Odell, William

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Odell, William

ODELL, WILLIAM. Loyalist officer who raised and commanded the Loyal American Rangers. He became notorious among Patriot prisoners of war for his methods of recruitment, which mixed threats with offers of good food and other luxuries if the prisoners would join his Rangers. A major in 1780, Odell was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1783 and stationed in Jamaica after the war.

SEE ALSO Loyal American Rangers.

                         revised by Michael Bellesiles