Joseph Glen POWELL [Parents] was born on 17 Aug 1900 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the Wright farm near Sullivan. He died on 20 Dec 1977 in El Cajon, CA. He was buried on 23 Dec 1977 in Greenwood Memorial Park, El Cajon, CA. He married Ann Jackson Dennis in Moultrie Co, IL, Jonathan Creek Christian Church.
Other marriages:SWISHER, Mary
Joe was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Residences & events:
1920 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He was living with his parents and was listed as a railroad baggageman in the census.
1939 Arthur, Moultrie Co, IL, was his address at reunion time and he attended alone.
Decatur, IL
El Cajon, CA
Living so far from the family, there are only fleeting memories of him and Ann. Dorisgene Webb said it best:
"Little Uncle Joe was harder for me to be close to, I saw him so seldom. But I knew he had a special place in Mom's heart. Aunt Ann was always so neat and meticulous. She made my first BLT (bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich)."
(The family distinguished between their Uncle Joes by "Little Uncle Joe" Glenn Powell and "Big Uncle Joe" Heberdon Powell.)
Joe was the sole surviving member of his siblings but only by a couple of months, with the last 3 dying within the same year.
Ann Jackson Dennis was born on 31 May 1900. She married Joseph Glen POWELL in Moultrie Co, IL, Jonathan Creek Christian Church.
They had the following children:
F i Joanne Catherine POWELL was born on 2 Feb 1942. She died after 1980. M ii William Ansell "Billie" POWELL was born on 11 Dec 1943.
J H MICHAEL.J married Jenny Lunceford Michael.
Jenny Lunceford Michael was born on 9 Mar 1873 in IL. She died on 29 Mar 1956 in Orlando, FL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married J H MICHAEL.
Other marriages:POWELL, Ansel Purvis
She died at the home of her daughter, Melba.
McMullin Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral with Rev James L
Van Lear officiating. Pallbearers were: Jean and William Wood;
Orville, Richard and Francis Shiels; and Ronald Hengst.She is buried beside her son, Ferris.
They had the following children:
F i Melba MICHAEL died after 1956. M ii Ferris H MICHAEL was born in 1895. He died on 17 Aug 1927.
Nelson Erastus POWELL [Parents] was born on 18 Jun 1827 in Vermillion Co, IN. He died on 12 Mar 1904 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Elvira HENRY on 14 Mar 1850 in Shelby Co, IL, by Isaac L Keen.
Other marriages:PURVIS, Elizabeth Ooley "Bettie"
Nelson was described as 5'8", dark complexion, dark eyes, dark hair.
Residences & events in his life:
1850 Shelby Co, IL. Nelson married Elvira there and was listed in the census as a farmer with property = $700.
1851 Shelby Co, IL. He was named defendant in a circuit court case against Albertus Harper, details unknown.
1855 Coles Co, IL, was his residence when he was listed in the State census.
1857 Moultrie Co, IL. He was listed on the delinquent tax list, possibly because he was in Coles Co.
1860 Moultrie Co, IL. Having lost his wife just a few months prior, Nelson and his 2 daughters were living with his brother, James, and family at census time. Also living there, as a housekeeper's assistant, was Elizabeth Purvis who would become his second wife.
7/15/1861 Decatur, IL. Nelson enlisted as a Pvt in Co B 41st Reg IL Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to 1st Orderlie Sgt.
When Nelson left for war, he entrusted the care of his sole surviving daughter, 10 year old Lizzie, to James. However, this arrangement proved unsuitable as she was soon moved to the home of Addison McPheeters, family friends and neighbors. In a letter to Elizabeth
Purvis, Nelson wrote: "I received a letter from James yesterday who told me in his letter that Lizza had always been a good girl, always minded him well but that she didn't mind her Aunt atall. I wrote to Lizza yesterday about it & asked to know what was the matter. I told Eveline that I had heard that she did not use Libba as she ought to. I told her that I had never whipped anybody elses child, and that I never would and it hurt my feelings verry bad to hear what I have heard." Other sources said Eveline treated Elizabeth as a servant.Nelson corresponded with relatives and friends while he was away and while several of the letters remain intact, they are very hard to read due to his small handwriting and lack of punctuation. Writing paper was a rare commodity and he used every scrap available, writing along the margins and anywhere he could squeeze in a sentence. In most of
the letters, besides relating events of the war and his activities, he tried to keep the tone humorous and full of funny anecdotes.Nelson was also mentioned often in the McPheeters' family letters during the Civil War:
1/7/1863 - "Nelson Powell is yet here (Sullivan) - Some of the black democrats (Copperheads) about Sullivan don't like his presance - Say they think he is kept here as a spy."
And - "Nelson Powell, evening before last came near having a dificulty in Sullivan. A little crowd of black democrats gathered around him and wanted to know his business here - accused him of being a spy etc He told them that he was in the service of the U.S. government, and that whatever his duties might be, he intended to discharge them faithfully, regardless of consequences - He gave them no information as to his business--There was a good deal said, and as one of them went off he said that shooting was what Powell needed or something to that effect. Powell did not hear him"
Again - "Donty has a good deal to say about Powell--Powell is fully prepared for them"
2/15/1863 - "Mrs (James) Powell and Nelson start for Humboldt (TN) next week."
4/5/1863 - "Betty Cornwell has another correspondent in dixie now (Mr N E Powell) she seems very much pleased with her new correspondent."
5/31/1865 "A late letter from N.E. Powell informs us he expects to be here (Moultrie Co) by the middle of June. Was in Washington city when he wrote."
Michael Fryburger, a friend from the area serving in the War efforts, also made references to Nelson and James in his letters:
2/10/1861 - He read Nelson Powell's letter to Peyton.
2/12/1862 - From Cape Girardeau, Nelson Powell sent a letter from Paducah and is well.12/17/1863 Nelson was discharged at Vicksburg, Miss. He reenlisted immediately as a veteran, was promoted to 2 Master Sgt, tranferred and promoted to Capt of Co G 53rd Reg (the 41st having been consolidated with the 53rd),
12/12/1864 Moultrie Co, IL. Estray notice (he claimed a stray animal, probably a horse).
7/15/1865 Just a few days prior to his discharge from the service, Nelson bought a lot in Sullivan from James and Eveline for $160.
7/22/1865 Louisville, KY, where he received his final discharge. During his tour of duty, he saw action at Ft Henry & Heaman, TN; Ft Donelson; Shiloh, Pittsburg landing; seige of Corinth, Miss; seige of Vicksburg, & Jackson, was in the Battle of the 12, seige of Atlanta
and ended up at Savannah, GA, with Sherman in his march to the sea.A few months later he married Elizabeth Purvis whom he had courted by mail throughout the war.
4/6/1867 Nelson bought a plot of ground for $210.
6/26/1868 Paying $80 to Robert Bracken and wife, Nelson received another lot in town.
1870 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL, was his residence at census time, Lizzie had married but he and Elizabeth had 2 more small children to be counted.
1871 Moultrie Co, IL. He paid the tax for the school district.
8/31/1872 Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson bought 39.87 acres from the railroad @ $12.00/acre for a total of $478.
9/1872 Jacksonville, Morgan Co, IL. One of his daughters died and was buried there.
1873-1876 Near Hutchinson, KS where one son was born and died. Nelson went to Kansas with friends to seek the good life but lost everything due to a grasshopper plague.
Mercer Co, MO. It is not clear when he lived in Mercer Co, whether on the way to or from Kansas, but he was remembered by the old settlers there as a former resident.
10/13/1877 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson paid $200 for a lot.
1880 Washington Twp, Mercer Co, MO, where he was listed in the census, as a farmer and had a house full of children. Also living with him was an Emery Rachybough, 18, laborer in a rock querry (sic). In the same township was brothers, John Lisle, and Benjamin, with their families.
About 1882 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL.
9/13/1884 He applied for an invalid's pension due to rheumatism from exposure near Ft Donalson & Henry, Tenn, 2/13/1862 and the resulting disease of the heart 11/1865. The application was approved and he received his last check on 1/4/1904.
4/15/1897 As a memento of his war service, he presented to his wife a large poster containing his war record. The record was incorporated into the design for a national monument of the Grand Army of the Republic planned to be erected in October 1898. Among family mementos are a photo of Nelson in his uniform, a photo of "My Fathers Co. 41st Ill. taken where their comrads were buried Battle at Shilow," and a photo of the Civil War veterans of Jonathan Creek Church.
1892 Nelson signed an affidavit for Eveline Powell, James' widow, in her efforts to obtain a Widow's Pension.
9/10/1895 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson paid $800 to John and Nancy Purvis for a lot in the Lewis subdivision.
2/2/1897 He bought a second lot in the same area from the John and Nancy Purvis for $600.
1900 Sullivan Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. The aged Nelson and Elizabeth still had one child at home, Mary C, at 18.
6/13/1901 Cadwell, Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson E Powell became the postmasters there, assuming the position held some 3 years prior by nephew, Lycurgus Powell. Apparently he could not convince his wife and daughter to move there with him as shown by the following letter to son Joe, and his new bride, dated 8/5/1901:
"Dear Joe and Pearl
I have no time to either read or write so I dont do much of it I was home Sunday and read a little letter from you to Ma I was glad to hear you had got employment hope you will succeed in the business and give good service to the company and you will soon find it will beat a little restaurant bad I hope your little failure over at Sullivan will be a good schooling to you nearly every boddy has to get there eye teeth cut and take a little rought schooling at the start. I know I did write and tell just how things are Running with you I am still all alone except Puss Runs up and helps me a day or two in the week Ma is not well has that pain in back of head she had with on Levi's place she is bent on not coming up here so is Puss Ansell is thrashing and hauling his oats this week says he can
haul your things to you next week
well I must go to supper so good bye for this timeYour Old Pa
Cadwell
Ills1902 He applied for a renewal of his $12/month invalid pension because of his "inability to earn a support by manual labor" because of rheumatism disease of heart and senile debility from 12/7/1896 and 6/27/1890, disease of left leg, deafness of both ears, and general debility from age. Witnesses who signed for him were E Davis and WP Wright.
2/24/1903 Nelson bought a third lot in the Lewis subdivision, paying $800 to son, William and Eugenia Powell.
9/19/1903 He applied for an increase of his invalid pension of $12/month. Signatures as witnesses for the application included GR Hawkins and Ira McIlwain.
The doctor, A.D. Miller, gave the following report of Nelson's death for the application for pension of his widow:
"The onset of Mr Powells death dates back for at least one year prior to death. I did not see him untill Jan 12, 1904 before that time he only complained of a numness of left side with impaired use. on Jan 12 he lost use of left side with loss of speach for a few hours but regained partial use with improved speach. On Mar 2, 04 he fell in the floor from chair and up to his death he talked at random. from henceforth to death he was totaly unconscious and died in coma. I noted his heart disease at my first examination that he came before the board of examiners. I don't remember the date. Did not have any fever at any time during his sickness.
A.D. Miller"The same physician also gave the following affidavit:
"I first knew the soldier about Sept 1894. I first treated him professionally about fall of 1899 for heart trouble and at intervels of 3 or 4 months for same and Lagrippe also for a nervous condition untill his last illness which was paralysis with softening of brain, as a result of which he died on March 12th 1904. At the last five days of his illness pneumonia appeared which hastened his death."His obituary states: "Nelson died at his home in the east part of Sullivan Saturday night after weeks of suffering. He had been in poor health all winter and was partly paralyzed. The funeral was held in the Christian church Tuesday afternoon. He had been an efficient
member of that church for over half a century. Elder H. A. Davis conducted the service.He was a member of the Fourty-First Illinois Regiment and gave three years of his life to the service of his country during the Civil War. He was a member of the local G.A.R. Post and the post attended the service in a body.
His second wife was a daughter of Samuel Purvis (was actually William Purvis) and to this union were given four children, three live near Sullivan and the other in Mattoon. He was a staunch Republican and always worked for the advancement of his party."
On 3/19/1904 Elizabeth bought the cemetery plot from W.A. and Mary
Steele for $10.
Elvira HENRY was born in 1832 in Shelby Co, IL. She died on 17 Oct 1859 in Shelby/Moultrie Co, IL. She married Nelson Erastus POWELL on 14 Mar 1850 in Shelby Co, IL, by Isaac L Keen.
Elvira's family contained some notable people. Her father, Bushrod Henry, was said to be collateral descendent of Patrick Henry. Bushrod was described as a "remarkable" man by one proud descendant. He was a farmer, merchant and minister of the Disciples of Christ churches throughout Illinois. He was a founder and trustee of Eureka College, Eureka, IL.
Over 600 people attended his funeral. Her brother, Beverly, was an attorney and a framer of the IL Constitution.Elvira's name in the 1850 census was recorded as Ebin.
They had the following children:
F i Elizabeth Agnes "Lizzie" POWELL was born on 28 May 1851. She died in 1941. M ii Bushrod Henry POWELL died in infancy. M iii Walter Newton POWELL died in infancy. M iv Edlen POWELL died in infancy. F v Elvira E POWELL was born in Dec 1859 in IL. She died in 1860/1861.
Elvira was listed in the 1860 census at 8 mo old. Her father never
mentioned her in his letters during the Civil War so apparently she
died prior to his enlistment.
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 Nancy Agnes MCILVAIN in 1826 in Columbus, Franklin Co, OH.
Other marriages:Humphrey Street, Mary
Calvin, Elizabeth Ann "Eliza"
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.
Nancy Agnes MCILVAIN [Parents] was born on 2 Sep 1810 in OH. She died on 22 Jan 1848 in Shelby Co, IL. She was buried in Bateman Cem, Cold Spring Twp, Shelby Co, IL. She married Squire Moses POWELL in 1826 in Columbus, Franklin Co, OH.
Agnes was probably named for her great grandmother McElvain. She lost 7 sons in infancy besides the ones she raised to adulthood.
Some geneologists have her birth date as 8/4/1810.
They had the following children:
M i Nelson Erastus POWELL was born on 18 Jun 1827. He died on 12 Mar 1904. M ii James McElvain POWELL was born on 17 Jan 1830. He died on 8 Dec 1890. M iii Aaron POWELL died in CA.
Aaron never married. He went west and was never heard from again.M iv Andrew POWELL was born in 1836. He died in 1858. M v John Lisle POWELL was born on 15 Jul 1839. He died on 12 May 1918. M vi Joseph Purdy POWELL was born on 2 Mar 1842. He died on 11 Apr 1901. M vii Samuel Hoshour POWELL was born in 1846 in IN. He died on 30 Jun 1865 in Little Rock, AK, Helen's Hospital.
Samuel was named for Prof Samuel K Hoshour, family friend and
preacher, who organized the Christian Church of Cambridge City, IN, in
1839 which included many of the Powell family.
He was only two years old when his mother died and was apparently left
behind in IL with an older sibling when his father moved to MO. In
August, 1863, brother, Joseph took him to MO for a visit and he stayed
for awhile.
3/1866 He was mentioned in the Moultrie Co, IL, treasurer's report,
specifics not given, but was apparently old business as he had died a
few months prior.
Some family members believe he was killed in action during the Civil
War and perhaps he was. However, the dates of service given, from
1861-1865, do not coincide with his age and other events of his life.
He may have joined up after returning from the trip to Missouri in
1863 to visit his father.F viii Daughter POWELL was born on 22 Jan 1848 in Shelby Co, IL. She died on 22 Jan 1848.
She died at birth, along with her mother.
Squire William M PURVIS [Parents] was born on 24 Oct 1808 in Hardin Co, KY, near Elizabethtown. He died on 16 Jan 1881 in Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Eliza McMahan Berry on 25 Feb 1831 in Sangamon Co, IL, near New Salem.
Other marriages:TANNER, Ellen Jane CARTER
In a family history by William's daughter, Clara, she described William from the eyes of a woman who must have been "smitten" with him: "she went to the dance and he was one of the musicians. He was playing the fiddle. He had beautiful, soft, red hair at that time and that night he wore a dark blue velvet coat. He had blue eyes. She thought he was the most beautiful boy she had ever seen."
Another relative described him: "As a man, William Purvis was peculiar in many respects, persistently abstaining from alcoholic drinks and tobacco, which habits were very common in those days."
He became a county judge and claimed Abraham Lincoln among his personal friends. He was considered quite wealthy by the standards of the day, but his brother, George, was much richer.
Between his wives, he had 18 children, the second family, which included Clara, barely knew the first and only became acquainted after reaching adulthood.
Residences & events in his life:
Hardin Co, KY, near Elizabethtown. Clara, said "he had no opportunity at all to get an education. He was nineteen years old when he married and the girl he married taught him to read and write. She must have taught him well because later in life he became rather an important man in his community. She also got him to join the church and stop an
occasional spree. I don't know that he ever went on a spree, but I do know that he said he never tased liquor after he joined the church."1826 He arrived in IL according to the listing of "Kentuckians in IL."
1827 Sangamon Co, IL, near Springfield, where he rented some land and married. He built a large cabin, one large room on the ground with another above that. (Years later the family would return for a group photo in front of this cabin.) Clara erroneously thought the family had arrived in IL that same year, stating further that William counted Abraham Lincoln among his good friends, "both about the same age and they were men of much the same turn of mind. Both of them were intensely patriotic and sensibly religious." They called each other "Abe" and "Bill."
1831 Shelby Co, IL. One history listed him among the early settlers of the county, recording his arrival as this date. However, a descendant said they settled there in 1835 which seems to be supported by another county history.
1835 Sangamon Co, IL. William and John Ooley were named in the file of the estate of a Bartlet Haley who died intestate on 5/2/1835.
1835 E Nelson Twp, Shelby Co, IL. The county history says he settled in this township on this date, however, land records recorded his first purchase of real estate much later.
5/10/1836 He was living in Shelby Co when he purchased 2 tracts of 80 acres each for $1.25/acre from a federal land sale. The property was located in Moultrie Co at S8 13N.
8/10/1838 Shelby Co. He bought 2 pieces of property in the county of his residence, one plot by deed, another by patent. Brothers, Tom, John, and George, also bought land on the same date.
Moultrie Co, IL. Clara remembered the family home east of Sullivan:
"This home, at the time it was built, was something to be proud of. My father and his sons built it with their own hands. The bricks were made and burnt in their kiln. Much of the lumber was sawed from trees on their farm. The house was not what we would call a pleasant arrangement today but was built after a pattern much in vogue in his time. It was a large appearing house from the outside, yet in the main body of it there were only three rooms. The two rooms built parallel to the road had a wide hall, a hall eight feet wide between them. This was the fashion of most of the old houses built in an early day in Illinois, the better class of houses. These two front rooms were each eighteen feet square. One was furnished as the parlor, but it had a bed, a really very beautiful bed as I can remember--polished black wood of some kind and with what is called the spool wood forms in the head.....the best furniture at that time was horsehair. Ours was of black horsehair....and the wood of it matched the wood of the bed. The chairs were cane bottom and had bars across the back and on this roses were painted.....At the east side of the room, and, by the way, the house faced north--was the parlor fireplace and this was a very fine affair in its day. The mantel was of white marble and the pillars that went up at the side were of white marble. The hearth, as I remember, was also of marble. I won't be sure of that, but I do know that the hearth to the fireplace in the living room was made of brick and I used to think it looked so coarse compared with the hearth of the better room.
Mother always kept fine, white muslin curtains that were pleated crosswise hanging at these high windows and I remember how the breeze, the wind, used to come in and flutter those white curtains over the bright red carpet, a heavy three-ply ingrain carpet, very fine. The carpet was one mother was very proud of.....In the northwest corner of the room stood a thing that very few people have ever seen--a melodion, and really the only one that I ever saw. It was shaped like, I guess you would call it, the grand piano, table-shaped, but it resembled a toy piano, but sounded like an organ. The notes were not the ringing bell piano notes......The house was built in an L-shape with a great porch but not covered. The great porch filled out the L. On this porch later on a bedroom had been built for hired hands and tramps. My father always kept everybody that came by and asked to stay overnight so it was convenient to have some place like that to store them away." Clara later said it was the second best house in the neighborhood without naming the first.The grounds were sprinkled with all kinds of flowers and shrubs, many of which William transplanted from his excursions. William learned the art of grafting fruit trees and had one tree which bore 5 different kinds of apples, producing various varieties from early
spring until fall.1849 Moultrie Co, near Lovingington. He was a member of the first board of trustess for the Methodist Church built there.
1850 Moultrie Co, IL. William had property = $960 recorded in the census but no occupation. There were 10 children at home at that time.
5/1858 He was appointed guardian of a Richard Purvis, who may have been a nephew.
1860 Moultrie Co, IL. He was listed as a bricklayer with property = $6400/1500 in the census. He was also county judge about this time, his name appearing on several court and county documents. Also to his credit, he was one of the founders of the Methodist Church of Sullivan.
10/26/1861 William bought 2 pieces of railroad land located at S20 T14N, each containing 80 acres, for $8.00/acre.
His last meeting with Abe Lincoln before he went to Washington, according to family tradition, occurred by chance as both were riding on a trail through the woods one day. William later took his sons there and said, "Boys, now always remember that you have seen the log where Abraham Lincoln sat and visited with your father."
Being a musician, he taught his children to play and sing, two of the sons choosing the violin along with him. Eventually William and his children performed for special occasions in addition to touring the area to raise money for the North during the Civil War. The group was performing the night they received the news of Lincoln's death and wore crepe bows on their arms while on stage. A granddaughter said William was "terribly stricken with grief.....saying, 'The country will go to the dogs now. Nothing can save the country now.'"
From the McPheeters' family letters:
9/6/1863 "Squire Purvis & John Hamson had a big jaw lately. John knows more precisely what the Squire thinks of his loyalty, for he told him in full. The old man and Mrs. Kerchevill have quit quarelling. The old Hamson lady gave him such a dose lately that he
will not trouble her again. Henry Purvis was riding by Travilion's a few days since. The old man was on the side of the road. Henry shouted for Vollandingham. The old man replied that Vollandingham was a tory ans so were all his friends. Very well done."7/23/1865 "I must tell you how I spent the 4th....Mrs. Lousten performed on the melodian and of course Purvis choir sung."
Clara described William's violin:
"my father picked (it) up somewhere at an auction in Illinois in the early days. It was a Stradivarius made at Cemona, Italy and I think must have been on record because in later years the authorities sent for it asking to display it at one of the World Fairs. My brother
(Wesley), who had it at that time, however, would not let it go. He was afraid he would not get the same violin back." "Its history was on a parchment in the case." Unfortunately the violin was neglected and has long since disappeared.1870 E Nelson Twp. For reasons not known, William, his 2nd wife, 2 youngest daugters, and a new son, were living with son, John (recorded as James in the census) who was still single. Also in that family were 2 adopted children who were probably also William's rather than John's. They were George Reams, 14, and Amanda Webb, 14. William, at 62, was listed as a farmer with property = $8000/1500 which was big dollars but not even half as much as brother, George, owned.
1875 E Nelson Twp. He was listed in the atlas among the 1021 township residents as a land owner along with brother, George, and sons, Ephraim and Enoch. Son, John, had moved west and so was not listed.
1880 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. At census time, William was still listed as a farmer. All children from his first family were gone, only the second set were at home. Living with them was Oliver Perry, 19, farm hand, next door was son, Enoch, and brother, George,
lived 3 doors down the road the other way.It was said by his children that William was rather strict with his first family but extremely fond of the children of his old age and was very indulgent and kind to them, boasting that he never whipped any of his children. However, all the children loved and respected him
greatly.1881 The history of the county said he was still living at the same place where he had settled 50 years prior. It stated further that "he has raised a large family of children, and has held many offices of trust, and was always an active and enterprising citizen of the
county."8/1900 His descendants had a reunion with the following report in the newspaper:
"At an early hour last Saturday August 1900, carriages laden with people and provisions were driving toward the old Purvis homestead and cemetery for a day together (a family reunion). Dr. Kellar called the meeting to order and proceeded to organize by electing Hudson Martin of Bement chairman and Mrs. Maggie Goodrich of Goodlyn, Kans.
secretary. Miss Mary Powell was selected organist, after which songs and short speeches by old friends were rendered. Dr. Kellar read a brief history of the family of William and Eliza Purvis.
The following is a brief history of the family of William and Eliza Purvis.
'About 1835 William Purvis and his wife, Eliza Purvis, settled in Moultrie county and entered a quarter section of land including this cemetery at our left. Eleven children were born to them, four are here today.
Many of the old time pioneers can remember the trial and hardships through which the first settlers passed. When they wished to purchase groceries, they went to St. Louis, that being the nearest town of any size where they could get supplies. After working in the timber all day William Purvis would sit up until ten and eleven o'clock making baskets from native timber, and his wife Eliza would be up knitting stockings and mittens from wool they sheared from sheep and carded and spun in yarn.
When a wagon load of baskets were finished they were taken to St. Louis and proceeds were used to buy sugar, coffee, and other necessaries not produced on the farm.
Mr. Purvis made sorgum molasses and sugar and all kinds of farm work.
Eliza Purvis the wife and mother died Dec. 4 1866. In 1868 William Purvis married Mrs. E.J. Tanner, six children were born to them, Jasper, William, Lucy, Clara, Frank and Florence. In Jan. 1881 William Purvis passed away and was buried by his wife in this little Purvis Cemetary by the old home place.'"William's widow sold the property to a family named Daugherty and the cemetery on the grounds became known by the Daugherty name.
The rest of his siblings were born in Fleming Co, KY, and while his descendants recorded his birthplace as posted, it is unlikely his parents went to Hardin Co, then back to Fleming.
Daughter, Clara, said his final illness was "brought on by exposure when he went to the woods to work with the them (hired men) to cut down trees for their winter wood. He had taken his lunch--it was rather a warm day--and after working until he was perspiring and
overheated, he sat down under a tree to eat his lunch and became chilled, so that he came home not feeling very well. He was still in that state of semi-illness when he received word that (son) Wesley.....had moved several miles west of Sullivan......So he went over to see him, rode over on horseback through bad weather when he was not well anyway. He came home and went right to bed and after an illness of about a week of pneumonia he died."He died without a will but the first family agreed that Ellen and her children could continue to live on the farm until the youngest child reached 21. Their father had already given a piece of land to each of the first family, with the exception of the youngest. He intended his last 220 acres to be split among the rest of the children.
However, it seems Wesley got greedy and sued to divide the land immediately and won. After dividing the property among 15 children and selling everything else, there was only $80 left for Ellen. The whole family felt cheated after receiving such small parcels, especially since the price of land was only about $35/acre. The dispute between the two families resulted in Ellen selling her children's land and moving to McCook, NE, in 1885.
The Daughtery Cem is located on the original farm of William Purvis near Sullivan, IL and is named for the next owners, the ones who purchased it from Ellen when she went west.
Engraved on William's side of the gravestone he shares with Eliza is engraved:
"Mark the perfect oath and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."Some said the third wife intended to be buried with him also but then moved out of state, never to return.
Eliza McMahan Berry [Parents] was born on 25 Oct 1813 in KY, probably Butler Co. She died on 4 Dec 1866 in Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Squire William M PURVIS on 25 Feb 1831 in Sangamon Co, IL, near New Salem.
There was much confusion about William's wives, Eliza in particular. Her Powell descendants always assumed her name was Ooley since one daughter carried that as a middle name. In her book, William's daughter, Clara, said William's first wife was a Berry, which was confirmed in books by the Graham daughters-in-law. Marriage records had McMahan only as Eliza's last name. And at least one researcher said William had 3 wives listing Eliza McMahan as #1, Elvira Berry as #2, and Ellen Jane Tanner as #3.
Finally the real Eliza McMahan Berry was found and everything fell into place, making perfect sense.
Family lore says the New Salem, IL, store where Abraham Lincoln met Ann Rutledge was owned by a Berry, a relative of Eliza.
Her side of the gravestone reads:
"Our labor's done, securely laid
In this our last retreat
Unheeded o'er our silent dust
The storms of earth may beat."
They had the following children:
M i Ephraim Darlin PURVIS was born on 11 Dec 1831. He died on 10 Jan 1915. M ii Enoch Berry PURVIS was born on 2 Jan 1833. He died on 24 Feb 1910. F iii Margaret M(cMahan) PURVIS was born on 16 Mar 1835 in Shelby Co, IL. She died on 8 Oct 1851 in Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL, beside her mother.
Margaret was probably named for her great grandmother, Margaret McMahon Womack.F iv Elizabeth Ooley "Bettie" PURVIS was born on 4 Jan 1837. She died on 18 Nov 1915. F v Camilla T(yrold) "Millie" Purvis was born in 1839. She died before 1900. F vi Sarah Jane PURVIS was born in 1841. She died before 1900. M vii John Wesley PURVIS was born on 4 Oct 1843. He died on 5 Feb 1902. F viii Elvira PURVIS was born on 2 Apr 1845. She died in 1895. F ix Charlotte PURVIS was born on 2 Apr 1845. She died on 6 May 1885. F x Louisa Angeline PURVIS was born on 5 Aug 1848 in Moultrie Co, IL. She died on 24 Oct 1868 in Moultrie Co, IL. F xi Mary Catherine PURVIS was born in 1851. She died after 1900.
William Moses POWELL [Parents] was born on 28 Feb 1867 in Moultrie Co, IL. He died on 18 May 1953 in Moultrie Co, IL, at home. He was buried on 20 May 1953 in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Mary Eugenia "Genie" BAKER on 17 Jan 1892 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the bride's home.
Residences & events:
Moultrie Co, IL, was where he lived most of his adult life.
9/12/1895 His description was recorded by the county registrar's office: tall, slender build, blue eyes, and light hair.
1900 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. In the census his occupation was farmer and Robert Wright, 21, a farm hand, was living with the family.
1910 At the same residence, the census taker recorded 2 men named Winkler as hired hands living with William's family.
1/6/1943 He had an auction to sell off the farm equipment, 5 head of cattle and 3 horses, and some hay.
1952 was the date one source said he retired from farming after 55 yrs in the Jonathan Creek community. However, he sold everything in 1943 so more than likely that was the date of retirement.
7/1953 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He moved into town just 10 months before his death.
His death occurred following an illness of several months.
The funeral was held at Jonathan Creek Christian Church, Rev WB Hopper conducting. Pallbearers were all relatives: Merle R, Denzel, Hubert, Duane, Richard, and Merle Powell.
Mary Eugenia "Genie" BAKER was born on 27 Jan 1872 in Clarksburg, OH. She died on 18 Jul 1944 in Moultrie Co, IL, at home. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married William Moses POWELL on 17 Jan 1892 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the bride's home.
She was 3 when her family came to Illinois and was a member of the
Jonathan Creek Christian church for 47 years.Mary's funeral, conducted by Rev W.B. Hopper, was held at Jonathan
Creek Christian church on Thursday afternoon at 3 PM.
They had the following children:
F i Enola Grace POWELL was born on 3 Jan 1894. She died on 18 Apr 1953. M ii Orville Wendell POWELL was born on 24 Nov 1895. He died on 31 Aug 1959. M iii Ralph Clement POWELL was born on 24 Mar 1898. He died on 27 Sep 1994.
Joseph Heberdon POWELL [Parents] was born on 17 Sep 1878 in MO, near Car Co. He died on 20 Apr 1956 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Zion Hill Cem, Coles Co, IL. He married Pearl N GANNAWAY on 26 Mar 1901 in Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IL, at the home of L E Powell.
Joe seems to have been a free spirit and quite a character. He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Sullivan Lodge.
Residences & events:
Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL
8/1901 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He and Pearl moved within a few months after their marriage.
1902 Joe landed a position on the Illinois Central Railroad, working in various capacities until eventually becoming a conductor. He also operated the Yellow Cab Line in Mattoon in addition to the railroad.
The following newspaper account (date unknown) reported another of Joe's tradegies:
"Double Wreck Causes Serious Injuries
Joe Powell of Mattoon was seriously injured about 10:30 o'clock on Monday night when he was struck by a truck driven by Russell Jenkins of this city. Powell, in the company of two companions, Messrs. Crabtree and Morrison, met with an accident about a half mile north of Allenville when the car he was driving left the road and was badly damaged. The three men had started to walk to Allenville, but were mistaken in the direction and were going toward Sullivan instead.
Mr. Jenkins approached in his truck and on account of the atmospheric condition did not notice the men until one stepped in front of his truck and tried to get a ride. Powell was struck by the truck and badly injured. When he found it impossible to get Powell in
the truck, Mr. Jenkins came on to Sullivan and notified the sheriff, G.D. Edmonds, who in company with Leonard McMullin motored to the scene of the accident. In the meantime, however, Mr. Schwengel, the Neoga undertaker had come along and had taken the man to the Memorial hospital in Mattoon for treatment.
According to reports, Powell, with his two companions had been drinking in Mattoon and then started on to Sullivan and were north of Allenville, when they lost control of the car and it overturned. Neither of the two other men were hurt."7/25/1917 Joe, in the company of his wife and his sister, Puss, visited cousins, George, John, and Buell Powell in Princeton, MO. on their way to Boulder, CO, for the summer.
1920 Mattoon, IL, 18th & Wabash Ave area.
1925 The following article was found in a scrapbook of relatives in Mercer Co, MO:
"Former Mercer County People Adopt Babies
J.H. Powell, a former Mercer County son, gets a write-up in the 'Illinois Central Railroad Magazine' as follows: 'Two tiny twin girls, who were brought into the world December
8th at the Miller Hospital at Winslow, Ind., have been the central figure of a tragic drama that has caught the attention of all railway folk in Mattoon, Ill.
Their mother, Mrs. Jasper Nolan, died within six hours after their birth. Their father, a Southern railway section laborer, who was the father of five other small children, felt that he could not properly take care of such small babies and said he was willing to give them away for adoption. They weighed just six pounds each and the tiny bits of humanity soon found their way into the affections of the nurses and doctors who had them in charge. In fact, they were named Catherine Rae and Maxine Rae after Miss Catherine Rosebrough and Miss Maxine Smith, the nurses who cared for them.....
Mrs. Powell got in touch with the hospital and went down to see the Board of Judges, and was awarded the children. Mr. Powell's economic condition and his position as a leading citizen of Mattoon combined with his high religious standards, moved the Board to choose him as a 'Foster father for the twins.'
Hardly able to realize her good fortune, Mrs. Powell made arrangements to bring them home. 'I just couldn't hardly believe I would have the good luck to be chosen from so many applicants,' said Mrs. Powell.
She was impressed with the kindness of the people she met, as everyone with whom she came in contact was anxious to help her with the children.
She changed trains at Browns, Ill, taking the Illinois Central from there. The agent at Browns helped make her and her little charges as comfortable as possible in the station, then called Mattoon to advise Mr. Powell the train on which Mrs. Powell would arrive. The
news evidently spread rapidly through the little town of Browns, as there was soon quite an audience at the Station to get a peep at the babies.
The twins seemed very happy in their new home and had the care and attention lavished on them by their happy new parents by thriving and gaining steadily and Mrs. Powell, who is the personification of motherliness, said she was having the time of her life caring for them; however, their happiness was brief, as the dread epidemic of flu caught both of the infants in its grasp, and in spite of the best medical care obtainable, little Maxine Rae developed pneumonia and released her slender hold on life the morning of January 29th. The life of little Catherine Rae was dispaired of for several days, but after a desperate fight waged by the plucky little mite, at the time of this writing she is out of danger and hopes are maintained for her complete recovery.
Mr. Powell says he is perfectly willing to answer a call any time in the night to quiet this little recruit into the Illinois family.
The J.H. Powell and wife are known here by many people; they visitied here several times with relatives. J.H. is a son of Nelson E. Powell, formerly of this county, that many old settlers remember.
J.H Powell writes his cousin, John E. Powell, that their little charge is a wonderful baby."10/1/1944 Joe retired from the railroad.
1951 Their anniversary celebration was reported by the newspaper, along with their photo: "Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Powell observed their golden wedding anniversary March 26 at their home, 1520 Edgar avenue, with open house from one until nine o'clock and also with a marriage ceremony, in renewal of their vows. Rev. J.F. McMahan, assisted by Dr. James M. Lively, officiated at the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Powell were attended by Mrs. Mary C. Cavanaugh and R.E. Van Gundy (nephew). The bride wore a blue taffeta dress and a corsage of yellow carnations.....
One hundred and fifty guests called at the Powelll home on Monday. The house was gaily decorated with bouquets of cut spring flowers. A three tiered wedding cake decorated in white and gold centered the refreshment table.
Mrs. Warren Arthur, Mrs. Earl Fitt, Mrs. J.D. Van Gundy, Mrs. Harry Parkison, Miss Doris Van Gundy and Miss Edna Young (all nieces) were hostesses for the open house and also served the refreshments."There were other family members among the out of town guests: Mr & Mrs Stanley Walker, Mr & Mrs Earl Powell, and Mr and Mrs Dewey Deckard of Decatur.
1955 Decatur, IL.
A great niece, Dorisgene Van Gundy Webb, remembers these special ancestors:
"I've heard the phrase 'This is my favorite aunt, or uncle.' Always liked to hear it myself. But in my case each one had a special place in my heart!
There was 'Big' Uncle Joe and Aunt Pearl. My first memory of going to the Powell reunion at Wyman Park (in Sullivan, IL) was going with Uncle Joe, he had a car! We would make speed on the straight-away, then turn the key off and coast down the hill. I would have never known that was the way to conserve gas! On Saturday nights he and Aunt Pearl would come over and we'd all stand around the piano and sing his favorite song....Carolina Moon. Aunt Pearl was always fascinated about my ability to stand on my head...the first thing she always wanted me to do for her! (I was told it was supposed to make you intelligent...in my case, it didn't work!) One of her famous quips was when she answered her door one evening and was asked by the gentleman standing there, 'Are you the lady that 'entertained?' She said , 'Oh my no, honey, I don't even have a radio!' "
(The family distinguished between their uncles by referring to "Big Uncle Joe" Heberdon Powell and "Little Uncle Joe" Glen Powell.)
His obituary states he was born in Moultrie Co, IL, near Arthur.
His obituary related the details of the accident which killed him:
"Joseph H. Powell passes away Wednesday morning from injuries received in an auto crash near Dalton City, on March 28. He was a passenger in a car driven by Mrs. Ella C. Nihiser. The accident occurred when the Nihiser car crashed into another car slowing for a school bus to turn. The accident was on Route 121, about three miles west of Dalton
City."His gravestone is completely covered on one side with a drawing of a train caboose, a tribute to his profession as a railroad man. The funeral services were held at the First Christian Church of Mattoon on Friday afternoon at 2 PM.
Pearl N GANNAWAY was born on 28 Feb 1886. She died on 22 Oct 1969 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Zion Hill Cem, Coles Co, IL. She married Joseph Heberdon POWELL on 26 Mar 1901 in Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IL, at the home of L E Powell.
They had the following children:
Edward C DUNKIN was born on 1 Jul 1878 in Moultrie Co, IL. He died on 17 Apr 1917 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Mary Camelia "Puss" POWELL on 12 Oct 1904.
He was a member of the Christian Church.
The news of Ed's demise was an item for the newspaper which produced a
glowing attribute to him:
"ED DUNKIN PASSES AWAY
Community Loses
Useful Citizen After a Brief IllnessSullivan and Moultrie County lost another valuable citizen with
the death of Edward C. Dunkin. Mr. Dunkin died Tuesday evening in the
Mattoon Memorial hsopital after a weeks' illness with peritonitis. A
gloom seemed to settle over the whole community when the word came
last week that he could not live and during the rest of his illness a
nervous tension between hope and despair seemed the prevalent emotion
as the question came several times each day from every lip: 'How is
Ed Dunkin?'
Ed was born and raised in this section of Moultrie county. He
practically grew to manhood on the streets of Sullivan. Though he
never made any pretentions at public life and in fact made no
pretentios of any kind, it is only when a great man dies that a
community bows in grief as was occasioned by the news of his death.
Surely it is a magnificent character that rises to greatness from
itself alone. Ed Dunkin was a personification of good citizenship.
His departure means a loss to the community which is more than
felt......
Mr. Dunkin united with the Christian church during the Scoville
revival and has been a consistent and devoted member of the church
since. At the present time he was deacon and treasurer of the Bible
school.
In the community no one was more respected than he. He was a
home loving man and was proud of his home above all things else. He
was identified with the I.O.O.F. of this city. During his brief
illness he suffered intensely yet made a heroic fight to live and when
he realized there was no hope was ready and anxious to go.....""The funeral was held from the Christian church Thursday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The Odd Fellows had charge and Rev. W.B.
Hopper delivered the sermon. All business houses were closed during
the funeral hour.
The service was one of the most largely attended ever held here.
The church was crowded to capacity and a large number were forced to
remain outside."
Mary Camelia "Puss" POWELL [Parents] was born on 6 May 1882 in Moultrie Co, IL, near Sullivan. She died on 2 Mar 1919 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Edward C DUNKIN on 12 Oct 1904.
She received her middle name from her aunt, Camilla Purvis. Mary was in a photo with Nannie McIlwain @ 1900. Were they cousins and/or just best friends?
Her obituary read:
"Mrs. Mary Dunkin
Passes Away at Home of Her Brother in MattoonContracting tuberculosis shortly after the death of her husband two years ago, Mrs. Mary Camilla Dunkin passes away at the home of her brother. A.P. Powell, in Mattoon at 12:30 o'clock on Sunday. She had been confined to her bed for the past five months.
Mary Powell was born near Sullivan in 1882 and had always resided in this city until several months ago when she went to Mattoon to live.
She was a lovely character and was particularly interested in the work of the Christian church in this city....."Mary's funeral was held at 3 PM on a Monday at the Christian church of Sullivan with Rev W.B. Hopper officiating.
They had the following children:
Levi SEASS was born in 1846 in IL. He died in 1924 in Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Seass Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Elizabeth Agnes "Lizzie" POWELL on 20 Aug 1867 in Moultrie Co, IL.
Levi was a prominent farmer in the Sullivan area.
Residences & events in his life:
1870 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. In the census as a farmer, he had property = $8000/800 and was living next door to Huts Martin. Living with him was a farm hand, Permene Stutesman, 24, and a Sarah Reames, 11, who was probably a sister to the George Reams, 14, who lived with John W Purvis and his father, and the Charles Reames, 19, living with the Henry Evans family. Both Sarah and George were born in IN, Charles in KY. Their relationships were not stated but probably all were Levi's relatives.
1876 Levi erected the Arthur Elevator "with a capacity of 20,000 (?) storage, and is built for handling all kinds of grain."
1910 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. At census time children, Louis, age 36, and Bertha, at 32, were still at home and 2 of Llewellyn's children lived there as well. The census taker also recorded that 5 of their 6 children were still living at the time. Servant, Grace Hollenback, 17, was also counted there.
His death was noted in the Powell family reunion minutes that year.
Elizabeth Agnes "Lizzie" POWELL [Parents] was born on 28 May 1851 in Moultrie Co, IL. She died in 1941 in Moultrie Co, IL. She married Levi SEASS on 20 Aug 1867 in Moultrie Co, IL.
Lizzie was recognized at the 1933 Powell reunion, and the next several years, as the oldest member of the family in attendance.
They had the following children:
F i Aurora "Aura" SEASS was born in 1869. F ii Elvira Henry "Ella\Bi" Seass. M iii Llewellyn "Louis" Dexter SEASS was born in 1874. He died after 1931. F iv Bertha E SEASS was born in 1878. F v Nelly C SEASS. M vi Waverly W SEASS was born in 1890. He died on 25 Sep 1893 in Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Seass Cem, Moultrie Co, IL.
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 Mary Humphrey Street on 20 Aug 1848 in Shelby Co, IL, by J C Corley.
Other marriages:MCILVAIN, Nancy Agnes
Calvin, Elizabeth Ann "Eliza"
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.
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 Squire Moses POWELL on 20 Aug 1848 in Shelby Co, IL, by J C Corley.
Other marriages:STREET, James
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:
F i Nancy A POWELL was born on 23 Jun 1849. She died on 29 Aug 1915. M ii Benjamin Franklin POWELL was born on 23 Jun 1849. He died on 7 May 1928. F iii Martha POWELL died in the early years of her marriage. M iv Thomas Eli POWELL was born on 14 Jan 1854. He died on 17 Jan 1923. F v Mary Jenett "Tade" POWELL was born on 20 Apr 1857. She died on 21 Nov 1921.