In the Saw Mill valley is also situated the residence of the late General Jacob Odell, a descendant of the ancient and honorable family of the Odils. "'The river Ouse," says Camden, "runs under Odil or Woodhill, formerly Waylmll, which also had its Barons of Wayhull, eminent for their ancient nobility, where v,as a castle." The first ancestor of the family in this country, was William Odell, of Concord, who removed to Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1644. His son William was one of the principal proprietors of Rye, in 1661-2."

General Jacob Odell, at the early age of 21 years, embraced the military profession, and in the year 1776, took up arms in defence of his country. He used to recount with pleasure the time and the very spot where himself and three other cousins of the name, volunteered their services to the Continental Congress. It was beneath the white- wood tree ■where the Westchester farmers stopped Major Andre, and found the papers that revealed the treason of Arnold. After enlisting, he served in Captain Samuel Drake's regiment, belonging to the brigade of General Scott. On the memorable retreat after the battle of Long Island, he was on picket guard. At the close of the vvar, and as soon as the militia was formed, he received his com.mission from Major General Morris.

a See Kedisrcf of OdoU yamily.

654 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Like the rest of the '■'N'eutral Ground," this part of Yonkers was infested with marauding parties of "Cow Boys" and " Skinners," the former of whom claimed the title of Loyahsts; the latter, under the mask of patriotism, called themselves Whigs.