In September 1836, shortly after the republic was established, Joseph Sowell (1804-1841) came to Texas and settled on his 1280-acre land grant just south of the Red River, making his home about 1.5 miles northwest of this site. In the short time he lived in Texas, he was closely involved with the creation and development of Fannin County and with the protection of frontier settlers. When Fannin County was created in 1837 and organized 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 served as postmaster. As leader of his militia company defending the frontier and its settlers, Sowell led several attacks against the region's Native Americans, and he also 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, and in the ensuing struggle involving the tavern's guests and proprietors, Joseph Sowell was killed, leaving a widow and four children. He was buried near his homesite, and his service in public office and local affairs made him significant in Fannin County's early development.