G. C. Powell
There is a certain measure of gratification in the knowledge that one's success in life is due entirely to his own individual energy and personal application and this satisfaction is due to G. C. Powell, who is in every respect a self-made man.
He was born in Herefordshire county, England, January 4, 1874, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Powis) Powell. The father died when his son was but six months old, after which event the mother came to the United States, locating in Denison, Crawford county, where her death occurred in 1886, when Mr. Powell was twelve years of age. The latter was left alone in the world with the exception of one sister, Rose, three years his senior, who is now the wife of Charles A. Reed, a prosperous and well-to-do contractor and builder of Long Beach, California.
Mr. Powell early in life demonstrated the sturdy qualities of his character by determining to secure an education, realizing that this is the best foundation for every man's life work. When still very young he removed to Hardin county, Iowa, remaining there for a few years, after which he returned to Crawford county and took up land on section 8, Denison township, where he now owns in the aggregate two hundred and eighty acres of well cultivated land, upon which he has erected all necessary buildings and has all the modern appliances that are connected with a well equipped and up-to-date farm. Having early become familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil his fields today show the results of an acquired knowledge, his perseverance and his unfaltering industry.
In 1901 Mr. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Bryan, a resident of Paradise township, and to them have been born four children, namely: Charles, Vernon, Clarence and Robert.
Mr. Powell gives his support to the republican party and in his religious belief is a consistent member of the Baptist church. His life has been such as to merit the high regard in which he is held by the residents of his community.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.