Samuel Powell (July 10, 1776 – August 2, 1841), was an American politician who represented Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives.
Samuel Powell | |
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 1st district | |
In office March 4, 1815 – March 3, 1817 | |
Preceded by | John Rhea |
Succeeded by | John Rhea |
Personal details | |
Born | Norristown, Pennsylvania | July 10, 1776
Died | August 2, 1841 Rogersville, Tennessee | (aged 65)
Political party | Democratic-Republican |
Spouse | Mary Rutledge Powell |
Children |
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Alma mater | Philadelphia College |
Profession | |
Powell was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He attended the common schools and Philadelphia College, studied law, and was admitted to bar in Norristown prior to 1800.[1]
In 1800, Powell moved to Blountville, Tennessee, where he established the first law school in Tennessee at his home since he was new to the area and needed to establish a following. He married Mary Rutledge, daughter of General George Rutledge, a prominent citizen of Sullivan County.[2][better source needed] In 1805, he moved to Rogersville, Tennessee, and practiced law. From 1807 to 1809, he served as a member of the superior court of law and equity.[1] He was a judge of the first circuit court of Tennessee in 1812–1813. He was a law mentor to future attorney and state politician John Netherland.[3]
Powell was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the Fourteenth Congress, which lasted from March 4, 1815, to March 3, 1817.[4] He was not a candidate for renomination in 1816.[1]
After departing Congress, Powell resumed the practice of law, and he was again a judge of the first circuit court of Tennessee from 1819 to 1841.[1]
Powell died in Rogersville, Tennessee, on August 2, 1841, at age 65, and is interred at the Old Presbyterian Cemetery.[1][5]