Bonnell, George W. (George William)

George William Bonnell, journalist and soldier, was raised in central New York state and later moved to the south where he became a newspaper editor.

Bonnell arrived in Texas in 1836 and was appointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs by President Sam Houston. In June 1838 Houston assigned Bonnell to prepare a report on the status of relations with the Indians and later that year he served with the rank of major in a campaign against the Indians. Between 1839 and 1842 Bonnell primarily worked as a printer and editor, but also served in two more Indian campaigns. He died in Dec. 1842 while engaged in the Mier expedition.