Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Powell, Nathaniel
POWELL, NATHANIEL (d. 1622), navigator and colonist, a native of England, was one of the earlier settlers of Virginia, where he arrived in April 1607. In the winter of 1607–8 he explored York River with Captain Newport, and between 24 July and 7 Sept. 1608 further explored Chesapeake Bay in company with Captain John Smith. He was apparently the author of the ‘Diarie of the Second Voyage in discovering the Bay,’ 1608, and of the sixth chapter of Smith's ‘Relation of the Countries and Nations’ (1608?), which bears Powell's signature. He probably compiled the map of the bays and rivers which accompanied this ‘Relation.’ He was for a short time in 1619 deputy-governor of Virginia, and a member of council from 1619 to 1622. He and his wife, a daughter of William Tracy, were murdered by Indians on 22 March 1622. He seems to have left some estate, as his relatives petitioned council for it in 1626.
[Collections of Virginia Historical Society.]