Governor Benjamin Odell

Benjamin Odell was born in Newburgh, New York on January 14, 1854.  He attended Newburgh Academy, Bethany College, and Columbia College.  After serving as President of the Orange County Traction Company and the Central Hudson Steamboat Company, he was elected to the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Congresses and served as Chairman, Committee on Accounts.  In 1900, Congressman Odell succeeded Theodore Roosevelt and was elected Governor of New York.  After two successful terms in office, Governor Odell retired to Newburgh, New York where he remained active in the community until he passed away on May 9, 1926.  The governor is interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery in New Windsor, New York.