Odin Township
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Odin Township originally had Odin and Sandoval as one town, but was divided in 1896. 

As a result of advertising and word of mouth, by the Illinois Central Railroad, some of the first Scandinavian settlers came to Illinois and founded the City of Odin.  It's name came from a Scandinavian mytholoy god.

Thomas Deadmond was the first settler arriving around 1827.  After living there a few years, he entered 80 acres in Sec. 28 in January 1837.  Silas Barr arrived some time in 1829 and Samuel McClelland came in 1830 moving near Mr. Barr.  Some time after 1865 more families arrived and the village grew.

Arround 1885 Odin celebrated in honor of striking coal.  It's operators were N. Morrison, H. Woodward and F. Secor.
C. L. Miller established the first Bank around 1890.

Odin is very proud of its history.  More so of its citizens.  Some of them leaving greater impressions than others with such careers as:  professional Baseball Players, Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Army nurses and a  Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

In 1856, Odin was first served by the railroad and at that time, it was also the longest railroad in the world... 705 miles long!  top of page