Shelby County Indiana History & Genealogy, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Powell

The Shelbyville News
Friday, August 16, 1996
---------- Margaret (Lemmon) Powell, 95, Dallas, died July 15 in Dallas. Born January 30, 1901, in Indianapolis, she was the daughter of Cyrus F. and Lois (McCollam) Lemmon. On August 16, 1924, in Shelbyville, she married Ralph Powell, who preceded her in death on Dec. 19, 1986.
Mrs. Powell had been a school teacher. She was a member of the Presbyterian church.
Survivors include two sons, John Powell, Indianapolis, and Ralph G. Powell, Coon Rapids, Minnesota; a daughter, Mrs. Cornelia Kelly, Devils Lake, North Dakota; a sister, Wilhelmina (Lemmon) Pittenger; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandchild, two brothers and a sister.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, Shelbyville, with the Rev. Gary Huffman officiating. Cremains will be interred in Forest Hill cemetery at a later date. Local arrangements were made by Carmony-Ewing Funeral Home.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
(Shelbyville, IN)
Thursday, September 6, 1973
----------
MRS. POWELL DIES AT 95
----------
Mrs. Bertha Powell, 95, died today.
Resided in Shelbyville in early life and later from 1943 until moving to Indianapolis several years ago. Resident of Elkhart at one time. Member of the Shelbyville First Presbyterian Church and the Sheldon Bible Class.
Born in Shelbyville on June 24, 1878, d/o Joseph B. and Cornelia (Jennings) Randall. On Dec. 25, 1904, married Otis D. Powell, who died in November 1943.
Surviving are two children, Mrs. Virginia Saxe and Burnet J. Powell; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Miss Gertude Randall.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Submitted by Rochelle Riordan, 1906 E. Sharon Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85022
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, May 16, 1946
----------
HENRY POWELL
95, SUCCUMBS
----------
One of County's Oldest
Residents Is Dead
----------
Henry J. Powell, one of Shelby county's oldest residents, died at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday at 917 Morris Ave., the home of a daughter, Mrs. Harry Goodwin, with whom he had resided since 1910. Mr. Powell was 95 years of age. He had been in failing health since suffering a fractured hip when struck by an automobile in this city 10 years ago. His condition had been critical for the past week and death was caused by complications incidental to his advanced age.
Mr. Powell was born near Waldron on February 6, 1851, the son of McCager and Phoebe Ann VanPelt Powell. Early in life he operated a grocery store in this city and later was employed as a cabinet maker in local furniture factories. He had been retired for the past 20 years. He was married to Mary Frances Cotterman, of Waldron, 73 years ago and her death occurred on June 9, 1910. He was a member of the First Methodist Church here and of Kiowa Tribe No. 199, Improved Order of Red Men.
Surviving with the daughter at whose home he died are a son, Earl, of Birmingham, Ala.; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A son,Otis, preceded him in death on November 24, 1943.
Funeral services will be held at the Goodwin home on Morris Ave. Friday at 2:30 p.m. with Dr. J. W. McFall officiating. Burial will be made in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Loren H. Murphy. Friends may call at the daughter's home after 2:00 p.m. today.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, November 27, 1943
----------
DEATH CLAIMS CITY NATIVE
----------
Otis D. Powell, native of this city, died Wednesday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Philip Sax, at 1147 south Lynhurst Drive, Indianapolis. He was about seventy-three years of age.
Mr. Powell was a resident of Elkhart and went to the daughter's home when his health failed about three months ago. He was born in Shelbyville, the son of Henry and Mary Powell. He was married to Bertha Randall, who survives with the daughter at whose home he died; a son, Bernard Powell, of north Chicago; one sister, Mrs. Harry Goodwin, of this city; one brother, Earl Powell, of Memphis, Tenn.; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the daughter's home today at 12:30 p.m. and burial will be made in Forest Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, June 13, 1940
----------
COUNTY MAN, 78
DIES OF ILLNESS
----------
Marion Powell, Former
Gardener at Waldron
Succumbs
----------
Marion Powell, age seventy-eight, widely known resident of Shelby county, and formerly a resident of Shelbyville, died at 6:00 a.m. Thursday at his home on State Road 29, northwest of here. His death followed a long illness. Mr. Powell formerly lived at Waldron and for many years operated a truck garden. He was born near Waldron in 1862 and in 1887, was married to Katherine E. Crosby. He was the son of Micager and Phoebe Ann VanPelt Powell.
Surviving are the widow; one sister, Mrs. Emma Haymond, of Waldron; a brother, Henry Powell, of Shelbyville, and several nieces and nephews. A daughter died in infancy.
Funeral services will be held at the residence at 2:00 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. A. J. Spaulding, pastor of the West street Methodist church, officiating. Burial will be made at the Ogden cemetery, in charge of Ralph J. Edwards, funeral director.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday July 6, 1938
----------
POWELL RITES TO BE TODAY
----------
Mrs. Harriett Powell To Be
Buried In Forest Hill Cemetery
----------
Mrs. Harriett Powell, widow of the late George A. Powell, died at 10:00 o'clock Monday night at the Peabody home in North Manchester. The body will arrive here at 1:00 o'clock Wednesday for burial in the Forest Hill cemetery.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Home by Dr. Sharp, chaplain, and a short service will be held at the grave with the Rev. J. W. McFall, pastor of the First M. E. church here, officiating. Burial will be in charge of Charles M. Ewing, funeral director.
Born in Shelbyville January 9, 1862, Mrs. Powell was seventy-six years old at the time of her death. She was married in April, 1887 to George A. Powell, who preceded her in death. Mr. Powell formerly owned and managed a men's furnishings store on the Public Square.
Mrs. Powell had spent her entire life in Shelbyville until about three years ago when she went to North Manchester. No relatives survive, but her passing is mourned by many friends and distant relatives.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Sheila Maynor

A Shelbyville Newspaper
Saturday, July 5, 1924
----------
RETIRED GROCER IS
PARALYSIS VICTIM
----------
Leonard Powell Died At
Home Here at 4:30 o'clock
Thursday Afternoon
--- Funeral Sunday.
----------
Leonard C. Powell, for years a leading grocer of this city, and well known here, died at 4:30 o'clock Thursday evening at his ome, 215 west Jackson street, following two strokes of paralysis. Mr. Powell had been in failing health for two years, and had been confined to his home since February. He was for more than 30 years the proprietor of a grocery store here and had resided in this city for 60 years. Several years ago, Mr. Powell retired.
Mr. Powell was the son of Mecager and Phoebe Ann Powell and was born in Waldron, Aug. 11, 1843. At the time of death he was 80 years and 11 months old. Mr. Powell was married twice. His first wife was Miss Eveline Dickerson. To this union three children were born, all of whom preceded the parents in death. Mr. Powell's second marriage was with Miss Elizabeth Pearce. Mr. Powell was a member of Kiowa Tribe, No. 19, I.O.R.M., and Haymakers, No. 199-1/2, and was identified with the First Presbyterian church here.
Surviving Mr. Powell are three brothers, Henry, of this city; Marion, of Addison township, and William, of Waldron; three sisters, Mrs. Sallie Haymond, and Mrs. Maggie Rapp, who lived with Mr. Powell, and Mrs. Emma Haymond, of Waldron.
Funeral services will be held at the late home at 3:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon, the Rev. A. F. vonTobel officiating. Burial will be made in the family lot at the city cemetery, with C. F. Fix & Son in charge. Friends may call this evening between the hours of 7:00 abd 9:00 o'clock and from 9:00 o'clock Sunday morning until the hour of the funeral.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday October 1, 1921
----------
FORMER CITIZEN TO
BE BURIED HERE
---------
Mrs. Triffinia Powell, Widow E. S. Powell
Died In Greensburg Friday Evening
----------
BURIAL MONDAY AFTERNOON
----------
Mrs. Triffinia Powell, died Saturday evening at six o'clock at her home in Greensburg. Her death was due to infirmities of old age. Until Mrs. Powell left Shelbyville a number of years ago to live in Greensburg, there were few women here who were better known. She was born at Wilmington, Delaware, on October 9th, 1838. When she was six years old she came to Shelbyville. Her home was on South Harrison street, where S. L. Dorsey now lives, until her husband built the home on the Muchmore Hill at the turn of the road. During her early womanhood she taught school in the country districts and the older people of the Smithland community will happily recall her. She also taught in Washington township south of the present cave grounds. She was married to Erasmus S. Powell in Shelbyville on November 7, 1865. He was a veteran of the Civil war and one of Shelbyville's prominent men. Both Mr. and Mrs. Powell were members of the First M. E. church up until his death. Soon after Mr. Powell died, she moved to Greensburg, where her nearest relative, Mrs. Anna Dills, resides. Mr. Powell died on June third, 1902 and was buried at Forest Hill by Dumont Post G.A R. Mrs. Powell was generally called “Aunt Triffie” by all who knew her. She was possessed of an exceptionally sweet disposition which she maintained up to her death. She belonged to that class—“To know her is to love her.”
Mrs. Hattie Powell of West Franklin street and her relatives are the nearest of kin of Mrs. Powell in Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be conducted in Greensburg Monday. The funeral cortege will come to Forest Hill in automobiles and expect to arrive there at very near two o'clock. Dr. Pitkin will officiate in Greensburg, Mrs. Powell having been a member of his church. A short service will be conducted at the chapel to which the friends are invited.
----------
Shelby County Marriages
Abner D. Smithers & Trafena Jones
September 16, 1858 Book 7 Page 257
----------
Tryphena Smithers & Erasmus S. Powell
November 7, 1865 Book 8 page 420
----------
Contributed by Barb Huff for Sheila Maynor

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday March 21, 1921
----------
GEORGE A. POWELL
DIED SATURDAY
----------
For Many Years Identified
With Shelbyville Business
And Social Affairs
----------
FUNERAL TO BE TUESDAY
----------
George A. Powell, one of Shelbyville's best known citizens, died at 8:15 o'clock Saturday evening at his home, 280 West Franklin street. Death followed an illness of several months. Funeral services will be conducted at the residence Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. Edwin H. Holdrey, of the First M. E. church, officiating. Interment will be made at Forest Hill. The request is that no flowers be sent.
Very few men in Shelbyville were better or more favorably known than was Mr. Powell. He was a descendant from a large family of Shelby county pioneers. His father was one of a family of twelve, all of whom lived in Shelby county. By their courage, their honesty, their thrift, they assisted in every material way in shaping this territory for the coming generations. They were the forerunners in the building of churches, of school houses and all general public improvements that advanced the advantages of the community. Mr. Powell was the son of Samuel and Martha Powell. They went to Minnesota previous to 1860, that being a far away country in that time. It was in that state that George Powell was born in February 22, 1860. Immediately previous to the beginning of the Civil war, Mr. Powell returned to Shelbyville. When the war started Mr. Powell enlisted in the service. He died in Shelbyville in 1869 and was buried with the honors of war by Dumont Post G.A.R. Mrs. Powell died in Shelbyville in 1876. Deceased had one sister, Jennie Powell, who married George Michelson, her death occurring in California in 1916.
George Powell was one of the active men of this city. As a boy he attended the city schools. While yet a lad he entered the book store of Milton Robins as a clerk. When Mr. Robins died, this business was taken over by the late W. A. Powell and Mr. Powell, they conducting it for many years. Twenty-one years ago he opened the haberdashery business which he continued to conduct until only a few weeks ago, his declining health causing him to dispose of that holding. In all his business intercourse he was pleasing and affable.
Going back to other days in Shelbyville Mr. Powell was a leader in athletics. All that he did he did well. He played base ball, he fished, he was an expert with the gun. When the first bicycle was invented he introduced it to Shelbyville, the old high wheel machine. He was captain of the bicycle club, leading his fellows on the century runs, which were very popular at that time. He introduced the new wheel to Shelbyville and was an expert rider. His fine manly disposition, his happy state of mind, made him a natural leader and the young men were glad to fall in behind him.
Mr. Powell was married to Harriett L. Smithers on June 27, 1888. While Mr. Powell was popular in business circles, he and his wife were also leaders in social affairs. No couple was ever more popular, they winning their way by their grace of manners and their pleasant and agreeable ways. He lived a good life, a pure life, an honest manly life and in passing on he left an imprint for good on the community in which he lived so long.
Mr. Powell was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of Chilion Lodge Knights of Pythias. The latter lodge will participate in the funeral services.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Sheila Maynor

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday, December 3, 1918
Page 1, column 6
------------------------
MYSTERY UNCLEARED
----------
Coroner Files Report
On The Death Of
Mrs. William Powell Late Today
----------
FIND BLOOD MARKS
----------
"Death was caused in a manner unknown to me," was the verdict filed today by Dr. George I. Inlow, county coroner, on the death of Mrs. William Powell, who was found burned to a crisp recently at her home east of Waldron.
The coroner in a report accompanying his verdict and the testimony of the witnesses heard, stated that a bottle of acid had been found on a stove in the room where the body was discovered, but that he could not determine that any had been taken from the bottle. No burned matches he said were found on the floor or on the stove.
In the testimony of William Powell, the husband of the woman, he told of finding her hair and blood on one of the chairs in the house.
Submitted by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Democrat
(Shelbyville, IN)
Friday, November 22, 1918
----------
NO CLEW[sic] TO TRAGEDY
OF WOMAN'S DEATH
----------
Coroner Inlow Working On Evidence
That Will Probably Be Of Interest
----------
Nothing that would lead to a clew (sic) to the mysterious death of Mrs. William Powell, whose burned body was found lying on the floor of the summer kitchen at her home, east of Waldron, Thursday afternoon, altho (sic) Coroner Inlow is now working on what will probably be a plausible explanation of the terrible tragedy. It is not thought that her clothing ignited from the gas fire in the stove, as the lids were on tightly and there was no opening thru (sic) which the fire could have reached her. The body was lying three feet from the stove, on its back, the floor under the body being the only part of the room that was burned.
Funeral services for the victim will be held at the late home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Ralph J. Edwards, undertaker, will have charge of burial, which will be made in Ogden cemetery.
Contributed by Rochelle Riordan

A Shelbyville Newspaper
June 10, 1910
----------
Passed Away at Her Home
on Miller Street Last Evening
Following a Long Illness.
----------
Mrs. Mary F. Powell, wife of Henry Powell, died at their home, 77 South Miller Street, at six o'clock last evening. Death followed a long illness which started from nervous disorders and finally resulted in a complete breakdown of the nervous system. Brain trouble followed and the sufferer had been in a critical condition for several weeks. She was about fifty-five years of age and is survived by her husband, two sons, Otis and Earl; one daughter, Mrs. Harry L. Goodwin; two brothers, Michael and Elmer Cotterman, and one sister, Mrs. John McCain.
The funeral services will be held at the Powell home at two-thirty o'clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. G. M. Smith officiating. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery in charge of Hagman & Hawkins.
Note: Mary Francis Cotterman's mother died the same year Mary was born. It was probably in childbirth or complications from it. In 1860, 5-year-old, Mary was living on the Buckman Deem farm in Washington Township, Preble Co., Ohio. Her three siblings were living with their widowed father. Later in 1860, Mary's father, Daniel Cotterman remarried. The family moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, for awhile and finally to Waldron, Shelby Co., Indiana, in 1870.
Contributed by James Cowin

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
(Shelbyville, IN)
Saturday, September 2, 1899
----------
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Pearce Powell, whose death was mentioned in yesterday's issue, was born in Mifflinburg, Pa., and was at the time of her death fifty-two years of age. Her first husband, Charles D. Pearce, died in 1886. On October 1888 she was married to L. C. Powell, who, with one brother, W. Y. Barber, of Iowa, survive her. Funeral services will be held at her late home at four o'clock a.m. (sic) Sunday, September 3, Rev. Tressler, officiating. The casket will be open from one to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The interment will be in Forest Hill cemetery, in charge Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Rochelle Riordan

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, November 12, 1896
----------
Micaga Powell, whose death occurred at noon Thursday, was born in Boone county, Kentucky, April 14, 1820, being at the time of his death seventy-six years, six months and twenty-two days. He came with his parents to Indiana in 1831, settling near Middletown, where, in 1843, he was married to Phoebe Vanpelt who died in March, 1896. To them were born ten children eight of whom are living. Funeral services were held at one p.m. Saturday, November 7, Elder Groom officiating. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery. Funeral in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Robert McKenzie

The Shelby Democrat
March 26, 1896
----------
Phoebe Ann Van Pelt, wife of Micager Powell, died at 107 West Hendricks st., at two p.m. Monday, March 23, 1896. Deceased was born in Warren county, O., Feb. 18, 1826, came to Shelby county in 1830, and was married to Micager Powell Sept. 18, 1842. To them were born ten children, eight of whom and husband remain to mourn her loss. The funeral was from the late residence, No. 107 West Hendricks st., at two p.m., Wednesday, Dr. Caldwell officiating. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery, in care of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Robert McKenzie

The Shelby Democrat
March 26, 1896
----------
Phoebe Ann Van Pelt, wife of Micager Powell, died at 107 West Hendricks st., at two p.m. Monday, March 23, 1896. Deceased was born in Warren county, O., Feb. 18, 1826, came to Shelby county in 1830, and was married to Micager Powell Sept. 18, 1842. To them were born ten children, eight of whom and husband remain to mourn her loss. The funeral was from the late residence, No. 107 West Hendricks st., at two p.m., Wednesday, Dr. Caldwell officiating. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery, in care of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Wednesday, August 11, 1886
----------
The Presbyterian church was crowded yesterday afternoon with the friends of the late Mrs. L. C. Powell, who came to pay the last sad rites to their deceased friend. Rev. T. L. Hughes delivered an appropriate sermon from the text, "If a man die shall he live again?" The organ, the pulpit and the family pew of the deceased were draped in mourning, and in fron tof the pulpit and above the casket on a background of black was the word "Peace" formed of white cut flowers. On the right and left of space occupied by the choir, stood two large stands, of potted plants, and at the head and foot of the casket were two more, and between the casket and the pulpit, were placed ferns. On the casket was a pillow of cut flowers, with the work Rest, made of cut flowers. The casket was made of heavy rolled lead, finished in rosewood and Burl, with all trimmings in gold. The casket rested on two cloth covered pedestals. To the left and in front of the pulpit, was a sheaf of wheat, and in the family pew, which was vacant, was also a sheaf of the same golden grain, and the hymn book used by the deceased, which was wrapped with the meplems of woe.
The funeral procession was one of the largest ever seen in the city, and it is safe to say that no one who ever departed life in this city was more sincerely mourned or will be more greatly missed in society and in the church.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday, August 10, 1886
----------
The funeral of Mrs. L. C. Powell is being largely attended from this place to-day.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Monday, August 9, 1886
----------
DEATH OF MRS. L. C. POWELL
----------
A Loss to the Church and to the Whole
Community.
----------
After an illness of three weeks Emeline, wife of Leonard C. Powell, died at their home on west Washington street, at two o'clock Sunday afternoon, age forty three years. The funeral services will be held in the First Presbyterian Church at two o'clock to-morrow afternoon, Rev. T. L. Hughes officiating, after which the remains will be interred by Funeral Director D. B. Wilson in the City Cemetery. The pall bearers are the following gentlemen: George McConnell, A. H. Campbell, George Kent, John Shelk, J. R. Stewart and J. B. Randall. Those desiring to take a last look at the deceased can do so, at the house between the hours of ten o'clock a.m. and one o'clock p.m. to-morrow.
Deceased was born in Decatur county, and was married to her surviving husband April 21st 1868. Three children were born to them, all of whom preceded her to the "land o' the leal." Deceased has for many years been an active, faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, foremost in all movements tending to advance the interests of the Church, and ameliorate the condition of those whose necessities gave an opportunity for the exercise of that virtue whih, we are told, covers a multitude of sins. In the matter of charity the deceased was untiring, and has for a number of years been connected with the different benevolent societies, and visited the houses of the sick and needy in cold and heat, giving freely of her own and never failing to administer to the spiritual as well as the temporal wants of those she visited. She was also a member of the Young People's Association of the Presbyterian Church, and her counsel was sought in all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the members and the advancement of the cause of religion. No one ever applied to her for aid and turned away with empty hands, and she fulfilled to the letter the scriptural injunction to be "instant in season and out of season," improving every opportunity to speak a word for Christ, and gently urge those with whom she came in contact to choose the better way which leads to peace here and rest beyond. Among her other duties, which were many, she has taught a class in the Mission Sunday School for over a year, going in all kinds of weather, and she will be missed by none more than by the little ones in whose welfare she was greatly interested. In her death the church loses an untiring, faithful advocate, one whose life added force to her admonitions, and her husband, a kind and devoted wife and companion, one who was interested in all his affairs, and who helped him bear all the burdens that fall upon us all, and to him the sympathy of the whole community is extended, in this his hour of affliction.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Union Banner
June 23, 1864
Page 3, col 1
----------oOo----------
DEATH OF ELIJAH POWELL. --- Elijah Powell, of Company "B." 70th Reg't died in the hospital at Chattanooga on the 24th of last month. He went into the service in August, '62, and has served faithfully ever since. He was an exemplary, high-minded, moral young man. We believe he was wounded at the battle of Resaca. Let it be written on his tomb: He loved his country and died for her.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Obituary Index Main Page

For current email addresses of researchers listed above, see the Surname Index