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Henry Powell – ‘He sprang overboard’

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Regular readers may recall my GSQ blog story William Powell – a man with vision, the founder of Powell Valves which was published in June this year.  This issue I’d like to share the tale of the eldest surviving son of William and his wife Elizabeth Carr.  Henry was born on 17 November 1821 in London and was a first cousin of my great-great grandmother, Harriet Powell.[1] Both Henry and his brother James joined their father in the business that … Continue reading

William Powell – a man with vision

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This wonderful portrait is of William Powell, the father of the USA branch of the Powell family from Loughborough, Ghent and Tiverton. Imagine my surprise when one of my extended family sent me a link to a website containing this photograph of their ancestor.  William was the brother of my 3rd great grandfather James Powell, and therefore my 4th great uncle. I had been researching my Powell family for many years, primarily because it was one of those family lines … Continue reading

Photographs of Sarah

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Sarah’s photograph sits on my bedside table, and every day when I look at it, I think of what this picture of my much loved grandmother portrays.  What I see is that Sarah Sommer was a no nonsense lady, stylish at all times, determined and capable. This description fits Sarah to a ‘T’. Born into another era, Sarah made her entry into the life of Christian and Anna Louise Sommer (maiden surname Stephan) on 22 September 1887 with her birth … Continue reading