Evidence needed to support William Odell, of 'Arnold's Choice' as son of Thomas Odell and Margaret Odell
Disputed origins
From the odell / odle family of maryland, virginia, ohio by Jack E Mac Donald.
last updated: 1 April 2015
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jacmac/genealogy/Odell.htm
INTRODUCTION
In researching the Odell / Odle family, literally every individual I corresponded with, and every published genealogy I read, indicated that the William Odell / Odle of Baltimore County, Maryland who was married to Elizabeth (Talbot ?), was a descendant of the immigrant, Thomas Odell, Sr. through his son, Thomas Odell, Jr. and his wife, Margaret Beall. As a consequence, but without sufficient tangible evidence to support or refute it, I also accepted this relationship as being probable and presented it as such in my original Odell / Odle family WEB page.
However, I recently received information about a DNA sample submitted by an individual who claims to trace back to William Odell / Odle and Elizabeth (Talbot ?). I personally rechecked this individuals lineage and was able to substantiate to my satisfaction that it is as they claim. This DNA sample indicates that there is no relationship between the William Odell / Odle who married Elizabeth (Talbot ?) and the Thomas Odell, Jr. and Margaret Beall that most everyone had accepted, including me, as being his parents. Unfortunately, even though only one DNA sample has been submitted by anyone who traces down from this William Odell / Odle, this DNA sample is not the only reason I have changed my Odell / Odle genealogy.
In looking back to when I began researching my Odell / Odle line, I remember a conversation I once had with the late Sharon Doliante, the author of "Maryland and Virginia Colonials," in which she stated that based upon her extensive research she did not believe this William was the son of Thomas Odell, Jr. and Margaret Beall. In addition, in reading the immigrant, Thomas Odell, Sr's will of 1717, I noticed that he specifically stated in his will: "bott in case my son Thomas Odell dye without issue the land to descend ..." If William Odell / Odle was born in about 1714, as everyone claims, I would think that Thomas, Sr. would know if his son Thomas, Jr. had a three year old child when he wrote his will, since they were living near each other. The 1717 will, however, suggests that Thomas, Jr. did not have any children as yet. The fact that the name Rignall is used by both Odell lines is curious, however, and suggests there may very well be some type of connection between both lines England.
In light of the above, or until some evidence can be found to substantiate that William truly is the son of Thomas Odell, Jr. and Margaret Beall, this genealogy will show that William Odell / Odle is the earliest progenitor of our Odell / Odle family to have been uncovered to date.
Parents detached and relationships will be locked after the missing children are added.
