BIOGRAPHY: Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.; Newburgh, Orange co., New York

transcribed by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives

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Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York
Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens of the Counties.
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United
States.
New York and Chicago; Chapman Publishing Co., 1895

HON. BENJAMIN B. ODELL, JR., M. C. The services which in the past Mr. Odell
has rendered his fellow-citizens of Newburgh, and which he is now rendering
the people of this district as their representative in Congress, entitle him
to rank among the eminent men of the state. As an honored member of an
honorable family, connected through many generations with the history of
Orange County, he is adding lustre to the name he bears, and in the councils
of the nation is winning for himself an enviable reputation as a statesman. It
is fitting, therefore, in a volume dedicated to the influential men of this
county, that considerable mention be made of his life and public career.

A life-long resident of Newburgh. Mr. Odell was born here January 14, 1854,
being the son of Benjamin B. Odell, Sr., the present Mayor of the city. He
gained the rudiments of his education in the public schools, and after
graduating from the academy in 1874, became a student in Beth-any College, in
Bethany, W. Va. After one year in that institution he entered Columbia
College, in New York City, where he continued until 1877. While in college he
took an active part in athletics and in boating, and was offered, but
declined, a position in the Columbia University crew of 1875.

On leaving college Mr. Odell embarked with his father in the ice business, and
upon the absorption of his father's interest by the Muchattoes Lake Ice
Company in 1886, he became the Secretary and Treasurer of the new company,
which position he has since held. In 1888, in connection with other citizens
of Newburgh, he bought stock in the Newburgh Electric-light and Power Company,
and since then has officiated as its President. The Haverstraw Electric-light,
Heat and Power Company was organized by him in 1891.

Socially Mr. Odell is connected with Newburgh Lodge No. 309, F. & A. M., of
which he has been Master for a number of years. Under the administration of
Grand Master Vrooman, he be-came the District Deputy Grand Master for the
Tenth Masonic District, comprising the counties of Orange, Rockland, Ulster
and Sullivan. He is also identified with Highland Chapter, R. A. M.; Hudson
River Commandery, K. of P.; Acme Lodge, I. O. O. F.; Mt. Olive Encampment; and
Canton Woodward, Patriarchs Militant. In social affairs he takes a lively
interest, being connected with the Orange Lake Club, the Newburgh City Club
and the Republican Club of the city of Newburgh, and similar organizations in
New York City.

Twice married, the first wife of Mr. Odell, who bore the maiden name of
Estelle Crist, met her death by drowning in a steamboat collision on the
Hudson River in 1888. Afterward he was united in marriage with Mrs. Linda C.
Traphagen, of Newburgh.

Nature bestowed upon Mr. Odell a vigorous mind. He is quick to see an
emergency, and equally quick to devise means of overcoming it. His energy is
one of the remarkable traits of his character. To this quality, combined with
his large executive ability, is due his success in every undertaking with
which his name is connected. While he has gained success in business and in
his social relations, his prominence is due chiefly to his participation in
public affairs. Reared in the faith of the Republican party, he saw no reason,
on arriving at mature years, for changing his political belief; in fact, the
history of our country during the past few years has made him even a stronger
advocate of Republican principles than he was before. He instituted the
election district association plan at present in use in Newburgh, and brought
the twenty-one associations which compose the city into harmonious working
order.

As State Committeeman for his district Mr. Odell rendered efficient service.
He was one of the committee to draft the platform of the party for the
campaign of 1890, and served as Super-visor of the Census for the counties of
Orange, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware. As Chairman of the Executive
Committee of the New York State Republican Committee, he gained the confidence
of his political associates and established a reputation for efficient work in
the party. These influences led to his nomination, October 11, 1894, for
Congressman from the Seventeenth District. His popularity was proved by the
fact that he was elected to that responsible position by a majority of more
than five thousand in a district hitherto strongly Democratic, his plurality
being larger than any candidate the district has ever received. He entered
upon the active discharge of the duties of his office with the best wishes of
a host of friends, and has represented his district in a manner reflecting the
highest credit upon himself. A man of foresight and profound judgment, firm
and immovable in his opinions when once formed, a safe counselor, admirably
versed in the principles of wise statesmanship, he will undoubtedly achieve
even greater success in the future than he has in the past.