John Powell

John Powell, yeoman (bef 1665 - 15 Jul 1734) was born in Cheshire, England and was the first son of Thomas Powell. John emigrated with his father Thomas on 14 Aug 1682 on the ship "Friendship," captained by Robert Crossman out of Liverpool, England, according to the ship's passenger list. [Note: This is a simulated portrait of John. This is not an actual painting.]

In about 1689, John married his neighbor who emigrated to America with him at the same time on the "Friendship," Elizabeth Taylor, daughter to William Taylor and Margaret Finsham, in Providence, Chester Co., PA. They had the following children:

1. Joseph Powell (c1690 - Aug 1752)
2. John Powell (c1692)
3. Thomas Powell (c1694)
4. Benjamin Powell (c1696)
5. Mary Powell (c1698)
6. Margaret Powell

John and Elizabeth raised their children on their farm in Nether Providence. His holdings included land from his father's original purchase from William Penn, given to John by his father through a deed of gift on May 25, 1703.

As Keithite or Keithian Quakers, followers of George Keith, both John and Elizabeth were baptized at Ridley Creek on 27 Sep 1697. They separated from the group after a dispute on which day should be the Sabbath, the Powell family choosing Sunday. In 1702, they became members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. John and Elizabeth left the Episcopal church and on June 14, 1715, the Brandywine Baptist Church was constituted at the house of John Powell. Fifteen people were present including John, his wife Elizabeth, his sonJoseph and his wife Joan, and Mary Powell wife of John's brother Joseph.

John's following will was written on on 19 Aug 1727 and it was proved 15 Jul 1734 in Nether Providence:

To son Joseph 5 shillings. To son Thomas 5 shillings. To daughter Mary and Margaret 5 shillings each. To granddaughter Sarah Powell a box iron and haters. To all the rest of my grandchildren a pocket bible. To each of the children of brother Joseph a New Testament. To Susanna daughter of brother Thomas a New Testament. To each of the children of brother in law Samuel Robinett a New Testament. To Owen Thomas, baptist minister in or near New Garden 3 pounds and to the baptist congregation at Birmingham 3 pounds. To wife Elizabeth all lands and remainder to moveables also executrix.

Witnesses: John Beckingham, Francis Pullan, Jer. Colle.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, c1702