John E. Powell

John E. Powell

Biography courteously provided by Joyce Riedinger, Delaware County Coordinator.


JOHN E. POWELL, one of the most honored citizens and thriving business men of Bloomville, was born July 7, 1842, in the town of Roxbury, and was the son of Hiram and Fanny (Eaton) Powell. Hiram was born in Dutchess County, New York; and his wife was born in Connecticut. Reuben Powell, the father of Hiram, was an early settler of Dutchess County, and from there moved to Delaware County, spending his last days in Middletown.

The father of John E. Powell was a mason by trade, engaging in this business during his early life, but later buying a large farm of two hundred acres in the town of Roxbury. He was one of the leading farmers of the vicinity, his success being due in a great measure to his energy and patient toil; and much praise should be awarded him. Both he and his wife were prominent members of the Baptist church at Roxbury, and he was in politics a Democrat. They died at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Cordelia Rightmyer, he at the age of eighty and she at seventy years, leaving six children, all of whom are now living, namely: William D. Powell, a village blacksmith in Roxbury; John E., of whom this sketch is written; Cynthia Preston, wife of George C. Preston, who resides in the city of Kingston; Charles H. Powell, of Whatcom, Wash.; Cordelia Rightmyer, who resides in Kingston; and Myron C., whose home is near Whatcom, Wash.

John E. grew to manhood in Roxbury, receiving his education at the academy there. He engaged in farming in Lexington, Greene County, owning a farm of one hundred and seven acres near the village, where he lived for nine years. In 1876 he moved from Lexington, where he had been in the hardware and tin business, and established in Bloomville the first store of that kind. He now has an extensive business, keeping a general hardware store, and carrying a full line of machinery and farm implements. His stock is valued at five thousand dollars; and he has built up and excellent trade, giving his undivided attention to his business.

On May 10, 1865, Mr. Powell married Miss Mary A. Burnside, of Bloomville, who was born in 1847, the daughter of John Burnside. Her father was one of the early settlers of this village, and died there in 1853 at the age of forty-three. Mr. and Mrs. Powell have three children: Eugene M., who was born in 1867, is married, and a partner in his father's business; William E., a speculator, who resides at home; and Emma M., also at home.

John E. Powell and his wife are liberal in their religious views, and he supports the Democratic political party. He has been a Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, has always taken an active part in the welfare of the town, and is among the men who have been instrumental in accomplishing much for this thriving village, having built three buildings, two stores and one residence.


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