The full biographical sketch as printed, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
VALENTINE POWELL.
No name is better or more favorably known in the agricultural circles of Hancock coimty than that borne by the subject of this sketch. He belongs to a numerous family connection, long established in this part of Ohio, and identified permanently with its growth and development The particular branch to which our subject belongs originated in the Keystone state, where his ancestors figured in the agricultural and industrial movements for many generations in the past. They sent forth offshoots toward the west during the pioneer period and had representatives at various points while the wilder- ness was being reclaimed. In 1834 Samuel and Sarah Powell, shortly after their marriage and while still enjoying the enthusiasm of youth, left Fair- field for Hancock county, Ohio, where they formed a permanent location in Liberty township. They reared a family of thirteen children, who, as they grew up, ramified throughout their native and neighboring counties and with their descendants furnished representatives to most of the various vocations
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in life. As previously stated, the Powells, both of the older and younger generations, are most favorably known as citizens of probity and usefulness.
Valentine Powell, son of Samuel and Sarah, was bom on his father's large farm in Liberty township, -Hancock coimty, Ohio, August 19, 1847, and was reared as well as educated in the neighborhood of the ancestral home. In 1864, when sixteen years of age, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for four months and saw some active service in Virginia. In his earlier years he was engaged in the lumbering business, but later took up farming and has since adhered to agricultural pursuits. In 1878 he made his first purchase of land, consisting of eighty acres, in Blanchard township, which he has greatly improved and modernized. This tract constitutes Mr. Powell's present home, whose commodiousness and surrounding comforts afford ample proof of good husbandry. In 1871 he was happily married to Miss Sophronia, daughter of John and Mary Schoonover, well-to-do people of Lib- erty township, who was bom January 11, 1852. This union resulted in the birth of eight children, of whom the seven now living are: Earl R., Carrie, Everett, Bertha, Olive, Carl and Orville. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the United Brethren church. In politics Mr. Powell's affiliations have always been with the Republican party, but his interest is confined to voting, as he has never been either a seeker or holder of office. His whole attention has been concentrated upon his business, and that his efforts have been re^ warded is seen by a glance at his well tilled and neatly arranged estate. He is a practical as well as {)rogressive farmer and keq>s abreast of all improvements relating to agriculture, employing the best implements and using only up-to- date methods.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Hancock County, Ohio. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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