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#28 New Brunswick's Final DuelThe last duel to be fought in New Brunswick was in 1858 at Fredericton. It was fought between William Odell and Lieutenant Jones. Although there is no record of why the duel was fought it was William Odell who insisted on settling a private matter of honor with a duel. Neither man was harmed during the duel and it was the power of the church that ultimately put a stop to duels.
After the duel between Odell and Jones Bishop John Medley excommunicated Odell in front of all the parishioners in Christ Church Cathedral. Odell stood his ground and refused to apologize in public. Despite the actions of Bishop Medley, William Odell remained a popular public figure and was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1867.
Bishop Medley's act of excommunication lead to a strong public outcry against duels and as a result none were ever fought again in New Brunswick.
background by Cleadie / man with quill graphic by J. O'Donovan
Page mounted: 11 Sep 1999
Updated:Sunday, 01-Apr-2007 10:45:40 MDT