Odell, Jonathan (1737–1818)

American colonist loyal to the British crown during the revolution. He wrote satirical verses against those who led the war for independence and in favour of the British cause, such as The American Times 1780.

Odell studied at Princeton and became first a physician and then minister to a parish in Burlington, New Jersey. After the outbreak of hostilities between the American colonists and Britain, he voiced the feelings of those who feared independence. In 1776 he wrote an ode in celebration of King George III's birthday, and had to escape to New York, where he became chaplain in the royal army. After independence was won by the colonists, he remained unreconciled, and went to Nova Scotia in Canada.