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John was described as an active and energetic farmer/cattle raiser. Heowned 626 acres of which 619 was in 1 body. His wife's obituarystates: "(They) went to house keeping in an humble home a shortdistance south of Sullivan. By their combined industry and good management they prospered and accumulated a good farm, adjoining thesoutheastern limits of (unreadable) to Sullivan in the spring of1872." Residences & events: 12/26/1841 Shelby Co, IL. Apparently John and Simon inherited someland from their father. When a judgment was made against them infavor of Byrd Monroe, assignee of George M Hanson, for $42.86 plus$5.56 for the cost of the suit, the sheriff found they had no personalproperty with which to pay it so he sold 40 acres of their land toJoshua Patterson as highest bidder for $43. 1846 John and Sarah joined the First Christian Church of Sullivan,IL, meeting in a log house used as the school during the week. 1847 Moultrie Co, 1 mi SE of Sullivan, IL. One reference said he andSarah settled in Moultrie Co in 1879, however, his daughter's date ofsettlement confirmed the 1847 date. 1850 Moultrie Co, IL. John was the only Powell listed in the countycensus, the rest being still in Shelby. His property = $375 and hisbrother, William, was living with him. He served as administrator ofWilliam's estate 2 years later. Next door was George and MahalaPurvis and 3 doors down was Peter Harbaugh, Sarah's relatives. 3/1857 He was mentioned in the county treasurer's report, and againon 9/3/1860. 1860 At census time, nephew, James Bathe, 13, was living with him andhis property = $400/1600. Also at his home was a David Niele, 18, andGeorge Thompson, 21, who were probably farm hands. In the same areawas William Bathe, 10, living with the David Patterson family nextdoor to David Harbaugh. He was mentioned in the McPheeters family letters during the CivilWar: 6/4/1863 - "The war has broke out again betwixt John Powell andOld dad (McPheeters). As usual Old dad is wrong and acting thefool - carry his revolver, but is too big a coward to use it." 8/20/1863 - "The copperheads are down on Smyser for coming outand approving conscription act. Smyser wrote to John Powell andhe had Smysers letter published (in the newspaper at Sullivan)." 1865 He was included on the road district list. 1870 John's property value had increased considerably to $15,000/500and he still had 3 children at home. 1880 Sullivan, IL. Son, Cash, was the only child still at home andJohn was a retired farmer at age 57. |
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In the 1900 census, Cassius reported his father was born in Ohio and his mother in KY. However, John may have been born in Moultrie Co, 1 mile SE of Sullivan, per History of Shelby and Moultrie Counties. |
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His will was dated 3/26/1883 and filed 5/4/1891. Heirs included: Mary A Green, Elizabeth McDonald, Martha A Harris, Cassius M Powell, and Angeline Wright, and his wife, Sarah. |