Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1937

Joseph Nathaniel Powell

Joseph N. Powell passed away at the family home near Max last Saturday. His passing occasioned but little surprise to loved ones and friends as he had been in failing health for several months and it was realized that he could not live long. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. G. A. Schwabauer at the Benkelman Methodist church Monday afternoon. Mrs. C. A. Ratcliffe, Mrs. C. D. Mason, Lloyd Boswell and D. L. Ough sang a few of the deceased's favorite numbers and Mrs. D. L. Ough presided at the piano. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Joseph Nathaniel Powell, son of El Hanan and Catherine Powell, was born near Russell Springs, Kentucky, February 3, 1857 and passed away at his home near Max, Nebraska, October 23, 1937, aged 80 years, 8 months and 20 days. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and in his early manhood united with the Baptist church. At the age of 19 he went to Iowa where he spent about one year working and attending school. He returned to Kentucky where he worked at various places until the age of 25 when he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Crockett of Casey county, Kentucky. To this union were born six children, five of whom survive. They are William M., Attie L., Maggie M., Orlie I., and Jay T. The second son, Edgar El Hanan died in infancy.

In the year 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Powell came west to obtain a home, arriving in Benkelman in the spring. He took a preemption and later a homestead upon which he was living at the time he passed away. By hard work, honesty and careful spending, Mr. Powell added to his holdings until he possessed one of the best ranches in the county.

Mr. Powell was a firm believer in God and in the life beyond. He was a kind and loving father, and the last several years of his life were spent in caring for his invalid wife who passed away January 5, 1935.

He was a man who dealt fairly with his fellow man, and he often said that if one could not speak well of another he should not speak at all. And this was the example he set before his children.

Besides his children he is survived by four grandchildren, one daughter-in-law and many other relatives and friends. He was one of twelve children, nine boys and three girls, all of whom have passed beyond except two brothers, George T. of Albany, Missouri, and Monroe A. of Stratton, Nebraska and two sisters, Mrs. Melissa Ann Haines of Liberty Mills, Indiana and Mrs. Laura Bell Page of Cane Valley, Kentucky.