John Powell, farmer and stock-dealer, of Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., was born in Mercer County, Ky., on December 7, 1841, and is the son of John and Mary (Thompson) Powell. (See sketch of Jackson Powell for sketch of parents.) Mr. Powell was reared on the farm, and like other youths of his day obtained but a limited education. With his parents he came to Indiana, when about sixteen years of age, and in about 1857, began life for himself by hiring out as a farm laborer, by the month. His first land was a tract containing about thirty-six acres, located about two and one-half miles from Franklin, which he purchased in about 1869. A year later he disposed of the same, and purchased 120 acres of land two miles north of Franklin. He at present owns altogether about 205 acres. For the last fifteen years he has been buying and trading in stock of all kinds. Mr. Powell was married on September 26, 1861, to Juna A. Ransdell, who was born in Johnson County, Ind., October 10, 1841, and is the daughter of William P. Ransdell. To this union eight children have been born, as follows: Alonzo, born 1862; William I., born 1865; Ora, born 1867; George, born 1869; Susan E., born 1872; John, born 1874; Myrtle, born 1878, and Bessie, born 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Powell and three children are members of Hurricane Baptist Church.