Person:Neal Powers (2)

Baptized July 24,1886 at Methodist church Italy, Dallas County, Texas In the Bible of Neal Vance Powers, the father of Neal was Rev. Equilla powers. He only finished the second grade, as he told many times. He valued education greatly -- perhaps more so since he didn't receive a formal education himself. He quit school to help with farming chores. He had red hair, as did his mother. He always said that he felt sorry for little red headed boys with freckles. cap they looked like they hurt. Note: there is a Powers family who came to Alabama from South Carolina in 1835. The names Ira, Sterling and Aquilla are in that family and it is believed that these families are related but there is no proof. from The Denison Herald, Sunday March 1, 1959. Mr. and Mrs. Powers Hold WEDDING Observance. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Vance Powers were surprised when they married ahead of the season. They rushed to the customary June season by marrying in February. Mr. and Mrs. Powers' didn't tell their friends, gathering all immediate family than a few Close friends for the ceremony performed by the reve. E. L. Egger in the Wapples Methodist parsonage. Friends found out about the wedding and showed up at the home of t, bride, Miss Hattie Potts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Potts, 105 West Walker. He worked at Lion -Gray and Burton -- Lingo lumber companies, retiring in 1953. He was a member of Trinity Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge 403 and former secretary of Woodmen of the World. Powers was born in Italy and reared in Bonham, coming to Denison as a young man. Mrs. Powers was originally from Balm, moving here when 12 years old. Asked how they fared so well with marriage for 50 years, Mrs. Powers replied simply, "Well, we just married with the intention of staying married."

  A letter written by Neil Powers close to his wedding anniversary, after Hattie's death: "Neal and Hattie-- Feb. 27, 1909 March 11, 1970 More than 61 years of living together and loving each other and never a thought of wishing that either of us was someone else. One of us had to be first to go, so it is for me to say goodbye Dear One. Goodbye, 
   A letter written on his 53rd wedding anniversary to his wife Hattie; Mother, another year has passed making 53 that you have looked after me and ours. Yours Has Not Been an Easy Job all the time for your outnumbered six to one, but you, being a true Christian lady, wonderful wife and mother, and what your faith, patience and understanding, you have made a big job seemed a pleasant one. we do love and appreciate you, and I again say, that if I should be permitted to live to be a hundred, I could not repay you for what you have been and are to me. Dad. He Was Real with Cancer; had cancer on his lip.  Upper lip was removed about 1925. He was the ill with heart disorder/stroke; Had first heart attack about age 65. Died of heart attack at age 86. He was the ill with lifelong asthma.  To breathing treatments after age 70.  He was educated.  His church membership on July 24,1896 at Italy, Ellis, TX. He was baptized as an infant in the Methodist church.  He remained a Methodist throughout his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Powers' recalled hiring two buggies, and they and another couple drove to Carpenter's Bluff that night. They settled down to housekeeping at 320 East Munson. They later moved 13 times. When they were married POWERS worked at Denison lumber Co., 600 West Main. E. LAST was employed at the yard at 325 East Main where he became manager of Lyon - Gray firm which acquired the yard. Later he spent 13 years with Burton-Lingo Lumber Company before retiring in 1953.

They have four children Mrs. Evelyn Lee of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Beverly Powers of Madill, Mrs. Anna Belle Barnhill of 527 East Washington, and Mrs. Imogene Shires who resides with them. POWERS was born in Italy Texas and reared at Bonham, coming to Denison as a young man. Mrs. Powers' was originally from Balm, moving here when 12 years old. . Neal Vance POWERS was elected an alternate Sovereign Camp delegate Saturday at the Texas Head Camp of the Woodmen of the World meeting in San Antonio. Obituary- The Denison Herald Dec. 20, 1973 Funeral for Neal Vance Powers 87, of 531 East Washington. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetary.