 Bushels of wheat for each man that would enlist for one the month longer after their present term of Enlistment of six months in Col Grahams Regiment had expired. That accordingly, all but about ten men of this Declarents Company enlisted when this Declarent returned with said Remnant of his Company and joined his said Regiment under the command of Col Morris Graham at West Point and this Declarent there remained with his said Regiment, till they moved down the Hudson River and encamped near Stony Point.- Afterwards said Regiment was ordered again to the Northward to Repel Sir John Johnson who was in force along the Mohawk River, that this Declarent went with his said Regiment to Fort Plain on the Mohawk and there remained till the term of enlistment of six months had expired, & the men were discharged, when this Declarent returned to his home in the County of Westchester about the first of

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December 1780. That this Declarent during all of the aforesaid service of six months served under his said Commission of Lieutenant and as such Lieutenant in his aforesaid Company commanded by Capn. Daniel Williams as aforesaid. in the aforesaid Regiment of Col Morris Graham ["s" at end of Graham crossed out] and received his six months pay as such Lieutenant That this Declarent on his return as aforesaid continued to do duty as a private in the Militia in the said County of Westchester whenever their services were required: till the month of June 1781. till Genl George Washingtons Army came to White Plains in the said County of Westchester with the French Troops, when this Declarent again volunteered to serve as a mounted Guide to said Army, and this Declarent received from Col. Timothy Pickering, Quarter master General of said Army a certificate of his appointment as such mounted Guide in writing under the hand of said Col Pickering, which certificate was in substance in these words, viz "To John Odell

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You are hereby appointed a mounted Guide for which you shall receive such wages as is allowed for that service and you will take care to obey the orders of your superiors as you shall from time to time receive them" 

That his last mentioned appointment this Declarent had in his possession till several years after the Revolutionary war was ended and had often read it & well recollects the preceding to be substantially the contents thereof, but said appointment was many years ago either lost or Destroyed and this Declarent cannot now find or produce the same. That this Declarent under his last mentioned appointment continued and did serve as such Mounted Guide to Gen Washingtons Army in the said County of Westchester till it moved to the South and then to the different officers having command on the American Lines (but whose names this Declarent cannot now recollect) in said County till the month of June 1782 being one year from his last mentioned appointment as near as he

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can now recollect when there being no further need of this Declarent services as such Guide he ceased to act as such and returned to his home in [Greenburgh aforesaid -- crossed out] [Peekskill in -- inserted] the said County of Westchester where this Declarent continued to reside till peace was declared That while thus Declarent was acting as such mounted Guide as aforesaid during the Revolutionary war, he was constantly in service and with the Army or Detachment on the lines at the quarters assigned him by the officer in command as much as a Regularly enlisted Continental Soldier and always received pay at the rate of two Dollars per day and rations with the Army or Troops on the lines, for himself & his Horse That this Declarent while acting as such Guide always went mounted armed with sword, and Pistols and the Duty performed by this Declarent as such Guide was very difficult & hazardous and often in the night time and it was necessary for him to be almost constantly on the alert moving up and down the American lines

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to see if any enemy was out and to get intelligence of the enemys movements and to lead and conduct the parties and troops when under march through the said County of Westchester That this Declarent now recollects and States with a view to inform the Department of the nature and character of his services as such Mounted Guide the following as some of the expeditions in which he was engaged as such Guide viz in the year 1778. 
in the summer and fall of that year, Col Guess (as he was called) a continental officer from Virginia had a Corps of Riflemen under his command in the said County of Westchester and was stationed near Yonker Mills (then called Phillips Mills) in the said County of Westchester and this Declarent served as a [(mounted) -- inserted] Guide to him & his Corps during that campaign and was stationed with him (but this Declarent has above omitted to name him) That in the fall of the last mentioned year the night before said Corps was surprised near Yonkers Mills aforesaid, this Declarent was sent with a command under one Capn. Walls to Guard the Bridge on the main road from

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Kingsbridge to Yonkers and prevent the enemy advancing in that direction along the Hudson River. during the night their Sentinel fired at some person attempting to Cross the Bridge near them (as this Declarent afterwards learnt a patrole from Emericks Corps coming up to get in the Rear of Guess & his Corps & cut off their retreat) which prevented an advance in that direction till about day light next morning when the enemy stormed the encampment of Col Guess and took a number of his men. when this Declarent with his party retreated in time to cover the Retreat of Col Guess and part of his Detachment and conducted them off in safety to the adjoining Hills although pursued by a large force of the enemy.. That on another occasion. This Declarent while acting as such [Guide -- inserted] got intelligence That Elijah Vincent a Lieutenant in Delanceys Refugee Corps at Morrisania was in the habit of coming out & visiting a lady at Eastchester near the British Lines this Declarent by the permission of his commanding officer started in the night from Youngs House with a Lieutenant & 20 men Marched down to Eastchester & took said Vincent a prisoner while at Breakfast there, and brought him off

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on another occasion the American Lines were kept at Mights Mills in the said County of Westchester a distance of more than 20 miles from Kingsbridge this Declarent got information that one Capn. Benjn. Ogden of Delancey Corps staid [stayed] at the House of John Vermilyea near Kingsbridge within a quarter of a Mile of the Kings battery. That this Declarent with 4 others started in the night from Mights Mills aforesaid by order of Col Millens & went down to Ogdens quarters Knocked him up & when he came to the Door took him prisoner and brought him off before day light to the American lines. That while Col Millens had the command on the American Lines in said County, There was an order from Genl Washington for a Detachment to proceed to Col James Delanceys head quarters at Morrisania near a British Battery called No 8 to take said Delancey prisoner. This Declarent as one of the mounted Guides under the command of Capn. Cushing with Lieutenant McGaffie and Ensign Blake of Millens command started from Mill square in said County (a distance of over twenty miles from Delanceys head quarters) in the latter part of the day and arrived at Turkey hoe about dark where we had the good luck to obtain

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a drink of Cider for each man they then proceeded on in a Dark night as I ever saw to Morrisania where we took a Refugee from whom we obtained the countersign and continued our rout to Delanceys head quarters when challenged by the sentinel gave the countersign took him prisoner & immediately entered the House. The Guards were lying on the floor and demanded "who comes there," Ensign Blake answered it was "Black John of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment" He took two officers. Capn. Gilbert Totten and Capn. Benjamin Ogden and twenty one privates prisoners, but found that Col Delancey was not in his quarters to our great mortification and regret, he having left there only a few hours before. We then moved back with our persons as fast as possible. The enemy pursued with a large body of Horse and overtook us about ten miles from their head quarters They threatened a number of times to charge but were deterred by a fire which was kept up by a flanking party. They followed us about three miles & then gave up the pursuit. We marched with our prisoners to our head  quarters where we arrived about mid day making

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a distance of forty Miles and upwards and delivered our prisoners 23 in number without any loss without having a particle of refreshment except the aforesaid Glass of Cider for nearly twenty four hours That this Declarent while acting as such Mounted Guide as aforesaid was engaged in many more expeditions of an equally hazardous & fatiguing character with those above related which he could relate but deems unnecessary. That in consequence of his acting as such Guide he was a particular object of dread & hatred to the Refugees and British forces and obliged to be ever vigilant as certain death awaited him if taken prisoner. That this Declarent was twice wounded during the Revolution and suffered innumerable privations and hardships in his aforesaid services. That in consequence of his advanced age and present sickness he is unable to appear in Court before a Court of Record of the said County to make his present Declaration and has been compelled to make it before the Honorable Caleb Tompkins first Judge of said County at his House this day. That many of his

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Companions in arms are dead and he cannot at present produce any other proof of his aforesaid services during the Revolutionary war. than the annexed affidavits of Jacob Odell of the Town of Yonkers in said County. Wm. N Dyckman of the Town of Greenburgh in the said County and Samuel Young of the Town of White Plains in the said County which are hereto attached in support of his present application.-- and this Declarent further saith That he claims a pension for the following services of his above set forth as a soldier of the Revolution viz-- 
For his six months actual service as a private in the year 1776. in Capn.  Stephen Oakleys company as aforesaid--
For his two months actual service as a volunteer & private in the year 1778 in Capn Sybert Ackers Company of New York State levies as aforesaid
For his services as a mounted Guide from July 1778 till the month of May 1780 being 1 year & 10 months as aforesaid
For his six months service in the year 1780 as a Lieutenant

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in Capn. Daniel Williams Company in Col Morris Grahams Regiment of New York State Levies as aforesaid
For his years service as a mounted Guide from the month of June 1781 till the month of June 1782 as aforesaid --- 

1st This Declarent states and answers That he has a Record of his age in his family Bible, which he now produces and by which it appears as well as by his information from his parents That he was born on what was called Cortlanetts Manor in the said County of Westchester on the 24th of October 1756. That he has always lived in the said County of Westchester (except when absent on Military Duty during the Revolutionary war as aforesaid). That he was always living in the said County of Westchester when he entered the service of the Revolution as aforesaid, and has lived in the Town of Greenburgh where he now resides ever since the Revolutionary war That he always entered the service of the Revolution as a volunteer but was never drafted or served as a substitute. That the names of the Regular officers, who were with the troops where he served and

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21 [number in top left corner of page]
the continental and Militia Regiments he recollects and the General circumstances of his service are as he has above set forth in his Declaration That he never received a Discharge from the service, but did receive a Commission as Lieutenant [from -- crossed out] [signed by -- inserted] Govr. George Clinton in Capn. Daniel Williams's Company in Col Morris Grahams Regiment of New York levies as he has above stated, which he had [had -- crossed out] after the Revolution but is now lost or destroyed & he cannot find or produce it, although he has made diligent search for it. That he is known in his present neighbourhood  to the Revd. Thomas G Smith [(a clergyman) -- inserted] of the Dutch Reformed Church near Tarry Town and Wm. N Dyckman both residents of the Town of Greenburgh in the said County of Westchester, who can testify to this Declarents character for veracity their belief of his age and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. And 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 John Odell [signature] 

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid}. Caleb Tompkins first Judge of the Westchester County Court of Com. Pleas [signature]

Page 27

State of New York Westchester County} ss. 
We Thomas G Smith a Clergyman residing in the Town of Greenburgh in the said County of Westchester living in the vicinity of John Odell who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration and Wm. N Dyckman residing in the Town of Greenburgh aforesaid hereby certify That we have been well acquainted with John Odell who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration for the last twenty five years and are now well acquainted with him That we believe him to be seventy six years of age That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion, and we do further Certify that the said John Odell is a man of good character and we consider his preceding Declaration entitled to the fullest credit Thomas G. Smith V.D.M. [signature] Wm Dyckman [signature] 

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid}, before me Caleb Tompkins first Judge of Westchester County Court of Common Pleas --- [signature]

Page 28

23 [number in top left corner of page]
State of New York Westchester County} Ss.
Jacob Odell of the Town of Yonkers in the said County being duly sworn according to law doth [(on his oath) -- inserted] depose and say That he is aged seventy six years. That he has been well acquainted with John Odell who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding Declaration from the commencement of the Revolutionary war to the present day. That he has heard the preceding Declaration of the said John [(Odell) -- inserted] Read & understand the contents thereof. That this Deponent enlisted [(as a private with said John Odell) -- inserted] at the same time and for the same term of time in the month of May 1776 in Captn. Stephen Oakleys Company in Coll. Samuel Drakes Regiment of six months men in said County. That the said John Odell served [(as a private) -- inserted] in said Company and was taken sick and returned home during said six months in the year 1776 as said John Odell has stated in his preceding Declaration. [words crossed out] That this Deponent lived within the said County of Westchester from the commencement to the close of the Revolutionary war (except when he was absent on duty in 1776 as aforesaid), and very frequently saw said John Odell during said war doing Duty to the American Troops on the lines in said County of Westchester as a mounted Guide

Page 29

and verily believes that said John Odell did duty as such Mounted Guide to the American Troops in said County of Westchester during the Revolutionary war as he has particularly set forth in the preceding Declaration sworn to and subscribed by him. And this Deponent further saith That he now recollects that Col Guess with a party of Rifleman under his command in the fall of the year 1778 lay near Phillips Mills in said County between two and three months. That said John Odell served as a mounted Guide to said Col Guess & his Detachment at that time. That Col Guess with said John Odell while stationed there were frequently at this Deponent's father's house near there where this Deponent resided, and on one occasion Col Guess was sitting with this Deponent in his fathers house and the said John Odell had just stepped out, when Col Guess remarked to this Deponent that if he had 300 such men as said John Odell in his command he would by in Fort Independence That night, which Fort was then Garrisoned by a large body of British Troops. Jacob Odell [signature] 

Sworn to & subscribed -- this 6th of Decr 1832 before me} Caleb Tompkins first Judge of Westchester County Court of Com. Pleas [signature]

Page 30

25 [number in top left corner of page] 
Jacob Odell who has sworn & subscribed the preceding affidavit before me is known to me and is a credible person, 6th Decr. 1832

State of New York Westchester County} Ss
William N Dyckman of the Town of Greenburgh in the said County being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say That he is aged seventy one years and has been well acquainted with John Odell who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration from the commencement of the Revolutionary war to the present day -- That he has heard the preceding Declaration of the said John Odell read and understand the contents thereof. That this Deponent was in the County of Westchester during the greater part of the Revolutionary war and frequently saw said John Odell doing duty as a mounted Guide to the American Troops on the American Lines in said County and this Deponent often accompanied said John Odell on his expeditions as such Guide and has no doubt That said John Odell did serve during the Revolutionary war as such Guide for the terms of time as the said John Odell has stated in his preceding Declaration That this Deponent well recollects That in the month of October 1780 this Deponent was on a visit at his Brothers House in Claverack in what is now called Columbia County in the State of New York

Page 31

when the alarm of Sir John Johnsons attack on the Mohawk settlements was given and he this Deponent joined a Company of Militia commanded by Capn. Miller in Col Van Renselaers Regiment of Claverack aforesaid and marched out with said last mentioned company in October 1780 to the [word crossed out] Fort called Fort Plain on the Mohawk River. at said Fort Plain this Deponent met said John Odell there serving as a Lieutenant in Coll Morris Grahams Regiment of Levies, and has no doubt said John Odell served as such Lieutenant in said Regiment for six months as he has stated in his preceding Declaration Wm. N. Dyckman [signature] 

Sworn to & subscribed this 6th of Decr. 1832 before me --} Caleb Tompkins first Judge of the Westchester County Court of Common pleas [signature] 

I certify that William N Dyckman who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding affidavit before me is known to me and is a credible person December 6th. 1832

Page 32

27 [number in top left corner of page] 
State of New York Westchester County}. Ss.
Samuel Youngs of the Town of White Plains in the said County being duly sworn deposeth and saith That he is aged seventy two years That he has heard the preceding Declaration subscribed & sworn to by John Odell read & understands the contents thereof -- That this Deponent from the commencement of the Revolution to the present day has been intimately acquainted with said John Odell and saw him frequently during the Revolutionary war on Duty as a mounted Guide to the Continental [(and other) -- inserted] Troops from time to time on the American Lines in said County during said war, and this Deponent was on the American lines [(in said county) -- inserted] during all of the Revolutionary war (except about six months service at Saratoga in the year 1781,) [(and the summer of 1780) -- inserted] and often served with the said John Odell. That this Deponent well recollects and knows That the said John Odell did serve as such mounted Guide to the American Troops in said County during all the time he has set forth in his preceding Declaration, (except for six months of the summer and fall of 1781 when this Deponent was absent as aforesaid) and verily believes he did serve during that Campaign as he

Page 33

has stated in his said Declaration from information this Deponent received when he returned in the fall of 1787 to the American lines. And this Deponent further saith That he well recollects seeing said John Odell doing Duty as a private under arms in the [(Spring of the) -- inserted] year 1778 in Capn Sybert Ackers Company of Levies in Col Morris Grahams Regiment but cant state from his own knowledge the time he thus served in said last mentioned company but verily believes he did serve two months therein as he has stated in his preceding Declaration  Saml Youngs [signature]

Sworn to & subscribed this 6th. of December 1832 before me--} Caleb Tompkins first Judge of Westchester County Court of Common pleas --- [signature] 

I certify That Samuel Youngs who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding affidavit before me is known to me and is a credible person. December 6th. 1832 

[written vertically from bottom towards top of page in center of left margin] No 354.49 John Odell decd. N.Y. 

[written vertically from bottom towards top of page in lower right corner of page] Hon. A. Ward HR

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John Odell decd. NY Act 7 June 32 admd. 
7 ms. 15ds pri  6. 17ds Lieut.
------
112.55 from 4 March 31 to 6 Octr 35 the day of his death 
to Jackson Odell & Nancy Underhill only surviving children. 
Hon A. Ward HR 
450.20  4  
56.27

Page 35

State of New York Secretary's Office}
I certify that it appears by the Minutes of the Council of appointment of this State in this Office that on the 11th. day of May 1780 John Odell [name underlined] was appointed a Lieutenant in a Regiment of Levies raised for the defence of the Frontiers of this State where of Albert Pawling [name underlined] was [appointed -- inserted] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant on the said day. 
Archd. Campbell [signature] Dep. Sec. of State Albany Feb. 2. 1843

Page 36

[printed form with hand written responses] 
In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled ""An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
============================= 
[table with 7 rows and 5 columns but no column headings] 
[row 1] 10th June 1779 | John Odell Private | [L monetary pound sign] 1 | 19 | 2
[row 2] " " " | " " " | 0 | 14 | 11
[row 3] 31th July 1780 | John Odell Lieut | 31 | 15 | 6
[row 4] 31th Augt " | " " " | 11 | 18 | 4
[row 5] 30th Octr. " | " " " | 23 | 16 | 8
[row 6] 31th July 1781 | " " Private | 6 | 13 | 4
[row 7] 11th Novr. 1782 | " " " | 11 | 13 | 4
16mo. 17ds Lt.  7mo 15ds Pri
============================== 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, Comptroller's Office, Albany, Feby. 2d. 1843.}
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 1. 3. 8. 9, now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
First--under Capt. George Lane in Col. Regt.
Second, " " David McCamply " " "
Third, " " Daniel Williams " " Morris Graham "
Fourth, " " " " " " " " " 
Fifth,  " " " " " " " " " 
Sixth, " " Israel Honeywell " " Not Known "
Seventh, " " " " " " "  
Eighth, " " " " "   
Ninth, " " " " " 
Tenth, " " " " " 
Philip Phelps Dep Comptroler [signature]

Page 37

State of New York Surrogate's office for the County of West Chester [underlined]
I, Alexander H. Wells Surrogate of said County do certify that it has been satisfactorily proven before me this day. That John Odell late of the town of Greenburgh County of West Chester and State of New York departed this life on the twenty sixth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five, at Greenburgh in the said County of West Chester. That the said John Odell left no widow surviving him. That the said John Odell left him surviving his only Children and heirs at law Jackson Odell and Nancy Underhill both of whom are now living and reside in the County of West Chester and State aforesaid.
That the said Jackson Odell is fifty years of age and the said Nancy Underhill is fifty nine years of age and is a widow
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this eighth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three Alexandr H. Wells, [signature]  Surrogate of the County of Westchester, 

[round seal with pointed edges attached to lower left corner of page]

Page 38

[printed form with hand written responses]
28 830 Revy INVALID.
----- [Om -- written vertically] 
File No. 28,830 John Odell Lieut Rev War
-----
Act: June 7th 32"
Index:-- Vol. 2, Page 306
[Arrangement of 1870.] [square brackets in original]

Page 39

Apr. 17, 1897 - History to Mr. W. S. Odell -- City.

Page 40

W. Edwards will phone
give his collection to the within pension office [illegible] 
A. Ward

Page 41

Hobbs Ferry 8th. Feby. 1843
Genl. Aaron Ward. My Dear Sir.
Allow me to ask the favour that you will place before the Pension Department inclosed certificates --  
Will you give me the [part of word obscured] lusion whenever your convenience [spot on paper, word obscured] ermit --
In examining certificate from the Comptroller it will be obvious that Lt Honeywell's name should have been used in lien of Acker --  with respect Jackson Odell [signature] 
Jackson Odell & Nancy Underhill only Surviving Children

[numbers written vertically from bottom towards top of page in bottom center of page] 
23.33
  1.66
25.00
80
3.7.55
112.55

Page 42

House of Representations Jany 14th. 1843
My Dear friend 
Allow me to call your [illegible] attention to the within application & I take the result will be favorable to the applicant. 
I am truly A. Ward [signature]

Page 43

[468 -- crossed out] [74 -- inserted] Van Buren St Brooklyn, N. Y. Mch 12.90
Dear Uncle,
Hope you are enjoying the mild Winter Why dont you come and see us? 
My main object [in writing -- inserted] is to get some information. Mr Underhill of our firm is about becoming a member of the "Sons of the Revolution" and is beging to get the facts in regard to some of his ancestors. 
I thought that you might possibly get

Page 44

at some information without too much trouble.
John Odell Greenburgh Westchester Co N.Y.
Made Colonel by Continental Congress. Born 1756 deed 1835 He received a pension from the government. I thought possibly [word crossed out] the records in the Pension department might give the facts.
Dont put yourself to any trouble in the matter but if this can be looked up by some of your

Page 45

office hands, it would be a great favor.
If there are any little fees, of course, we would willingly pay them
Carries grandmother has been well as some time. Love from all.
Yours aff Will [signature]
WW. Glover 
WW Glover [name repeated in original]