John Powell 1830-1909

POWELL

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 10/19/2015 at 08:25:52

John Powell At Rest.

John Powell was born near Richmond, Virginia, February 17, 1830, and passed peacefully away at his late home near Elliott, Iowa, April 3, 1909, aged 79 years, 1 month and 16 days.

On June 27, 1850 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Howard of Pendleton, Indiana. To this union were born six children, five of whom survive as follows: Mrs. A. R. Downing of Rose, Kansas, E. E. Powell of Seattle, Washington, Mrs. Louisa Welsh of Omaha, Nebraska, Mrs. J. W. Conlee of White Hall, Illinois and J. H. Powell of Elliott, Iowa. One daughter, Mrs. Susie Davenport, preceded the father to the spirit world, June 9, 1908.

When but a child he came with his parents to Indiana, from there he removed to Roseville, Illinois, where he lived for 37 years. In 1904 he came to Iowa which has been his home ever since. When 19 years old he was converted to God and united with the M. E. church and remained a faithful member of the same for 60 years.

For 18 years Father Powell has been afflicted, yet he bore his affliction without a murmur or complaint. About six weeks ago he began to fail rapidly, the end came Saturday evening about 9 o’clock p.m. He is now safe at home with the loved ones who have gone before. During his sickness he was cheerful and happy, when he realized that he had but a short time to stay, he made arrangements for his funeral. During his last moments he repeatedly said, “My eye of faith is clear and bright, I want to go home, I’ll soon be at home with Susie. He was conscious up to the very last. He said “Dying is like going from one room to another. I am not afraid to die”. He sang the Doxology, bade loved ones farewell. Well may all who read these lines say, “Let me die the death of the righteous, let my last end be like his.” Grandpa Powell loved his fellowmen, he loved his church above and beyond all, and he loved the Master whom he served for over half a century.

A sorrowing companion, who for 58 years walked by his side, two sons and three daughters, four sisters, two brothers, twenty-one grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, with a host of friends and acquaintances mourn the loss of a kind husband, a loving father, a dear brother, a true friend and citizen.

The funeral was held from the home Tuesday at 2 p. m., conducted by Rev. J. H. Freedline, pastor of the First M. E. church at Elliott, Iowa. The house and yard were filled with the scores of old neighbors and friends who came to show their esteem for the departed and to express their sorrow with the living. Rev. Freedline’s address was short but full of tender words to the bereaved. The singing was by Messer’s Wm. Howard and F. E. Tunnycliff and Misses Mary Manker and Maud Wight. The floral offerings were very beautiful. Owing to the inclement weather many of the friends were detained from going to the Elliott Hillside cemetery where all that was mortal of our friend, neighbor, comrade and citizen was laid to rest to await the sounding of the trumpets on the resurrection morn.

The bereaved wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community.

THE ELLIOTT GRAPHIC, Elliott, Iowa, April 8, 1909.