African Americana

Heavy, wood box with key that locks, 21 in. x 11 in. x 10 in. (expected wear, several cracks including one 8 1/2 in. crack at center left of lid). Lid bearing the identification "Sgt. / Maj. George D. Powell / 24th infantry" and interior with label "George D. Powell / 14 D. Street, SE / Washington, DC." -- Post-war 48-star flag (ca 1912-1959), possibly for veteran's parades or similar events, 17 x 28 in. (light soil, some discoloration). -- Tin cup, possibly 19th century, stenciled with "Co. C", 4 1/4 in. dia., 2 1/2 in. height (some oxidation particularly on interior, wear). --Powell's personal copy of General Charles King's 1905 book The Medal of Honor (scuffing, wear to spine). -- Assortment of personal items many related to Powell's service including a crossed saber cavalry hat pin; boot knife; US Army lock (without key); 1898 half-dollar attached to keychain, possibly engraved while serving in the Philippines with "CEBU" [Phillipine province] on one side and Powell's initials on the other; 1880s commissary token for Fort Huachuca; service medals; a "Peerless" cast iron can opener; 24th Infantry shoulder straps; small leather coin purse; pair of gold cuff links engraved with the letters "P"; and a real photo postcard showing Powell dressed in civilian attire. Conditions of objects vary but are generally good.

Born in Virginia before the end of chattel slavery, George D. Powell (ca 1856-1940) would go on to serve his country for 30 years in the 24th United States Infantry. Powell's Company C participated in the Indian Wars and engaged in combat during the Spanish-American War both in the Philippines and in Cuba, including at the Battle of San Juan Hill. 

  

The US Army Register of Enlistments indicates Powell first enlisted in February 1879 at the age of 22. Frank N. Schubert's book On the Trail of the Buffalo Soldier locates Powell as a Sergeant with the 24th Infantry, Co. C, serving at Fort Grant, Arizona, in 1890. A short biography accompanying the archive indicates that Powell also served at Fort San Carlos (AZ), Fort Sill (OK), Fort D.A. Russell (WY), Fort Missoula (MT), and in Salt Lake City, Utah. Powell appears in William G. Muller's The Twenty Fourth Infantry Past and Present where he is listed as a corporal having been wounded during the course of his service (location not cited). In 1926, the War Department's Distinguished Marksmen and Distinguished Pistol Shots lists Powell as having attained the rank of Distinguished Marksman in 1905 while serving as a First Sergeant with Co. I, 24th Infantry. Powell is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.