Jackson Odell says, "My father (Lieut. John Odell,) assisted in capturing Capt. Ogden twice. He was with the party that took him at Vermilyea's, at Kings Bridge, and with Cushing's party." John Odell was also with Arman d when he took Bearmore and Frederic Underhill, and is referred to by Gen. Timothy Pickering as the principal Guide in the advance of the Continental army through the Saw Mill River Valley on July 2d and 3d, 1781.

The following amusing incident is copied from the Centennial address delivered at Tarrytown, by Rev. J. Seldeu Spencer, July 4, 1S76:

"The old McCormick house, still standing on the White Plains Road, about one mile this side of Hall's Corners, (Elmsford), was the scene of a ludicrous incident during the Revolution, which has ever since been commemorated by the name applied to this road, one of the famous Westchester Guides being the chief actor in it. Col. John Odell, uncle of our respected citizen, Captain Jonathan Odell, hearing that some tory refugees or Cow Boys had possession of the McCormick house, determined to drive them out, and succeeded in doing so. While occupying the house, there was some alarm in the night, which was soon quieted ; but in the morning, when Col. Odell arose to dress, his breeches could nt 1 be found, and there were no others at hand to supply their loss. He heard that his commanding officer, Col. Sheldon, was approaching, and lie must go to meet him. The good woman of the house offered as her best substitute, one of her petticoats, which he immediately donned, mounted his horse, and so rode forth to meet Col. Sheldon ; and from that circumstance it is said, that road has eversince been known as Petticoat Lane !"