Transcribed by Mary Lafferty Wilson

 

Hillery R. Powell, whose success as a farmer is proverbial was born in Hempstead County, Arkansas 15 April 1846. His father Henry I. Powell, was born in S.C., being a son of Jacob and Latha Powell. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Henry I. Powell came to Arkansas in 1842, and located in Hempstead County, where he entered a tract of wild land, which he successfully cultivated until death removed him in 1876. His wife, nee Elizabeth Sanderson, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Sanderson, both natives of Alabama, was born in that State, and is still living making her home with one of her sons who lives within two miles of our subject. She is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, as was her husband. They were the parents of 8 children, five of whom are still living, viz: Martha, Eliza, Hillery, Wesley G., and Joseph M. Martha is now Mrs Huchiby, and resides in this township, Eliza is Mrs. Crank, and is also a resident of this township; Hillery is the Subject of this sketch; Wesley G. owns 160 acres of good land in this township, and devotes his time to cultivating it; Joseph M. also a farmer of this township, owns 80 acres of land, which he tills. In 1864 our subject then a youth of 18 years, enlisted in Bird's regiment of Confederate Cavalry, serving as a courier for the Confederate officers, and served until May 1865 when he was honorably discharged after which he returned home and the next year commenced life on his own responsibility by engaging in farming, subsequently marrying, the same year, Miss Sarah Landes. She was born in 1849 daughter of J.A. and Elvira (Carson) Landes. To their union have been born 10 children, but six of whom are now living, viz: Julia (now Mrs Lafferty, of this County) Ila, Jacob B., James Wesley, George W. and Amos, all at home. Mrs Powell is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr Powell's farm contains, 160 acres of excellent land, with over 50 acres under a high state of cultivation, and he is classed among the well to do agriculturist of this section. He was formerly a member of the County Wheel, and in his political views, affiliates with the Democratic party.
--Source:  Goodspeed's  " History of Arkansas, " c1889, page 431.