Odell, Jacob and Vermillya, Isaac
John M. McDonald interview — 1844
Jacob Odell (1756-1845) served in the Westchester County Militia during the Revolutionary War, and later held the rank of brigadier general in the New York State Militia. “Vermille” is likely interviewee Isaac Vermillya (1769-1854), who was married to Jacob Odell’s cousin Jane Odell. Both men volunteered in June 1776 in a company commanded by Captain Stephen Oakley. They discuss the British raid against Yonkers on September 16, 1778, during which Westchester Guide John Odell led Colonel Mordecai Gist to escape the British advance. They also note that Grace Isaacs Babcock, who resided in the Yonkers parsonage, waved her handkerchief from a window to direct the Americans in their escape. The men then mention the Battle of Edgar’s Lane, during which a Hessian force under Lieutenant Balthasar Mertz was ambushed in present-day Hastings-on-Hudson. Odell and Vermille conclude with a discussion regarding Captain Samuel Kipp and Lieutenant James Kipp of DeLancey’s Refugees.
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 128 -
Genl. Jacob Odell Vermille.
In June 1776, we volunteered in a company of volunteers commanded by Stephen Oakley, Gilbert Dean being Lieutenant; James Oakley, orderly Sergeant, Brom Dyckman and three Odells – John, Isaac and Abraham.” Babcock, the Episcopalian clergyman – his house the Parsonage. Col. Odell piloted Col. Guest (Gist) [X1] in escaping. Capt. Smith, assisted by Mrs Babcock waved handkerchiefs – His horse with Guest [X2] at the camp – thought it her pleasantry – Met the British at the rise of the hill in the road near [Robins’s?] – Found himself nearly surrounded – bade him surrender – he lay down on his horse, spurred and escaped through the fire. Guest escaped by fording the river near Paddock’s Mill (Mill pond) – retreating through the road along Hog Hill then covered with wood. [Hog Hill reserved by Philipse to supply the Manor house with wood.] Mertz ambuscaded in the road [X1] Col Christopher Gist [X2] Gist
- Hufeland Index Page 129 -
opposite Judge Constants. [X1] One Hessian, Yager, a dragoon, escaped by dashing down a ravine and retreating along the bank of the river to the camp which was on Hog Hill. The Kipps’s (Capt. and Lieut.) were from New Castle (North Castle?) or W[est] Point [X2]. At the turn of the road by Abraham Odells the Kipp’s attacked and killed Barton and Laurence Smith and left Vincent for dead – refused quarter. These three had been down to plunder Odell – they fired and then ran into (across) the Saw Mill river, where horses could not follow – Some of Kipps’ horse made a circuit and crossed the bridge – Vincent was under a brush heap and was discovered by a horse treading on him. – (Vermille.)
[X1] Coutants? St John Constant. S. of Rev Silas Edgar Lane
[X2] Morrisania Point?