My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. POWELL, Jr., one of the most popular and successful young business men of Sedalia, occupies the responsible position of Cashier of the Citizens’ National Bank. He is a member of the Sedalia Clearing House Association, and the National and the Missouri Bankers’ organizations. In the local secret societies he is a leading member. He is a Mason of the Knight-Templar degree, and in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks holds the position of Exalted Ruler. He also belongs to Ararat Shrine, of Kansas City.

Born near this city April 14, 1867, Mr. Powell is the son of William H. and Susan J. (Rudy) Powell. The former was born near Lynchburg, Va., on a large plantation, was married in his native state, and soon afterward moved to Pettis County, Mo. In 1843 he located on a farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1882, when he became a resident of Sedalia. When the Citizens’ Bank was organized in 1872, he was one of the promoters of the enterprise, and one of its first Directors. Later he became Vice-President, and at length President of the institution, holding the latter position until he resigned. He is now in his eighty-fourth year, and has always used his ballot in behalf of the Democracy. His wife, Susan, who was born near Louisville, Ky., died in 1885.

William H. Powell, Jr., of this sketch, was educated in the grammar and high schools of this county and city, and graduated with the first class to leave Central Business College, in 1884. At that time he was only seventeen years of age, and the following Monday after leaving school he took a position in the Citizens’ Bank as assistant bookkeeper. Four months later he was promoted to be head bookkeeper, and as such acted for three or four years. Later he was made Assistant Cashier, and so faithfully did he perform his duties that he was rewarded, being elected Cashier in January, 1893. The bank has a capital stock of $100,000, with a surplus of $30,000, and our subject and his father together own more than a one-third interest. The former is also a Director in the Equitable Building and Loan Association. He owns a farm of eight hundred and fifty acres in one body, located only three miles northeast of Sedalia. This valuable property is finely adapted for pasturage and general farming, and he supervises the operation of the place himself. His father laid out the Powell & Hutchinson Addition to the city, a tract of fifteen acres, and this real estate is handled by our subject.

In 1889 occurred the marriage of W. H. Powell, Jr., and Louise Humphreys, one of the city’s most popular young ladies. She was born in Jefferson City, Mo., and received a fine education in Lexington, Mo. The young couple have a pleasant home at No. 705 West Third Street, and the joy and sunshine of the place is their little son, who was named, in honor of his father, William H. The parents are members of the Christian Church, and are foremost in all charitable enterprises. Following his father’s example, Mr. Powell is affiliated with the Democratic party.