Charles Henry Odell (April 11 1829 – April 25 1897) was an American sailor, Union Army officer, and public official who held several municipal and federal positions in Massachusetts during the late 19th century.
Early life and maritime career
Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Odell entered the maritime transport industry, working on routes between Beverly, Salem, and East Asia. He served as chief mate on the barque Hollander and later captained the ship Element of New York.
Military service
During the American Civil War, Odell was commissioned as a captain in the Union Army, serving with the 8th Massachusetts Militia Regiment. He was activated on 19 September 1862 and mustered out on 7 August 1863.
Political and civil service
After the war, Odell became active in Essex County politics. He was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and served on various town boards in Beverly, including the Selectboard and the Board of Overseers of the Poor.
In 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him inspector and collector for the United States Customs District covering Charlestown, Boston, Salem, and Beverly. He was reappointed for the Salem and Beverly ports until his commission expired on 13 May 1885.
President Benjamin Harrison later named Odell postmaster of Beverly on 11 July 1890. In March 1896, Odell was elected the second mayor of the newly incorporated City of Beverly, becoming the first mayor from the Montserrat neighborhood. He declined to run for re‑election until his predecessor, John I. Baker, retired.
Death
Charles Henry Odell died of cardiac hypertrophy on 25 April 1897 at his residence, 23 Washington Street, Beverly, Massachusetts, at the age of 68.
Legacy
Odell’s career spanned maritime commerce, military service, and a range of civic duties, reflecting the multifaceted public life of a 19th‑century New England citizen.
