James Frederick Powell Henderson County KY Biography

          James Frederick POWELL, a prominent tobacconist and highly esteemed citizen of Corydon, Henderson County, Kentucky, was born 21 Sep 1841, and is a son of Thomas W. and Elizabeth (DORSEY) POWELL.

         His father was born in Virginia, 4 Oct 1811, and came to Henderson County when he was quite young, and subsequently owned a greater portion of the land upon which the town of Corydon is now situated. He married Elizabeth DORSEY, daughter of Noah DORSEY and was the father of 15 children: John A.; Mary F.; Samuel H.; William S.; Eveline; Maggie; Pattie; Olivia; Ida; Richard; Henry; Allen; Thomas M.; and Edwin R. POWELL.

         Thomas W. POWELL died 2 Apr 1892 and his wife, Elizabeth Dorsey POWELL, died 14 Dec 1891.

         Harrison POWELL (grandfather) was a native of North Carolina, who removed to Kentucky with his parents when he was a child and located in Henderson County, where he was prosperous farmer. Harrison married Elizabeth McCLANAHAN.

         His father, Willoughby POWELL, was a native of North Carolina, who lived for many years in Henderson County.

         Thomas McCLANAHAN (maternal great-grandfather) was a native of Virginia, who removed to Logan County, Kentucky, where he died. He was appointed Captain of a squadron of Tennessee soldiers in the Revolutionary War. His appointment was by General Nathaniel GREENE, whose niece was Captain McCLANAHAN's wife.

         Thomas McCLANAHAN (maternal great-great-grandfather) was a Baptist minister of Virginia, whose wife was a Miss _____ MARSHALL.

         Noah DORSEY (Maternal grandfather) was a native of Maryland, of Irish extraction, and married a Miss ____ HALL of Jefferson County. They removed to Henderson County very early in the present century, and are buried in the cemetery at Corydon.

         James F. POWELL was reared on his father's farm, attending the neighborhood schools, and also an advanced school in Henderson. He entered the confederate army at the beginning of the war and remained till its close, serving under Generals John H. MORGAN and Basil W. DUKE.

         After the close of the war he was engaged in merchandising in Corydon, in which he continued successfully for nearly twenty years. January, 1884, he embarked in the tobacco business, buying and selling, and in connection therewith he soon established a large stemmery at Corydon, in which he prepares tobacco for the European market. He is also extensively interested in farming.

         Mr. James F. POWELL is one of the most highly respected citizens of Corydon, and is greatly admired for his upright Christian character.

         James married Emma WILSON, 18 Nov 1866, daughter of James WILSON and a native of Southern Arkansas. Mrs. POWELL is a lady of very engaging manners, active and energetic in good work and of sterling qualities, which have made her very helpful in her worthy husband's successful career. They have nine children, whose names are as follows: James Basil; Olivia Nora; Della; Annie; Ruby; Ozella; John W.; Ruth and Fanny May POWELL.

Kentucky Biographies, John W. Gresham Company, 1896.

JAMES FREDERICK POWELL REFERENCES