Squire Moses POWELL [Parents] was born in 1805 in Clark Co, KY. He died on 13 Feb 1883 in Henley Place, Mercer Co, MO. He was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. He married Elizabeth Ann "Eliza" Calvin in Mar 1870 in Mercer Co, MO.
Other marriages:MCILVAIN, Nancy Agnes
Humphrey Street, Mary
Moses had 13 known children and was said to have lost 7 sons by his first wife. He also raised several step-children.
Residences & events:
1814 Wayne Co, IN. Moses moved with his mother and family to the new farm shortly after his father died.
1823 Licking Co, OH. He again moved with his mother along with the new step-father, John Van Buskirk.
1826 Columbus, OH, where he married Agnes McElvain.
1827 Vermilion Co, IN, where son, Nelson was born.
1/1830 Franklin Co, IN. Son, James was born there.
1830 Vermilion Co, IL, where his family was listed in the census. Living at his address were 2 males under 5 (Nelson and James), 2 males 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 20-30 (Moses), and 1 female 20-30 (Agnes). Since Moses and Agnes had been married only 4 years, the older males must have been relatives living with them. Brother, Nelson, was also listed in that county that year.
1833 Vermilion Co. Moses was the only Powell listed on the county's tax roll.
1833 Wayne Co, IN. Following the massacre of his father-in-law by Indians, Moses took the family, including his mother-in-law, back to safer territory. Due to the instability of the Indians in the region, the McElvains had been staying with Moses while the father was away in Wisconsin.
1840 Cambridge City, Wayne Co, IN. Moses was one of the original members of the Congregation of the Christian Church. He was listed in the census with 2 males under 5, 1 male 5-10, 2 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40 (himself), 1 female 10-15, and 1 female 20-30 (Agnes).
8/20/1845 Shelby Co, IL. He was listed among the purchasers of several estate sales between 1845-1848, including those of Abraham Milikin and Alexander Banning. Wife, Agnes died there and he married Mary Street shortly thereafter.
1850 Shelby Co, IL. Moses was a farmer with property = $1000 in the census. Living with the family were 3 of Mary's small children and next door was brother, Simon.
5/30/1854 Shelby Co, IL. Moses was still there when he bought 40 acres from the railroad at S22 T10N R02E for $40.
1854 Mercer Co, MO, 6 miles SE of Princeton. The obituary of son, Benjamin, said the family moved there in an ox wagon when Ben was 5. The obituary of John Lisle verified they moved this date.
1860 Ravanna Twp, Mercer Co, MO. At census time he had 8 children and 3 step-children living with him.
9/6/1863 Life on the frontier was tough as attested to by the follow item in a McPheeters' family letter (neighbors of the Powells in Moultrie Co, IL): "Joseph Powell has just returned from Missouri. He says that they are having bad times where his father lives. Samuel remained at his fathers."
1870 Ravanna Twp, Mercer Co, MO. Moses was counted in the census with his 3rd wife and 3 of her children as well as 2 of his own.
Moses' estate did not exceed $420, including bedding = $50, 5 cows =
$100. There was a claim against Samuel Bates on real estate for $275.He shares a gravestone with his second wife, Mary Humphrey.
Elizabeth Ann "Eliza" Calvin was born on 2 Oct 1823 in Greene Co, IL. She died on 8 Jun 1895 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She married Squire Moses POWELL in Mar 1870 in Mercer Co, MO.
Other marriages:CALVIN, Jordan W
She was a widow with 3 children still at home when she married Moses.
One source says she and her first husband had 8 children.
They had the following children:
F i Susan Rose POWELL was born in MO. She died after 1928. Susan resided in 1928.
She was the sole survivor of her father's families per the obit of
half-brother, Ben.
James Purdy MCILVAIN [Parents] was born on 28 Dec 1784 in Lewistown, Cumberland Co, PA. He died on 14 Jun 1832 in WI, near Ft Hamilton on the Pecatonica River. He was buried in Wiota, WI. He married Margaret LISLE on 10 Nov 1808 in Columbus, Franklin Co, OH, by Dr James Hoge, Presbyterian Min.
James' Bible contained the following inscription, supposedly written at Carlisle, PA, about 1784. Since that was the year James was born someone other than him must have written it:
James McElvain, his hand and pen;
Heel be good, God noes when.
- James Purdy, his book.Residences and other events in his life:
OH
1804 James and his brother-in-law, Samuel King, were awarded $3 for carrying chains for surveyors.
5/17/1818 Columbus, Franklin Co, OH. He was one of the early pioneers of the county.
He joined forces for the War of 1812 with Capt Vance's Co from Columbus. He was made Ensign of US Inf 10/20/1813, then Bvt 3d Lt 32d US Inf.
1819 Vincennes, IN. Migrating with several members of the family, sister-in-law, Martha, died enroute.
1820 Vigo Co, IN was his residence at census time.
Vermillion Co, IL. He dropped the family off to stay with daughter, Agnes and Moses Powell, while he and brother, Andrew, went to northern IL and Wiota, WI, lured by lead and zinc mining. Following James' death, Moses took the family back to IN and safer territory.
Gruesome details of James death were told by survivors and witnesses:
One day while they were at Spafford's farm, 6 miles SE of Ft Hamilton, helping to tend his cornfield, the group left their guns at one end of the field, working their way toward the other end of the row. Blackhawk Indians waited until they were at the farthest point from
their weapons, then carried out a surprise attack, killing five of them.Bennet Million "miraculously escaped after a chase of fifteen miles and after having swam the Pecatonica five times during the chase. He at length arrived at Fort Hamilton in full lope - an hour by the sun."
A Million descendant who lived in the area said the field, being in a fertile horseshoe bend of the river made it easier for the Indians to cut them off and Spafford was the only member of the party whose rifle was within reach.
Soldiers were dispatched to the scene and reported:
"The first thing that presented itself at the scene of the murder was the headless body of the unfortunate Spafford who, it seems from Million's statement, was killed at the first fire of the Indians and was found near where the attack was made. Except where shot and where decapitation, there were no mutilations of the body. We found the missing head on the bank of the river, several hundred yards from the body, with pretty much all the hair taken off. This was of fine glossy appearance, hence the reason for taking it all. The bodies of McElwaine and Searles and an Englishman called Johnny Bull were found
upon the opposite bank of the river, most shockingly mangled and mutilated. The body of Spencer, who was supposed to have been killed at the same time, could not be found."Lt Bracken wrote:
On our arrival there the first object that presented itself was the headless body of Spafford who had died facing his foes. Cool as he was brave he at once saw from the number and position of the Indians that flight was useless. Seizing his rifle he calmly awaited their
approach and his unerring aim sent one of his foes to eternity before him. Then, like the lion at bay, he died, covered with an hundred wounds. While the Indians were thus partially checked by Spafford, the others fled under cover of a ravine, which appears to have been the ancient bed of the Pecatonica, to the river. On reaching the shore, McIlwaine and John Bull attempted to escape across it, and were shot in the water. Their bodies were taken out of the river by us. They had been scalped and horribly mutilated."And another:
"The company then proceeded to the farm and found the murdered men as described by Lt. Bracken, with the exception of the headless body of Spafford which had no wounds upon it, as I recollect. The position of the body when found indicated that he had been running, as the rest of his comrades when he had been shot. I think no one can tell. Million crossed the river at the same time and at the same place that McIlwaine crossed it."
And yet another:
"Spafford would not run, but stood at bay and was killed in the field. Francis Spencer, who owned a part of the field, escaped through the field, as did also another of the party. The other men swam the river and were shot, as it seems, while trying to get up the farther bank. When the body of John Bull was fished out of the stream, his watch had
not yet stopped. Spencer was found some days later under the floor of an old stable of pig pen nearly crazed with fright."Family tradition is that James' heart had been cut out and left on a log.
Again from the soldiers' report:
"The other four bodies were brought together and buried in one common grave, presenting a most appalling spectacle, such as only men of nerve could have witnessed with any degree of composure. After burying these unfortunate friends who had fallen victims through their anxiety to raise a crop of corn, we continued search for Spencer."
The burial site was by a big tree in an open field by the bend in the river; the remains were later moved by citizens to the village cemetery near Wiota. The people of Wayne in 1898 erected a monument engraved with the following:
On the front -
John Bull
Jas McIlwin
J Searls
John Dull
Spafford
Bennet Million and
Spencer escaped. (No mention of brother, Andrew McElvain)On the back -
Erected by the People
of Wayne, 1898 to the Memory
of five pioneers of
This town, who with two
others left Fort Hamilton
Wiota, to hoe corn in Sec. 9
on the Bank of the Pecatonica.
They were massacred by
Blackhawk, Indians
June 14, 1832
Margaret LISLE [Parents] was born on 20 May 1790 in PA. She died on 24 Jul 1847 in IN. She married James Purdy MCILVAIN on 10 Nov 1808 in Columbus, Franklin Co, OH, by Dr James Hoge, Presbyterian Min.
She inherited $400 from her father.
Margaret & the rest of the family stayed w/daughter Agnes Powell in Vermillion Co, IL, because of the instability of the Indians while James went prospecting in WI . Following his death, Moses Powell took the whole family back to Ohio to live for a few years.
They had the following children:
F i Nancy Agnes MCILVAIN was born on 2 Sep 1810. She died on 22 Jan 1848. M ii Andrew MCILVAIN was born on 6 Jan 1813. He died on 2 Jan 1815. M iii John L(isle) MCILVAIN was born in 1815. He died in 1885. M iv Samuel Purdy MCILVAIN was born in 1817. He died in 1901. M v Joseph MCILVAIN was born in 1820. He died on 12 Jul 1847 in NM, near Albuquerque.
Joseph graduated from West Point Academy as a Lieutenant, supposedly the same year as Gen US Grant. His appointment to the academy was received as the result of efforts of Bishop Charles Petit McIlvaine, former Chaplain and instructor of the Academy in 1816, a close family friend and possibly a relative.
It was claimed that he held a temporary commission as Colonel of
Volunteers in the First Mexican War when he was killed.
The Ohio newspaper carried the story of his death:
"The following letter brings the sad news of one of the bravest and
most esteemed young men in the Dragoon service. His brother details
the melancholy tidings to his numerous kinsmen here in appropriate and
touching language. Young McElvain was destined to a higher sphere in
the Army and the honors of his country had he survived. The father of
these brave young men was killed in the Black Hawk war while pressing
forward in the thickest of the fight. Their memories should be
cherished by every good and patriotic citizen, for the advancement of
their beloved country. Lieutenant McElvain was one of the most active
officers last February in the two battles under General Price at and
near Taos, and for his valor and good conduct received the
commendation of his general and those of his comrades who survived.
He was close by the lamented Captain Burgwin in the bloody attack on
the church in Taos when the Captain received his death wound.
previous to entering the town of Taos, where the bloody conflict
occurred Lieutenant McElvain was ordered to drive the enemy from the
heights which overlook the place and guarded the road. In a letter
soon after, written by himself to his Uncle, Col. John McElvain of
this city, he speaks of that part of the expedition. Following
Lieutenant McElvain's letter was this one from his brother:
Santa Fe, July 22, 1847.
Dear Brother: I have but a few moments to write and what I do
write will be sad news to you and all of our relatives. Brother
Joseph died on the 10th of July last of a wound received in the left
arm while in pursuit of Navajo Indians. The Indians had come to a
Spanish town where he was stationed and stole their stock, women and
children and the Spaniards came for help. Joseph, with the 35th
Dragoons immediately started in pursuit of them. He had followed them
for several miles when he had occasion to dismount for a moment or so,
when his gun went off and shot his arm off near the shoulder. He was
brought back to Albuquerque, but the weather being so hot, it was too
late by the time he got back, for the doctor to do anything for him.
He was wounded on the 4th and died on the 10th. I was not with him,
having been ordered to Bent's Fort with 14 men and did not get back
until the 10th. I have talked with several officers that went to see
him. They say he was reconciled to his fate."M vi William MCILVAIN was born in 1822. He died in 1848.
James McElvain POWELL [Parents] was born on 17 Jan 1830 in Franklin Co, IN. He died on 8 Dec 1890 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Jonathan Creek Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Timpa Eveline RHODES on 12 Dec 1850 in Shelby Co, IL, at the bride's home by Rev Elder B W Henry.
James middle name was in honor of his grandfather McElvaine. He was
described as 6', fair complexion, auburn hair and hazel eyes.Events in his life included:
1859 There were a list of notes for him at the courthouse, no
specifications whether he owed them or was trying to collect them.1855 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. He was listed among the
taxpayers of that area.1860 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. In the census, he was a farmer with
property = $800. Brother, Nelson, and his two daughters were living
with him as well as Elizabeth Purvis, housekeepers assistant.3/13/1861 He was appointed road supervisor in Dist 10.
9/4/1862 James enlisted and served as First Lieut of Co C, 126th Regt
of Ills Vols under Capt. Smiser.Michael Fryburger, a friend from the area serving in the Civil War
efforts, made references to James in his letters:4/5/1860 He hasn't seen James Powell yet.
2/1/1863 - From LaGrange, he saw James Powell. He was moderately
well.
7/28/1863 - From Memphis, he asked for news of James & Nelson Powell.He was also mentioned often in the McPheeters family letters:
11/1862 - "anything you wish to send me such as sockes etc can be sent
by Lieut Powell or Enoch Purvis who are both at home on sick furlough.2/15/1863 - "Mrs (James) Powell and Nelson start for Humboldt (TN)
next week."7/3/1863 - from Haines Bluff, Miss "There is a great deal of sickness
in our Co & reg. Lieut Powell....and some 10 or 12 more have all had
a little brush but are now all on the mend....our sickness was caused
by the unhealthy location of our camp. our water was bad and no
shade, and then it was right on the roade leading to the river landing
where from 1000 to 2000 teams were pasing daily after for comisary
stores, ammun. etc. it kept our camp enveloped in a could of smoke
from morning till night."7/5/1863 - "Lieut Powell, Vaugan & 2 or three more are quite sick yet.
Powell has camp diarhea very bad, says he feels better this morning."7/28/1863 - from Helena, Arkansas. "Lieut. Powell has been right sick
since you left; he came up the River as we did and got on another boat
when he landed here and went to Memphis."9/28/1863 - "was sorry to learn that Mr. Powell was again prostrate by
disease."10/18/1863 - "Lieut. Powell returned home saturday."
10/20/1863 - "Perry saw Lieut Powell at Memphis, sayes he lookes very
bad is waiting for his papers to be sent to Washington for approval."11/8/1863 - "I am going to send you two pair of socks.....by Lieut
Powell."Enoch Purvis testified that "he (James) was never a healthy or sound
man on account of his lung trouble being a good part of the time
unable to do anything after he came out of the servis and he was the
strongest and healthiest man in the country before he went into the
war."On or about 10/10/1862, according to the Declaration for Original
Invalid Pension, he "incurred Rupture left side; also A Disease of
lungs contracted at LaGrange Tenn about the last of December 1862 by
reason of exposure."As previously mentioned, Jame's military career was plagued by medical
problems and hospitalizations. He was unable to march because of the
pain in his side which was later diagnosed as the rupture, he
contracted typhoid fever and once he was unable to return to duty from
a medical leave of absence due to chronic diarrhea and general
problems of the digestive system.1/4/1864 He was discharged at Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas, "on account
of Physical Disability and for absence without leave, having failed to
forward medical certificates as required by existing regulations." At
the age of 55 he was given an invalid's pension.3/10/1864 In a letter to her husband, Mrs McPheeters reported that Mr
Cornwell was moving from their home to James Powell's house, the
relationship or reason for the move was not stated.1/5/1865 James bought another 10 acres for $130 cash from the trust
of a lady from New York and a Mrs. Hoffman, widow of David, located at
NE SE SW 33 14 b E3/1/1865 He gave estray notice where he claimed a stray animal.
1865 He paid a road tax.
6/21/1865 He bought 2 plots, each containing 10 acres from Addison
Guthrie and his wife, Ben, through Addison McPheeters, atty-in-fact,
for $297.50 cash.7/15/1865 For $160 James and Eveline sold a lot containing 10 acres
to his brother, Nelson, newly discharged from the army and preparing
for a new bride within a few months.10/24/1865 Martin and Catherine Bussear of Warren Co, OH, sold 80
acres in Moultrie Co to James for $550. He sold the same property on
9/4/1866 for $500 to John Glazebrook.1866 He was mentioned in the country treasurer's report and in 1868
he was in a juror's treasury report.6/1866 He was among those petitioning for a road change.
6/12/1869 His name appeared on a warranty deed and another on
5/10/1870.3/1870 James was mentioned again in the county treasurers report.
10/10/1871 Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IL. It is unknown if James and
the family actually lived in this location but son, Lycurgus, was born
there on this date according to his descendants.9/9/1872 Moultrie Co, IL. Estray Notice: "Taken up by the
undersigned residing 5 miles northeast of Sullivan, one bay horse, 16
years old, about 14 hands high, string halt in both hindlegs, with
government brand, running at the nose and believed to be glanders."
Signed J. M. Powell, recorded by Geo. Leffler, Town Clerk2/16/1874 While living in Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, he bought
40 acres at E. Nelson from William and Ellen Purvis for $900 cash.11/2/1874 He bought more Jonathan Creek property, 120 acres for $3600
with $1000 subject to trust deed to McInley & Co from William and
Catherine Powers.1875 Jonathan Creek Twp. James was listed in the atlas as a land
owner among the 1001 residents in that township. Also listed was Levi
Seass.8/1/1878 Buying another 80 acres in Jonathan Creek Twp, he paid $55
as the highest bidder at public auction, from the George Buxton
estate, James Bath Admin. A few months later on 11/12/1878 he sold
the same property for the same amount to James Bathe.10/2/1879 James and Eveline sold 240 acres in Jonathan Creek Twp to
Henry Corley, of Shelby Co, IL, for $6000.10/13/1879 He bought the land surrounding the Christian Church of
Sullivan for $3200 from William and Louise Elder.1880 Jonathan Creek Twp. At census time, his family lived next door
to the Patten family, in-laws of son, John.1/22/1880 He and Eveline sold another 20 acres in Jonathan Creek Twp,
this time to William Merritt for $300 cash.11/27/1880 He bought a piece of property from the Haney family for
$10, the amount of acreage unspecified.6/23/1885 James applied for, and finally received, an invalid pension
based on his Civil War injuries. In a general affidavit, Charley
Eilers, 23, of Bishop Town, Effingham Co, with PO address of
Dieterich, testified before the justice of the peace "in the matter of
James M Powell, of Arthur Moultrie County Ills,' that he had known
James for 6 years and that "I first went to work for James M Powell of
Moultrie County Ills in the mounth of April 1880 and worked for him
until Dec 1880.
Durning all that time he was in very poor Health had a very bad cough
and had to have his work all done Except what his boys could do
I then returned to work for him in April 1881 found him in very poor
health not able to make a half hand except at very light work worked
for him untill harvist I then were absent till in the fall of 1881
when I returned and hired to him to gather corn his health was still
poor and he hired all of his work done
Charles
W. Eilers"The affidavit was dated 5/27/1886 and signed by Fred Plinke, Justice
of the Peace.5/27/1886 Arthur, Moultrie Co, IL. The preceeding item recorded his
residence there but apparently the bounderies later shifted,
relocating Arthur in Douglas Co.11/20/1890 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. James deeded the property
around the Christian Church, to a trust for Eveline for $1, subject to
a $2500 security note by Orren Taft, Trustee. He died 18 days later.James died of apoplexy which was believed to be the "sequence of
disease contracted while in the service one lung seemed to be of
little use to him indicated by short breathing for several years
post."His estate was settled 1/7/1891, A. J. Buxton, Administrator, and
James Bathe supplied the securities. John Purvis was the Probate
Judge. The estate was valued at $1500.His heirs included all his children except John, who was already
deceased, and John's children, Claude and Elvira.
Timpa Eveline RHODES was born in 1835 in IL. She died in 1895 in Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Jonathan Creek Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. She married James McElvain POWELL on 12 Dec 1850 in Shelby Co, IL, at the bride's home by Rev Elder B W Henry.
Eveline and James held several pieces of property jointly but on 5/13/1870 she was also named in a warranty deed alone.
On 1/26/1891, based on James' service in the Civil War, Eveline was granted a Widow's Pension as her sole means of support. Son, Herman, was listed as a child living at home under the age of 16. Her attorney was named as Orson H Woodworth of Columbia City, IN, and her own address was Arthur, Moultrie Co, Illinois, at the time.
Son, Nathan, told the census taker in 1910 that his mother was born in IN while son, "Curg" said she was born in IL.
Evaline's estate was probated 9/1895 and consisted of 119 acres of
land and $1500. Her heirs were her 8 children and 2 children of
deceased son, John.
They had the following children:
M i John Lisle POWELL was born on 22 Sep 1851. He died on 31 Oct 1883. M ii Francis Marion "Frank" POWELL was born on 25 Dec 1854. He died in 1932. M iii Thomas Henry POWELL was born on 1 Mar 1856 in IL. He died on 4 Sep 1918 in Decatur, Macon Co, IL. He was buried in Jonathan Creek Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. Thomas resided in 1904.
He never married.
The newspaper carried the story: "Thomas H. Powell died suddenly at 11:30 o'clock Wednesday morning in the grain office of his brother, F.M. Powell, 518 Wait Building. He was sixty-two years old. Mr. Powell had been in failing health for a long time. Wednesday morning he went to the office of his brother and became suddenly ill and died before anything could be done for him. He suffered from uremic poisoning, which induced high blood pressure on the brain, and his physician said this was the cause of his death." The death certificate listed the cause of death as heart dilated with contributing factors of nephritis and arteriosclerosis.
His death was noted in the Powell family reunion notes that year as saddening the entire family.
His funeral was held at the Christian Church of Sullivan, IL, on
Friday afternoon at 1 PM with services conducted by Rev HH Hopper.
He was a farmer, having lived in SD for 20-30 years but when he became
ill, was brought to Decatur to live with his brother, Frank, and his
condition steadily worsened.F iv Mary Elizabeth POWELL was born on 26 Mar 1858. She died after 1941. M v Orlando Lincoln POWELL was born on 27 Nov 1860. He died on 14 Jun 1903. F vi Ida Mae POWELL was born on 11 Feb 1865. She died in May 1937. M vii Nathan Right POWELL was born on 5 Jun 1868. He died on 29 Mar 1941. M viii Lycurgus Erastus "Curg" POWELL was born on 10 Oct 1871. He died on 25 Feb 1943. M ix Herman Berkoll POWELL was born on 28 Feb 1875. He died on 23 Jul 1974.
Andrew POWELL [Parents] was born in 1836 in IN. He died in 1858. He was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. He married Mary Jane TETRICK on 10 Dec 1854 in Shelby Co, IL, by B F Corley, MG.
It was said he drowned but but details are not known.
Mary Jane TETRICK.Mary married Andrew POWELL on 10 Dec 1854 in Shelby Co, IL, by B F Corley, MG.
They had the following children:
F i Female POWELL. F ii Female POWELL.
John Lisle POWELL [Parents] was born on 15 Jul 1839 in Hamburg, Wayne Co, IN. He died on 12 May 1918 in Mercer Co, MO. He was buried in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. He married Mary PATTIN on 17 Mar 1872 in Mercer Co, MO. John resided in 1904 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO.
Other marriages:KILGORE, Alice "Allie"
He was named for his maternal great grandfather.
Residences & events in his life:
1858 Mercer Co, MO, 6 miles SE of Princeton. He was a farmer,
starting in 1858 with only a colt worth $50, which was a gift from his
father. He traded for a mare and colt, then traded the colt for
another mare to form his 1st team.1860 Ravanna Twp, Mercer Co, MO, was his address at census time. In
1862, he traded his mare for 40 acres worth $100 and eventually
amassed 1200 acres in one tract and gave each of his children a farm
on which to set up housekeeping.He served in Co I, 4th Regt, Missouri Militia, during in the Civil
War.1870 Marion Twp, Mercer Co, MO. He and Allie's family had grown to 7
children by census time.1880 Washington Twp, Mercer Co, MO. He was living with his second
wife and had 9 children at home. In the same township were brothers,
Nelson and Benjamin.1913 Princeton, MO. Following retirement he moved to the city.
The Telegraph carried John's obituary:
JOHN L POWELL CALLED
Wealthy Retired Farmer Crossed The Bar At
His Home In This City After A Weeks Illness"John L. Powell one of Mercer counties oldest and best known citizens
answered the call of Grim Reaper Sunday evening after about a weeks
illness. He was stricken with partial paralysis and acute indigestion
after which his physician and family entertained no hopes of his
recovery. Although everything that loving hands could do to aleviat
his suffering was done. With his passing our county loses one of its
foremost farmers and one who for more than half century exerted great
influence for good in the community in which he lived......He was a
tireless worker and by industry, thrift and good management he built
up a large estate. At one time he owned more than 1200 acres of
Mercer county land in one body. He has given each of his children a
farm.....
His was a large family of children 13 of whom grew to maturity,
married and have homes of their own. They are all highly respected
and are numbered among our counties best and most influential
citizens. He also gave a home to a 6 year old orphan boy, James
Doyle, whom he reared to manhood and educated. Thanks to the
influence of Mr and Mrs powell "Jimmie" Doyle is a highly respected
young man and is now with General Pershing's army in France.
In 1882 he was converted and united with the Christian Union
Congregation at the Pine church. He afterwards united with the
Brantley Christian church, and upon coming to Princeton placed his
membership with Christian membership here. His was a strong Christian
character, but he was very liberal in his religious views. While he
was loyal to the church of his choice, he donated land and materially
assisted financially and otherwise in the building of the Powell
Chapel Methodist organization that bears his name and with which most
of his family are identified.
He has been a resident of Mercer county for 64 years and after a busy
and useful career, in which his influence for good will long be felt,
he has laid down his working tools of life, respected and venerated by
all who knew him. He died as he lived in peace with God and with his
fellowman.....
He leaves to mourn his devoted wife, 2 brothers B.F. Powell of this
county and Thos. E. Powell of Helper KS. 11 children and a host of
other relatives and friends to mourn his loss."His obituary from the Post was much shorter:
"John L. Powell was father of 16 children. All the children were here
at time of death except J.W. Powell of Montana, who was here and
returned home last week. The first land he owned was 40 acre tract in
this county, in 1862 for which he traded a mare. The land was then
worth about $100.""After a short song and prayer service at his home in northeast part
of town, his body was conveyed Monday afternoon to the Powell, near
his old home where his funeral was conducted by his paster, Rev. Jas.
E. Todd, assisted by Rev. D.F. Harrison of Skidmore, formerly pastor
of the Methodist church here and whom Mr Powell greatly admired and
who was instrumental in building the Powell Chapel." Pallbearers were
grandsons: Lyle Coon, Paul Miller, Leon Powell, Omar Hammonds, Harry
Owen, and Lloyd Owen.John was first buried in the Powell Cemetery, located SE of Princeton,
but was later moved by the family to Princeton. The Powell Cemetery
was small, had no fence, and cattle had run over it for several years.
Mary PATTIN was born on 29 Jul 1846 in OH. She died on 25 Jan 1930 in Mercer Co, MO. She was buried on 26 Jan 1930 in Princeton Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She married John Lisle POWELL on 17 Mar 1872 in Mercer Co, MO.
She attended the 1913 Powell family reunion at Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, with her two daughter, Elena and Eddith.
Following John's death she received a widow's pension based on his service in the Civil War. She was a member of the Christian Union church and later of the Powell Chapel ME church.
Her death occurred at the home of daughter, Edith Coon, where she had lived for "some time past."
Her obituary stated:
"The eight step-children were all at home when she and Mr. Powell were married. These with the children born to them, made her the mother of a very large family, and she was a wonderful mother to them all.
She has lived a long and useful life, full of loving service. Her tasks are finished. She has gone to her reward."Rev CE Nichols conducted the funeral services which were held at the
Christian church in Princeton on a Sunday afternoon.
They had the following children:
M i Arthur Elmer POWELL was born on 4 Feb 1873 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. He died on 15 Nov 1873 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. F ii Nora May POWELL was born on 26 Oct 1874 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She died on 2 Dec 1874 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO.
Cemetery records state she was 1 yr old at the time of death, making her birthdate, as recorded by relatives, 1 yr off.F iii Rachel Eddith POWELL was born on 9 Mar 1876. She died on 2 Nov 1960. M iv George A POWELL was born on 23 Jul 1878. He died in 1958. M v Alma Leo POWELL was born on 24 May 1881. F vi Bertha Ethel Powell was born on 25 Jul 1883. She died on 24 Sep 1973. F vii Lowlea "Lola" POWELL was born on 21 Sep 1885 in Mercer Co, MO. She died on 8 Feb 1887 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. F viii Clella Margie POWELL was born on 9 Jan 1888. She died on 8 Oct 1953. F ix Elena N POWELL was born on 16 Oct 1891. She died on 18 Oct 1953.
Joseph Purdy POWELL [Parents] was born on 2 Mar 1842 in IN. He died on 11 Apr 1901 in Shelby Co, IL. He married Elizabeth Alexandria "Bettie" CORNWELL on 22 Sep 1864 in Moultrie Co, IL, by Bushrod W Henry, MG.
Joseph was named in honor of his great grandfather Purdy, on his
mother's side.Residences & events in his life:
9/6/1863 Moultrie Co, IL. In a letter of the neighbors, the
McPheeters family, it states: "Joseph Powell has just returned from
Missouri. He says that they are having bad times where his father
lives. Samuel remained at his fathers."He was active in the issue of roads in the county, petitioning for a
road to Springfield in 1865, another in Jonathan Creek Twp on
6/7/1865, and a new road (place unspecified) in 1866.1870 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. His property = $1800/500
in the census and he was listed as a farmer. Three doors down was
Hudson Martin next to Levi Seass.Wichita, KS
Eldorado, KS.
The 1870 census records Joe's birthplace as MO.
Elizabeth Alexandria "Bettie" CORNWELL was born on 28 Nov 1842 in KY. She died on 15 Oct 1915 in Eldorado, KS. She married Joseph Purdy POWELL on 22 Sep 1864 in Moultrie Co, IL, by Bushrod W Henry, MG.
They had the following children:
M i Perry Sherman POWELL was born on 20 Nov 1865. He died on 25 Nov 1927. M ii William Walter POWELL was born on 21 Oct 1867. M iii Leonidas Hudson "Lon" POWELL was born on 30 Oct 1868. F iv Myrtle Olive POWELL was born on 26 Dec 1872. M v David Erastus POWELL was born on 12 Dec 1874. He died on 8 Sep 1948. M vi Carl Elton POWELL was born on 20 Jul 1878. M vii Joseph Clare POWELL was born on 27 Jul 1880.
James STREET.James married Mary Humphrey Street on 7 Nov 1841 in Shelby Co, IL, by J C Corley.
Mary Humphrey Street was born in 1816. She died in 1869 in Mercer Co, MO. She was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She married James STREET on 7 Nov 1841 in Shelby Co, IL, by J C Corley.
Other marriages:POWELL, Moses
Mary was a widow with 4 children when she married Moses. Some, and
perhaps all, of these 4 children went by the name of Powell when they
were older. Her son, George, was only 5 when she married Moses and
the others were even younger.Moses and Mary are buried on the same gravestone.
They had the following children:
M i George STREET was born in 1843. F ii Elizabeth Jane STREET was born on 20 Jan 1844. She died on 21 Jan 1915. F iii Susan Rose STREET was born in 1846 in IL. M iv J H STREET was born in 1846. He died before 1850.
He was not listed with the rest of the family in the census.
Benjamin Franklin POWELL [Parents] was born on 23 Jun 1849 in Shelby Co, IL. He died on 7 May 1928 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. He was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. He married Elizabeth B "Betty" (PICKETT) on 24 Mar 1892 in MO.
Other marriages:SHOOK, Julia Frances
Sister, Nancy, was his twin. He was a 50 year member of the Christian
church.Residences:
1870 Marion Twp, Mercer Co, MO. He was a farmer at census time with
a new wife and baby.1880 Medicine Twp, Mercer Co, MO, where he was listed in the census
with his first wife and family.Princeton, Mercer Co, MO, where it seems he remained the rest of his
life.There may be a birth discrepancy: his obituary said he was born in Shelby Co, IL, but the 1880 census says he was born in IN, and cemetery records recorded his dates as 1838-1928.
His death occurred at the home of son, John. His obituary said: "He was a man who always lived a clean life. He never used any bad language. His death marks the passing of the last child of a large family of Moses Powell....It is our good fortune to have known him long and well and we only knew him to esteem him more highly as the years passed by. In his early years he was noted for his kindness and helpfulness to those in sickness and distress and he would often be found in the long hours of the night keeping watch at the bedside of a sick neighbor. He visited the sick, cared for the widow and orphan and kept himself unspotted from the world."
His funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM at the Christian Church
with Rev CE Nichols officiating.First wife, Julia, has a stone in Collings Cemetery but he and his 2nd
wife have only foot markers.
Elizabeth B "Betty" (PICKETT) was born on 1 Aug 1860 in Clark Co, IA. She died on 12 Dec 1928 in Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She was buried in Collings Cem, Princeton, Mercer Co, MO. She married Benjamin Franklin POWELL on 24 Mar 1892 in MO.
Other marriages:PICKETT, Male
Her obituary states: "She became a member of Princeton Christian
Church when a young lady....Mrs. Powell was afflicted for several
years although she never complained but little. In the month of
August last she took to her bed and was never able to be up any more,
dying on 12th day of December 1928.....Mrs. Powell was always a
conscientious Christian woman always ready and willing to aid in any
way she could in sickness and was known by all her acquaintances and
friends by her ever ready service to the sick."Her funeral was held at Princeton Christian Church with Rev CE Nichols
officiating.
They had the following children:
M i Franklin Hudson POWELL was born about 1893. He died after 1961.
Elijah Washington WALL was born in 1844 in IN. He died in NE. He was buried in Stratton, NE. He married Nancy A POWELL.
Nancy A POWELL [Parents] was born on 23 Jun 1849 in Shelby Co, IL. She died on 29 Aug 1915. She married Elijah Washington WALL.
Nancy was a twin to Benjamin.
They had the following children:
F i Aurora WALL. F ii Cora WALL. M iii Samuel M WALL was born on 13 Jan 1870. He died on 16 Oct 1870 in Mercer Co, MO. He was buried in Pine Cem, Mercer Co, MO. M iv Conrad W WALL was born in 1872. F v Mary E WALL was born in 1874. M vi Thomas W WALL was born in 1876 in MO. F vii Xanthippie WALL was born in 1878. M viii Claude WALL was born on 5 Nov 1883 in Mercer Co, MO.
Floyd MORGAN.Floyd married Martha POWELL.
Martha POWELL [Parents] died in the early years of her marriage. She married Floyd MORGAN.