Biography: POWELL,JAMES--Born in Burnt Corn, Monroe County, Alabama, in 1819, as is shown on an original muster roll of Captain William W. Hill's Company, a photostatic copy of which is in the Archives of the Texas State Library, Austin.
On February 13, 1836, John and James Powell applied for land in Austin's Colonies. Both said they were born in Alabama and had arrived in Texas in 1832. John was married, while James was single. They did not receive the land. On March 15, 1838 James was issued a Headright Certificate for one-third of a league of land by the Board of Land Commissioners for Fort Bend County and in the certificate it is stated that he came to Texas in April, 1832. He later married and was issued a Headright Certificate for two-thirds of one league and one labor of land by the Fort Bend County Board and in the certificate it is also states that he arrived in Texas in April 1832.
On the muster roll previously referred to, Mr. Powell is described as being five feet, eight inches in height, of dark complexion, with brown eyes and brown hair. It is stated that he was recruited by Captain (Wyly) Martin and was transferred to Captain Hill's Company March 20, 1836.
On June 29, 1839 Mr. Powell was issued Donation Certificate No. 918 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. He was living in Leon County December 24, 1851, when he sold one-half interest in the certificate to Aaron Mitchell for $52.00. He received Bounty Certificate No. 4088 for 320 acres of land July 21, 1838 for having served in the army from March 7 to June 7, 1836.
