Powel, Thomas P.

Davis Powel, the father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Chester County, and married Miss Catharine, daughter of Thomas Pennell. Their children were Thomas P., Charles Rogers, Davis, Benjamin Rush, Hannah A. (Mrs. William Baldwin, of Harford County, Md.), and G. Washington. Mr. Powel eventually removed to Marylaud, where he purchased an extensive landed property, and remained until his death. His son, Thomas P., was born on the 7th of April, 1811, in Philadelphia, and in early life repaired with his father to Maryland, where he enjoyed superior advantages of education. Circumstances influenced his removal in youth to Concord Township, Delaware Co., where he engaged in the cultivation of the estate of his maternal relatives. In 1861, having inherited the farm, he made it his residence, and during the remainder of his life followed the business of a farmer. He married, on the 3d of February, 1852, Miss Lydia, daughter of William Garrigues, of Philadelphia, and granddaughter of Samuel Garrigues, of Haverford Township. Their only son, William G., now occupies the Pennell homestead, which, in the direct line of descent, is the property of Mrs. Powel and her son. The latter is actively identified with the public measures of the county, was for years secretary and treasurer of the Republican Executive Committee of the county, as also its chairman in 1880, and in 1882 was elected to the State Legislature. Thomas P. Powel made his influence felt in the social and political life of the county. He was in politics a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and an ardent supporter of the principles of his party. During the sessions of 1857-58 he was its representative in the State Legislature, and served on the Committees on Agriculture, Railroads, etc. He also filled various less important offices in connection with the township. Though a Friend by virtue of his antecedents, he worshiped with the congregation of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church of Concord, and was a member of the vestry of that church. Mr. Powel was frequently called upon to act as trustee of estates and guardian, while his unbiased judgment made his services especially valuable in cases requiring arbitration. In public life he was a man of sterling integrity, the strictest justice, and great decision of character. In his social relations he was distinguished by an eminently sympathetic, kind, and benevolent nature. His death occurred Jan. 7, 1872, in his sixty-first year.