Near Ravenna in Fannin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Joseph Sowell
In the short time he lived in Texas, Sowell was closely involved with the creation and development of Fannin County and with the protection of the frontier settlers. Upon the creation of Fannin County in 1837 and its organization the following year, Sowell was appointed to the county board of land commissioners and served as county treasurer. He and fellow pioneer J.S. Scott built a tavern at Warren, the first county seat, where Sowell had served as postmaster. As leader of his militia company to defend the frontier and its settlers, Sowell led several attacks against the region's Native Americans. Additionally, he served as quartermaster for the Army of the Republic of Texas.
On October 31, 1841, a band of Indians raided the horse stable at the tavern in Warren. In the ensuing struggle, which involved the guests and proprietors of the tavern as well, Joseph Sowell was killed, leaving behind a widow and four children. He was buried near his homesite.
As an early settler in northeast Texas whose interest and concern for his duty as a citizen was realized in the positions he held and his active involvement in local affairs, Joseph Sowell played a significant role in Fannin County's early development.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12884.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1836.
Location. 33° 44.226′ N, 96° 11.29′ W. Marker is near Ravenna, Texas, in Fannin County. Marker is on State Highway 78, 0.1 miles north of County Road 2005, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ravenna TX 75476, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of the Smith Plantation (approx. 3.9 miles away); Union Cemetery (approx. 4.3 miles away); Mulberry Cemetery (approx. 5 miles away); Bethlehem Baptist Church (approx. 10.3 miles away); Bonham High School Auditorium and Gymnasium (approx. 10.6 miles away); On Route of Early Texas Streetcars (approx. 10.7 miles away); Risser Hospital (approx. 10.7 miles away); First Presbyterian Church U.S. (approx. 10.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ravenna.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 313 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. 3. submitted on August 8, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.