James L. Pownall The Lone Prisoner of Moundsville

James L. Pownall was a man who became known for his infamous distinction as the first prisoner at Moundsville Prison. Born in West Virginia in 1848, Pownall's early life was marked by hardship and poverty. He grew up in a large family, and his parents struggled to provide for their children. Despite these challenges, Pownall was said to be a bright and intelligent child, and he excelled in school.

However, as he entered adulthood, Pownall's life took a turn for the worse. He struggled to find steady employment and was unable to support himself. He turned to a life of crime, eventually leading to his arrest and conviction for murder in 1876. The circumstances surrounding the murder were unclear, but Pownall was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Pownall's place in history was solidified by his incarceration in the newly built Moundsville Prison. When the prison opened in 1876, he was the first prisoner to be confined within its walls. For the first three months, he was the only inmate in the facility, until additional prisoners were transferred from the old state penitentiary in Wheeling.

This book follows his life at this time.