My Genealogy Hound

WELCOME NILES POWELL, M. D. This honored member of the medical profession, whose reputation is established in Allentown, makes a specialty of treating diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He is also a surgeon of considerable note, and bids fair to stand at the head of the profession in the near future. His home is in the city of his birth, he having been born in Allentown, October 20, 1861. His parents, Edmond F. and Etnma C. (Horn) Powell, were also natives of Allentown, and the former died in 1885, while residing in Nebraska. The latter is still living and makes her home in Allentown.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Welcome B. Powell, was born in Burlington, Vt., and in 1838 settled in Allentown, where he has since made his home. During the long period of his residence here he has taken an active part in public affairs and contributed liberally of his means toward the promotion of every worthy enterprise. A man of sterling qualities and excellent habits, he occupies a high position in the esteem of all who know him. Notwithstanding the fact that he is now eighty-one years of age, he is still engaged is business, being the owner of a large agricultural implement store. The Powell family originated in Wales, and was first represented in America during the days of Ethan Allen, when they settled in the Green Mountain State. The maternal grandparents of our subject were William and Caroline Horn, the former of whom was born in Lehigh County and was a hatter by trade.

In the public schools of Allentown the subject of this sketch received a good education, and in 1879 was graduated from the high school. He had long cherished the hope of becoming a physician, and in order to carry out that plan he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which institution he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1882.

When seeking a location Dr. Powell went West to Platte Centre, Neb., where he opened an office and began the practice of his profession. Remaining there until 1885, he returned to Pennsylvania and entered the Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where he practiced for the succeeding three years, making a specialty of eye, ear, nose and throat diseases. In 1889 he returned to Nebraska and engaged in general practice. As the town of Platte Centre was too small to permit his confining himself to his specialties, the year 1891 found him again in Philadelphia, where he took a special course in treating diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Later he was similarly engaged in New York City.

May 1, 1891, Dr. Powell opened an office in Allentown, where he has become favorably known, and is rapidly building up a large and lucrative practice. In his possession he has a diploma of honor, electing him an active member of the Dosimetric Institute of Paris, France, which honor can be more fully appreciated when it is learned that he is the seventh physician in the United States to whom that distinction has been accorded. They are conferred upon merit alone, and for great skill in surgery.

While in Philadelphia Dr. Powell won a fine case of surgical instruments as a prize, his competitors being seventeen physicians who were taking a post-graduate course. Socially he is a member of the American Medical Association; charter member and Past Chancellor of Banner Lodge No. 120, K. of P., in Platte Centre, Neb.; connected with St. James Commandery No. 68, K. of M.; and charter member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Allen Council No. 753, of Allentown.

June 21, 1883, Dr. Powell was united in marriage with Miss S. Ella, daughter of the late Solomon and Ella (Reinig) Bachman. Her father, who died in 1886, was a prominent merchant of Allentown. Dr. and Mrs. Powell are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. They occupy a beautiful residence at No. 936 Hamilton Street, which is one of the most pleasant homes in the city.