N. Holmes Odell was born in
Greenburgh, near
Tarrytown, New York, and was the son of Jonathan S. Odell (1793–1887) and Jane Tompkins Odell (1796–1887). He attended private schools, including Paulding Institute, and then became a partner in the mercantile business of Odell & Clark while also becoming involved in his father's steamboat business on the
North River.
Political career Odell served in town offices, including Greenburgh town clerk and justice of the peace. He served in the
New York State Assembly from 1857 to 1861. He established the First National Bank of Tarrytown and served as cashier from 1862 to 1864. In 1866 Odell was elected
Westchester County Treasurer. He was reelected in 1869 and again in 1872.
Congress Odell was elected as a
Democrat to the
Forty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1876.
Later career After leaving Congress Odell resumed his banking interests and also became involved in the real estate business. After having served for several years as assistant postmaster, from 1887 to 1892 and 1894 to 1898 he served as
postmaster of Tarrytown. Odell was a Freemason and a member of Solomon's Lodge No. 196, Tarrytown.
Death Odell died in
Tarrytown, New York, October 30, 1904. He was interred at
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in
Sleepy Hollow, New York. ==Sources==