John T. Harwell

HARWELL, JOHN T.(1840~1918). John Harwell was born in Georgia in 1840 to F. E. and Mary A. Ware Harwell; both were native to Georgia. In 1841, the Harwell's moved to Texas and settled in Fayette County. F. E. Harwell became a prominent citizen and farmer in the area. Before coming to Texas F. E. Harwell served in the Seminole War in Florida, and was not bothered by the constant Indian raids in the area, fortunately the Indians left the Harwell's alone. F. E. Harwell farmed until his death in 1875 and his wife Mary passed away in 1880. Their son John T. became a prominent citizen and businessman in the area. He was educated at the college in La Grange, Texas.

In 1861, he joined Company A, 5th Texas Cavalry under Captain John Shropshire and Colonel Tom Green. John Harwell participated in the New Mexico campaign, which included Glorietta Pass, Donley's Ranch, and Valverde. Following the New Mexico campaign, he was part of the Confederate recapturing of Galveston in 1863. He was serving in the Navy when he assisted in the capturing the Union gunboat, Harriet Lane. He then participated in the Red River campaign.

Following the Civil War, he married Bettie Ligon, daughter of A. R. Jones, and they farmed on land that Harwell purchased until 1881. Bettie Harwell died in 1882, and in the same year, John Harwell opened up his lumber business. He then married Judith McKennon in 1883. Mr. Harwell was an active participant in county politics. He was admitted to the Confederate Men's Home on May 10, 1910. He died on January 2, 1918 in Austin, Texas.

Information provided by "History of Texas and Texans" by Frank W. Johnson.