In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1826
From History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881)
DAVID J. POWELL.
Richard Powell, the father of our subject, came to Lafayette county in 1820, where David was born, December 25, 1826. He has been a continuous resident of this county since his birth, with the exception of about six years. He is engaged in farming. He served thirteen months in the Mexican war, enlisting in June of 1846, in Capt. Waldo's company, Doniphan's regiment, and was honorably discharged in July, 1847. He was engaged in the battles of Braseto and Sacramento. He also served a short time in the late civil war under Gen. Price. Was engaged in the battle of Lexington. He was married January 22, 1848, to Miss Nancy Ingram, of Lafayette county. Two children were born to them, both now living, viz: Mrs. Martha C. Ramsey, and David D. Palton. Mrs. Powell, died January 16, 1864. He was again married, January 6, 1867, to Miss Sarah A. Basham, of this county. They have six children living, viz: Chas. W., Emma J. L., Benj. Robert, Wm. Luther, James M., and Elizabeth P. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the Baptist church, of which he is deacon. P. O. Lexington.
As printed in History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.