John Powell
John Powell, who for many years of his long and useful life occupied a prominent place among Radnor's reliable and substantial citizens, was born in the county of Llanafan, Breconshire, Wales, May 21, 1830, son of Robert and Ann (Williams) Powell. The father, Robert Powell, emigrated with his family to America about 1845, and spent almost the entire period of his life, after coming to Delaware County, Ohio, in Radnor. He married in Wales, Ann Williams, and he and his wife were the parents of two children—Margaret and John, both of whom are now deceased.
John Powell was fifteen years old when he accompanied his father to America. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan Seminary, after which he engaged in a hardware business at Newark, where he resided for some years. He then came to Radnor, where he opened a general store, which he conducted for thirty-five years thereafter, and also for several years of that time carried on an undertaking business. He also acquired 300 acres of land and engaged extensively in sheep raising, 600 head being no unusual number for him to have in his possession at one time.
In 1872 he was married to Sarah Jane Watkins. who was born in Radnor. July 24, 1846, and who is a daughter of William and Mary (Jones) Watkins, and a granddaughter of Evan and Margaret (Davis) Watkins. The grandfather, Evan Watkins, never came to America, but his widow and children all settled in Radnor, Delaware County, the first of the family to locate here being William Watkins, Mrs. Powell's father. The grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Davis Watkins, built a small log house, and her sons acquired and cleared land.
Mr. and Mrs. John Powell had five children, four of whom now survive, namely: William Robert, a well known architect, and a graduate of Columbia University, who spent two years studying in Europe; John Watkins, who was educated at Oberlin College and the State University at Columbus, and who operates the home farm, growing grain and hay; David H. and Edwin K., residing at home, the former of whom was educated at Culver Military Academy and the Ohio Wesleyan University.
Mr. Powell died June 15. 1902. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Delaware, and in politics a Republican. For many years he was a director of the Delaware Savings Bank. He was very strict in religious observance and in early life united with the Congregational Church, his wife being a member of the Presbyterian Church. He took an active part in church work and for twenty-five years was superintendent of the Sunday school.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle