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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. |
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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." |
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"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. |