LEILA KNIGHT POWELL 1881 - 1944
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Leila Knight Powell, wife of John Whitlow Evans Powell, born Feb 26, 1881, daughter of Henry Harrison Knight and Mary Susan Ray of Rays Mill, Berrien Co., GA. Henry Knight was the son of John Knight and Sallie Moore. John Knight was the nephew of Capt. Levi J. Knight, a pioneer settler of Lowndes and Berrien County, and company commander during several skirmishes with Indians during the summer of 1836.
The South Georgian, x13 Dec 1901:
"A Beautiful Wedding
Thursday, at the home of Mrs. M.S. Knight, mother of the bride, Miss Leila Knight, was wedded to Hon. John W.E. Powell, of Nashville.
The marriage took place at 8 o'clock, in the presence of the family and a few friends. The ceremony was beautiful and impressive, performed by Rev. Strong.
After the marriage, the bridal party drove to Nashville and were met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Lovette by a number of friends invited to partake in a 7 o'clock dinner in honor of the newly wedded couple. Many handsome gifts attested to the tender love of friends and dear ones.
The dining room elicited much admiration by reason of the lovely table and the tasteful decorations of the overgreens, tied with ribbons in love knots. The dinner was very elegant and reflected much credit upon Mr. & Mrs. Lovette and their able assistant, Mrs. A.W. Patterson.
The bride, as Miss Leila Knight, was esteemed one of the most cultured and intelligent young ladies in the county. Mr. Powell needs no commendation at our hands, among the people, he has served so efficiently in many public capacities. He is, at present, Cashier of the Bank of Nashville, and has hundreds of friends who join with us in wishing a long and happy life to him and his fair bride."
From various issues of the Tifton Gazette:
x6 Oct 1899: "Handsome John Powell, Berrien's clever tax collector, was in Tifton yesterday on his first round of 1899."
x21 Aug 1903: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell are placing the [foundation] for the erection of a handsome seven room residence."
x28 Aug 1903: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell is spending this week with relatives at Rays Mill."
x4 Aug 1904: "Col. Powell of Nashville was at Cecil this week on business."
x1 Sept 1905: "Mesdames Powell and Lovett have sold their millinery business to Mrs. T.D. Henderson of Brookfield."
x1 Sept 1905: "Anderson & Lovett have sold their old drug store to Mr. A.S. Knight, of Atlanta. Mr. Knight is a brother of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. He was raised at Rays Mill, in this county, but has been living in Atlanta for some time."
Nashville Herald,
x18 Jan 1907: "Mrs. W.D. Buie drew the free buggy at Sol Hackerman's on Monday. The drawing was witnessed by several hundred people and was conducted in a perfectly impartial manner by Messrs. J.W.E. Powell and J.D. Lovett. Mrs. Buie is being congratulated by her friends."
x1 Feb 1907: "The Priscilla Club met last Thursday with Mrs. J.D. Lovett and spent a very delightful and beneficial afternoon. The meeting this week has been postponed until next Tuesday, Feb. 7th, when it will meet with Mrs. J.W.E. Powell."
x8 Feb 1907: "Mrs. E.G. Brown entertained a number of friends Tuesday at a spend-the-day party and quilting. Those who enjoyed Mrs. Brown's charming hospitality were: Mesdames Harrison, Silas Tygart, W.B. Goodman, A.J. Albritton, W.G. Harrison, J.W.E. Powell, A.E. Bullard, W.H. Tygart, A.S. Knight and Misses Tygart, Stephens, Ricks and Butler."
Tifton Gazette,
x23 Apr 1909: "The Georgia Bankers Association is in session in Atlanta. Delegate from Nashville: J.W.E. Powell, First National Bank of Nashville."
x24 Feb 1910: "The Nashville Garden Society met at the home of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. Plans for the upcoming spring plantings around town were discussed."
x11 Apr 1913: "The Civic Improvement Club was organized in Nashville, Monday afternoon, Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, elected Secretary."
x11 Jun 1915: "The residence of Col. J.D. Lovett was completely destroyed by fire this morning. The cause of the blaze is unknown. The fire department did splendid work in saving Hon. J.W.E. Powell's residence, which is the next house to Col. Lovett's."
x3 Mar 1916: "District rally of the Women's Missionary Union of the Mell Baptist Association met at Sparks Baptist Church, Tuesday, Feb. 29th. Presentations included "The Value of Young People's Organizations in Our Church" by Mesdames J.W.E. Powell & W.H. Tygart."
Nashville Herald:
x21 Mar 1919: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Ray City with relatives."
x7 July 1921: "Messrs. J.W.E. Powell, Bill Rentz and A.H. Giddens, in the company of their lovely wives, left Wednesday at noon for Miami, Fla., to visit Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Rentz. While on the trip, they will also visit other Florida cities and expect to return to Nashville Saturday night."
x18 Jun 1924: "Mr. Whitlow Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Lakeland."
x28 Aug 1930: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent the weekend in Dublin with her daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards. Mrs. Edwards and children, Martha and Andy, returned Sunday with Mrs. Powell to spend several days in our town."
x15 May 1930: "The following have been elected as teachers of the Nashville Public Schools for school year 1930-1: Principal Mr. Whitlow Powell ..."
John Whitlow Evans and Leila Knight Powell were parents of two children:
1. Evelyn Powell b. Sept. 19, 1902, Nashville, GA, d. Oct 1955, Nashville, GA. Marrried 27 Jun 1923 to Troy Edwards. Mr. Edwards was b. 24 Jan 1900, Bold Springs Walton Co., GA, the son of Wm Bartow Edwards and Wilma Abigail Giles. Both Evelyn and Troy graduated from the University of Georgia in 1922. Evelyn's degree program was in education. Troy graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Evelyn Powell Edwards continued her studies at Georgia State Women's College where she earned a Master of Arts degree.
A letter in the archives of Valdosta State University written by Evelyn Powell Edwards to Edith Patterson, the Alumni Director, humorously stated, ""I see you have received the news that I have my AB degree, but have you heard about the M.R.S. and now the M.A.? I have them, as well." The "M.R.S." degree was earned when she married Troy Edwards, on June 27, 1923, a little over a year after they both matriculated from the University of Georgia. The "M.A." degree, in "Maternity Arts", was earned when daughter Martha Leila was born nine months after the wedding.
Evelyn and Troy's dau. Martha Leila Edwards was b. 10 Apr 1924, McRae, Ga. and son Andrew Soule Edwards was b. 2 Jan 1929, Dublin, Ga.
2. Whitlow Harrison Powell b. 24 Aug 1907. W.H. Powell graduated from the University of Georgia on 14 June 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. By 1930, Mr. Powell was Principal, and later, Superintendent, in the Berrien County school system, positions he held for over 35 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Couturier Long, in 1931. They had one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, who is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and a practicing radiologist.
Obit from Valdosta Times: "Whitlow H. Powell, age 62, died in a Tallahassee, Fla., hospital Friday, 9-26-1969. He was a son of John W.E. and Leila Knight Powell of Berrien County. Whitlow Harrison Powell was born on 8-24-1907 and he served two terms as Principal of Alapaha High School and the same position at Nashville High School. Survivors: his wife, the former Couturier Long; one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla."
Obituary from Valdosta Times:
"Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, age 63, of Nashville, died 9-4-1944 from a heart attack. Before her marriage in 1901, she was Leila Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knight of Ray City. Forty three years ago, she and her husband moved to the home they built where she resided at the time of her death. Burial was in Nashville City Cemetery where her husband was buried in 1933. Survivors: one son, Whitlow H. Powell of Nashville; one daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards of Stephens Pottery; four brothers, A.S. Knight of West Palm Beach, FL, J.T. Knight and L.J. Knight of Augusta, E.M. Knight of Ray City; a sister, Mrs. W.C. Johnson of Valdosta."
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Captain Levi J. Knight, is mentioned as the keynote speaker at the 4th of July celebration, Franklinville (Valdosta), Ga., 1835, in the following Southern Recorder article:
Southern Recorder
August 4, 1835
FOURTH OF JULY
AT FRANKLINVILLE, LOWNDES COUNTY
According to previous notice, a large and respectable number of our citizens convened at the Court house at an early hour of the day – when the Rev. Jonathan Gaulden was chosen President of the day and John Dees, Vice President. About half past 12 o'clock, the company was formed at Mr. Smiths', and marched into the court-house headed by James Williams, Marshal of the day, when a Throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. J. Gaulden. The declaration of American Independence was then read by H. W. Sharpe, Esq., after which a chaste and patriotic Oration was delivered by Levi J. Knight, Esq., Orator of the day.
Oration of Captain Knight:
Fellow Citizens – We should regard it as an interesting occasion which calls us together. Every association, whatever its character, which sets apart a day for rejoicing and for recollection, consecrates a period when the heart shall go back with memory to revisit the spring time of its existence. On this occasion, as the organ of your sentiments, it is to me a source of singular gratification to reflect upon the nature of the object which has gathered us here. Casting aside our every day occupations and cares of life, we have come up on the jubilee of our country's liberty, to honor the day that gave birth to the greatest republic in the world. Perhaps the day could not be more appropriately honored, or the hour more agreeably occupied, than by dwelling briefly upon the proud merits of our country.
This day 59 years ago, our chivalrous sires from the then thirteen States, in the burning language which you have just heard read, declared we would be free from the yoke of Great Britain, which at that time hung over us, and to which pledge they bound themselves in the strongest of all human obligations – no less than their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors. It is a theme from which none can turn away; it lays claim to our hearts, not only as a magnanimous people, but as the children of that country which it is a pride and glory to call our own, our native land. No one surveys the physical resources of our country with more gratification than myself. It furnishes me a noble satisfaction to behold its broad lands covered with an vigorous and rapidly multiplying population; to know that the busy hand of civilization and industry is fast invading the stillness of the forest; to view our commerce stretching — white sails over every wave — feel that in the hour of danger, brave hearts and skillful hands are ready to gather beneath the folds of our country's banner. No one returns from such a contemplations with a higher sense of his country's excellence and glory, or with deeper gratitude to God, who hath given us such an inheritance, than I do.
There is another circumstance which this view will not permit us to overlook. An immense ocean rolls its waters between us and the old world. We inhabit a continent far removed from the influence of other nations. It is difficult to comprehend the immense importance of this circumstance, or feel and know the force and peculiarity of its results. We can however feel that it promises a lasting and undisturbed operation of our free institutions. Should the political atmosphere of Europe all become poisoned, it dies before it reaches our healthful clime; no breeze can waft it over the rolling waves. Let their lands degenerate into falsehood and crime, till demons occupy and pollute their altars of Christ, their victory closes with their shores; they cannot overleap the mighty barrier which the God of nature hath thrown between us. Did we occupy some portion of the continent of Europe, our juxtaposition to other powers might prove fatal to our liberty. Though their elements of civil society may heave, their systems may totter, the volcanoe may burst forth and flame the heavens; yet we feel not the shock; secure in the distance, we look on and learn wisdom. Who, in the contemplation of such a scene, does not rejoice that providence has cast his lot in this land, in behalf of whose liberty nature itself does battle!
What a beautiful scene does our own State present, of the excellent system under which we live. Over its fertile land there is spread out already an intelligent, noble, and rapidly increasing population. It seems as but yesterday this spot was a wilderness – the forest of centuries waved over it – the only contrast to its unbroken gloom was the glare of the council fire, and the wild song of the Indian. To-day how different! – Beauty, taste, and civilization, here have met to honor the day that gave birth to our liberty. There is another matter I cannot pass silently by – it is education. To this we owe the present greatness of our nation; it is to this we may look for a perpetuation of our institutions. Education alone can render us capable of judging of the abuses of our Government, from whatever source they may emanate. It is ignorance alone that can make a slave. Here, then, let us examine the peculiar influence which our government is likely to exert upon the intellect of the country. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that it is free, essentially free, not in name alone, but in spirit and in action. It throws a broad shield over every citizen, but it leaves each to the exercise of his gifts. It recognizes no established spheres in which men must move, without the hope or power of passing beyond. It throws open wide the great lists of society, and bids all contend for its distinctions, trusting to their own valor and their own skill. It forgets the artificial distinction of birth, and passing by the unworthy descendants of patrician blood, seeks the humblest and poorest of its enterprising sons who have divorced themselves from the obscurity of their origin by the might and grandeur of their intellect. Minds that would sleep cold and silent on the gloom of despotism, start forth into glorious life and power under the light of liberty. I regard the intellectual character of our country is of the greatest importance. The power of political ascendancy is gone by. This is an age in which moral influence is felt. There have been times, when the barbarian trod learning into the dust; when the brutal spoiler overwhelmed the contriver of arts; but the conquest of mind has begun; the dark days of blood have departed, the sun of peace has arisen; never again shall science be chained by despotism; the empire of mind is established, and henceforth nations are to be ranked, not according to their physical but their moral strength. What are bright skies and balmy breezes, when man is crushed by the iron hand of despotism? What inspiration can wake up the genius of him, who lives under a system of government that writes slave on his forehead? It is remarked by distinguished writers, that a nation has no character unless it is free; and indeed the history of mankind would go far towards establishing the assertion, that unless it be free it can have no literature worth the name. It is always satisfactory to be able to try our opinions by the actual experience of others. Free institutions alone present to the mind a fair opportunity for expansion; they do most towards stimulating intellect, and afford man the greatest inducement to exercise his best powers.
Let us pass for a moment to other lands, and compare France with her neighbor Spain. Can geographical varieties so slight create so wonderful a difference in the degree of intellectual development? The one great in every department of learning, the other yet in the gloom of the dark ages and bare of genius. While France can vie with any nation on earth except our own, as to the glory of her institutions, her liberal principles and her proud and lofty intellect, we see Spain enveloped in despotism and superstition. No! not to climate, not to the separation which nature hath placed between the two lands, but to the difference of their political systems, the cause must be traced. What one of our fair guests, but must feel a secret pride and emotion as she looks on her tender offspring, or some one of near relations, and sees a prospect of their enrolling their names on the list of their country's intellectual excellence. No nation in its infancy has ever done so much in this way. The early history of the most of them is little better than a distinguished detail of petty feuds and bloody contests. But already how much has our country accomplished? What a delightful encomium on our system it must furnish, to visit each State, from the oldest and most established, to the youngest that is just pouring its enterprising population into the bosom of the forest. You pass from the magnanificent city, where the chief objects which meet your glance are temples of worship with their tall spires pointing to heavens, and institutions of learning nobly testifying to the munificence of the government, and your enter the forest, just falling beneath the axe, you find people, though rude and unpretending, who hold it as their first duty to worship God, the very next to educate their sons. Though we have no wealth to pour into the lap of science; though the scholar must content himself with poverty; yet all is not barren. As our country becomes older, and wealth increases, the influence of these causes will outstrip calculation; the grandeur of their results no man conjecture.
My heart swells with a lofty conviction that our political system is the best adapted of any on earth to elevate the character of man, to energize his intellect, and to call it forth in the noblest and boldest shapes, where it dreads no human power. Here, it is where opinions may be expressed fearlessly, and where there is nothing to tempt from the pursuit of truth. A free press upon which government lays no fetters, ready to spread their opinions to the world, to detect corruption and applaud virtue – a free people, early taught to think right on all subjects – what may we not hope for? We have an age friendly to intellectual development. Grim visaged war hath smothered his front; ambition of men has assumed a holier aspect; truth has touched them with her wand; they no longer make it their great business of life to marshal victorious hosts upon the tented field or strive for an empire of blood; they have discovered that glory is to be won elsewhere than in the red path of battle; the effort now is to be wise, to be learned, and to be good. Let these things, fellow-citizens, fill us with an ardor in the cultivation of our literature. This only can enable the rising posterity to maintain and hand down to generations yet unborn, our glorious system of government, which is the true desire of a republican people.
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Leila Knight Powell, wife of John Whitlow Evans Powell, born Feb 26, 1881, daughter of Henry Harrison Knight and Mary Susan Ray of Rays Mill, Berrien Co., GA. Henry Knight was the son of John Knight and Sallie Moore. John Knight was the nephew of Capt. Levi J. Knight, a pioneer settler of Lowndes and Berrien County, and company commander during several skirmishes with Indians during the summer of 1836.
The South Georgian, x13 Dec 1901:
"A Beautiful Wedding
Thursday, at the home of Mrs. M.S. Knight, mother of the bride, Miss Leila Knight, was wedded to Hon. John W.E. Powell, of Nashville.
The marriage took place at 8 o'clock, in the presence of the family and a few friends. The ceremony was beautiful and impressive, performed by Rev. Strong.
After the marriage, the bridal party drove to Nashville and were met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Lovette by a number of friends invited to partake in a 7 o'clock dinner in honor of the newly wedded couple. Many handsome gifts attested to the tender love of friends and dear ones.
The dining room elicited much admiration by reason of the lovely table and the tasteful decorations of the overgreens, tied with ribbons in love knots. The dinner was very elegant and reflected much credit upon Mr. & Mrs. Lovette and their able assistant, Mrs. A.W. Patterson.
The bride, as Miss Leila Knight, was esteemed one of the most cultured and intelligent young ladies in the county. Mr. Powell needs no commendation at our hands, among the people, he has served so efficiently in many public capacities. He is, at present, Cashier of the Bank of Nashville, and has hundreds of friends who join with us in wishing a long and happy life to him and his fair bride."
From various issues of the Tifton Gazette:
x6 Oct 1899: "Handsome John Powell, Berrien's clever tax collector, was in Tifton yesterday on his first round of 1899."
x21 Aug 1903: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell are placing the [foundation] for the erection of a handsome seven room residence."
x28 Aug 1903: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell is spending this week with relatives at Rays Mill."
x4 Aug 1904: "Col. Powell of Nashville was at Cecil this week on business."
x1 Sept 1905: "Mesdames Powell and Lovett have sold their millinery business to Mrs. T.D. Henderson of Brookfield."
x1 Sept 1905: "Anderson & Lovett have sold their old drug store to Mr. A.S. Knight, of Atlanta. Mr. Knight is a brother of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. He was raised at Rays Mill, in this county, but has been living in Atlanta for some time."
Nashville Herald,
x18 Jan 1907: "Mrs. W.D. Buie drew the free buggy at Sol Hackerman's on Monday. The drawing was witnessed by several hundred people and was conducted in a perfectly impartial manner by Messrs. J.W.E. Powell and J.D. Lovett. Mrs. Buie is being congratulated by her friends."
x1 Feb 1907: "The Priscilla Club met last Thursday with Mrs. J.D. Lovett and spent a very delightful and beneficial afternoon. The meeting this week has been postponed until next Tuesday, Feb. 7th, when it will meet with Mrs. J.W.E. Powell."
x8 Feb 1907: "Mrs. E.G. Brown entertained a number of friends Tuesday at a spend-the-day party and quilting. Those who enjoyed Mrs. Brown's charming hospitality were: Mesdames Harrison, Silas Tygart, W.B. Goodman, A.J. Albritton, W.G. Harrison, J.W.E. Powell, A.E. Bullard, W.H. Tygart, A.S. Knight and Misses Tygart, Stephens, Ricks and Butler."
Tifton Gazette,
x23 Apr 1909: "The Georgia Bankers Association is in session in Atlanta. Delegate from Nashville: J.W.E. Powell, First National Bank of Nashville."
x24 Feb 1910: "The Nashville Garden Society met at the home of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. Plans for the upcoming spring plantings around town were discussed."
x11 Apr 1913: "The Civic Improvement Club was organized in Nashville, Monday afternoon, Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, elected Secretary."
x11 Jun 1915: "The residence of Col. J.D. Lovett was completely destroyed by fire this morning. The cause of the blaze is unknown. The fire department did splendid work in saving Hon. J.W.E. Powell's residence, which is the next house to Col. Lovett's."
x3 Mar 1916: "District rally of the Women's Missionary Union of the Mell Baptist Association met at Sparks Baptist Church, Tuesday, Feb. 29th. Presentations included "The Value of Young People's Organizations in Our Church" by Mesdames J.W.E. Powell & W.H. Tygart."
Nashville Herald:
x21 Mar 1919: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Ray City with relatives."
x7 July 1921: "Messrs. J.W.E. Powell, Bill Rentz and A.H. Giddens, in the company of their lovely wives, left Wednesday at noon for Miami, Fla., to visit Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Rentz. While on the trip, they will also visit other Florida cities and expect to return to Nashville Saturday night."
x18 Jun 1924: "Mr. Whitlow Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Lakeland."
x28 Aug 1930: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent the weekend in Dublin with her daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards. Mrs. Edwards and children, Martha and Andy, returned Sunday with Mrs. Powell to spend several days in our town."
x15 May 1930: "The following have been elected as teachers of the Nashville Public Schools for school year 1930-1: Principal Mr. Whitlow Powell ..."
John Whitlow Evans and Leila Knight Powell were parents of two children:
1. Evelyn Powell b. Sept. 19, 1902, Nashville, GA, d. Oct 1955, Nashville, GA. Marrried 27 Jun 1923 to Troy Edwards. Mr. Edwards was b. 24 Jan 1900, Bold Springs Walton Co., GA, the son of Wm Bartow Edwards and Wilma Abigail Giles. Both Evelyn and Troy graduated from the University of Georgia in 1922. Evelyn's degree program was in education. Troy graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Evelyn Powell Edwards continued her studies at Georgia State Women's College where she earned a Master of Arts degree.
A letter in the archives of Valdosta State University written by Evelyn Powell Edwards to Edith Patterson, the Alumni Director, humorously stated, ""I see you have received the news that I have my AB degree, but have you heard about the M.R.S. and now the M.A.? I have them, as well." The "M.R.S." degree was earned when she married Troy Edwards, on June 27, 1923, a little over a year after they both matriculated from the University of Georgia. The "M.A." degree, in "Maternity Arts", was earned when daughter Martha Leila was born nine months after the wedding.
Evelyn and Troy's dau. Martha Leila Edwards was b. 10 Apr 1924, McRae, Ga. and son Andrew Soule Edwards was b. 2 Jan 1929, Dublin, Ga.
2. Whitlow Harrison Powell b. 24 Aug 1907. W.H. Powell graduated from the University of Georgia on 14 June 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. By 1930, Mr. Powell was Principal, and later, Superintendent, in the Berrien County school system, positions he held for over 35 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Couturier Long, in 1931. They had one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, who is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and a practicing radiologist.
Obit from Valdosta Times: "Whitlow H. Powell, age 62, died in a Tallahassee, Fla., hospital Friday, 9-26-1969. He was a son of John W.E. and Leila Knight Powell of Berrien County. Whitlow Harrison Powell was born on 8-24-1907 and he served two terms as Principal of Alapaha High School and the same position at Nashville High School. Survivors: his wife, the former Couturier Long; one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla."
Obituary from Valdosta Times:
"Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, age 63, of Nashville, died 9-4-1944 from a heart attack. Before her marriage in 1901, she was Leila Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knight of Ray City. Forty three years ago, she and her husband moved to the home they built where she resided at the time of her death. Burial was in Nashville City Cemetery where her husband was buried in 1933. Survivors: one son, Whitlow H. Powell of Nashville; one daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards of Stephens Pottery; four brothers, A.S. Knight of West Palm Beach, FL, J.T. Knight and L.J. Knight of Augusta, E.M. Knight of Ray City; a sister, Mrs. W.C. Johnson of Valdosta."
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Captain Levi J. Knight, is mentioned as the keynote speaker at the 4th of July celebration, Franklinville (Valdosta), Ga., 1835, in the following Southern Recorder article:
Southern Recorder
August 4, 1835
FOURTH OF JULY
AT FRANKLINVILLE, LOWNDES COUNTY
According to previous notice, a large and respectable number of our citizens convened at the Court house at an early hour of the day – when the Rev. Jonathan Gaulden was chosen President of the day and John Dees, Vice President. About half past 12 o'clock, the company was formed at Mr. Smiths', and marched into the court-house headed by James Williams, Marshal of the day, when a Throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. J. Gaulden. The declaration of American Independence was then read by H. W. Sharpe, Esq., after which a chaste and patriotic Oration was delivered by Levi J. Knight, Esq., Orator of the day.
Oration of Captain Knight:
Fellow Citizens – We should regard it as an interesting occasion which calls us together. Every association, whatever its character, which sets apart a day for rejoicing and for recollection, consecrates a period when the heart shall go back with memory to revisit the spring time of its existence. On this occasion, as the organ of your sentiments, it is to me a source of singular gratification to reflect upon the nature of the object which has gathered us here. Casting aside our every day occupations and cares of life, we have come up on the jubilee of our country's liberty, to honor the day that gave birth to the greatest republic in the world. Perhaps the day could not be more appropriately honored, or the hour more agreeably occupied, than by dwelling briefly upon the proud merits of our country.
This day 59 years ago, our chivalrous sires from the then thirteen States, in the burning language which you have just heard read, declared we would be free from the yoke of Great Britain, which at that time hung over us, and to which pledge they bound themselves in the strongest of all human obligations – no less than their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors. It is a theme from which none can turn away; it lays claim to our hearts, not only as a magnanimous people, but as the children of that country which it is a pride and glory to call our own, our native land. No one surveys the physical resources of our country with more gratification than myself. It furnishes me a noble satisfaction to behold its broad lands covered with an vigorous and rapidly multiplying population; to know that the busy hand of civilization and industry is fast invading the stillness of the forest; to view our commerce stretching — white sails over every wave — feel that in the hour of danger, brave hearts and skillful hands are ready to gather beneath the folds of our country's banner. No one returns from such a contemplations with a higher sense of his country's excellence and glory, or with deeper gratitude to God, who hath given us such an inheritance, than I do.
There is another circumstance which this view will not permit us to overlook. An immense ocean rolls its waters between us and the old world. We inhabit a continent far removed from the influence of other nations. It is difficult to comprehend the immense importance of this circumstance, or feel and know the force and peculiarity of its results. We can however feel that it promises a lasting and undisturbed operation of our free institutions. Should the political atmosphere of Europe all become poisoned, it dies before it reaches our healthful clime; no breeze can waft it over the rolling waves. Let their lands degenerate into falsehood and crime, till demons occupy and pollute their altars of Christ, their victory closes with their shores; they cannot overleap the mighty barrier which the God of nature hath thrown between us. Did we occupy some portion of the continent of Europe, our juxtaposition to other powers might prove fatal to our liberty. Though their elements of civil society may heave, their systems may totter, the volcanoe may burst forth and flame the heavens; yet we feel not the shock; secure in the distance, we look on and learn wisdom. Who, in the contemplation of such a scene, does not rejoice that providence has cast his lot in this land, in behalf of whose liberty nature itself does battle!
What a beautiful scene does our own State present, of the excellent system under which we live. Over its fertile land there is spread out already an intelligent, noble, and rapidly increasing population. It seems as but yesterday this spot was a wilderness – the forest of centuries waved over it – the only contrast to its unbroken gloom was the glare of the council fire, and the wild song of the Indian. To-day how different! – Beauty, taste, and civilization, here have met to honor the day that gave birth to our liberty. There is another matter I cannot pass silently by – it is education. To this we owe the present greatness of our nation; it is to this we may look for a perpetuation of our institutions. Education alone can render us capable of judging of the abuses of our Government, from whatever source they may emanate. It is ignorance alone that can make a slave. Here, then, let us examine the peculiar influence which our government is likely to exert upon the intellect of the country. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that it is free, essentially free, not in name alone, but in spirit and in action. It throws a broad shield over every citizen, but it leaves each to the exercise of his gifts. It recognizes no established spheres in which men must move, without the hope or power of passing beyond. It throws open wide the great lists of society, and bids all contend for its distinctions, trusting to their own valor and their own skill. It forgets the artificial distinction of birth, and passing by the unworthy descendants of patrician blood, seeks the humblest and poorest of its enterprising sons who have divorced themselves from the obscurity of their origin by the might and grandeur of their intellect. Minds that would sleep cold and silent on the gloom of despotism, start forth into glorious life and power under the light of liberty. I regard the intellectual character of our country is of the greatest importance. The power of political ascendancy is gone by. This is an age in which moral influence is felt. There have been times, when the barbarian trod learning into the dust; when the brutal spoiler overwhelmed the contriver of arts; but the conquest of mind has begun; the dark days of blood have departed, the sun of peace has arisen; never again shall science be chained by despotism; the empire of mind is established, and henceforth nations are to be ranked, not according to their physical but their moral strength. What are bright skies and balmy breezes, when man is crushed by the iron hand of despotism? What inspiration can wake up the genius of him, who lives under a system of government that writes slave on his forehead? It is remarked by distinguished writers, that a nation has no character unless it is free; and indeed the history of mankind would go far towards establishing the assertion, that unless it be free it can have no literature worth the name. It is always satisfactory to be able to try our opinions by the actual experience of others. Free institutions alone present to the mind a fair opportunity for expansion; they do most towards stimulating intellect, and afford man the greatest inducement to exercise his best powers.
Let us pass for a moment to other lands, and compare France with her neighbor Spain. Can geographical varieties so slight create so wonderful a difference in the degree of intellectual development? The one great in every department of learning, the other yet in the gloom of the dark ages and bare of genius. While France can vie with any nation on earth except our own, as to the glory of her institutions, her liberal principles and her proud and lofty intellect, we see Spain enveloped in despotism and superstition. No! not to climate, not to the separation which nature hath placed between the two lands, but to the difference of their political systems, the cause must be traced. What one of our fair guests, but must feel a secret pride and emotion as she looks on her tender offspring, or some one of near relations, and sees a prospect of their enrolling their names on the list of their country's intellectual excellence. No nation in its infancy has ever done so much in this way. The early history of the most of them is little better than a distinguished detail of petty feuds and bloody contests. But already how much has our country accomplished? What a delightful encomium on our system it must furnish, to visit each State, from the oldest and most established, to the youngest that is just pouring its enterprising population into the bosom of the forest. You pass from the magnanificent city, where the chief objects which meet your glance are temples of worship with their tall spires pointing to heavens, and institutions of learning nobly testifying to the munificence of the government, and your enter the forest, just falling beneath the axe, you find people, though rude and unpretending, who hold it as their first duty to worship God, the very next to educate their sons. Though we have no wealth to pour into the lap of science; though the scholar must content himself with poverty; yet all is not barren. As our country becomes older, and wealth increases, the influence of these causes will outstrip calculation; the grandeur of their results no man conjecture.
My heart swells with a lofty conviction that our political system is the best adapted of any on earth to elevate the character of man, to energize his intellect, and to call it forth in the noblest and boldest shapes, where it dreads no human power. Here, it is where opinions may be expressed fearlessly, and where there is nothing to tempt from the pursuit of truth. A free press upon which government lays no fetters, ready to spread their opinions to the world, to detect corruption and applaud virtue – a free people, early taught to think right on all subjects – what may we not hope for? We have an age friendly to intellectual development. Grim visaged war hath smothered his front; ambition of men has assumed a holier aspect; truth has touched them with her wand; they no longer make it their great business of life to marshal victorious hosts upon the tented field or strive for an empire of blood; they have discovered that glory is to be won elsewhere than in the red path of battle; the effort now is to be wise, to be learned, and to be good. Let these things, fellow-citizens, fill us with an ardor in the cultivation of our literature. This only can enable the rising posterity to maintain and hand down to generations yet unborn, our glorious system of government, which is the true desire of a republican people.
___________________________________________________________
LEILA KNIGHT POWELL 1881 - 1944
___________________________________________________________
Leila Knight Powell, wife of John Whitlow Evans Powell, born Feb 26, 1881, daughter of Henry Harrison Knight and Mary Susan Ray of Rays Mill, Berrien Co., GA. Henry Knight was the son of John Knight and Sallie Moore. John Knight was the nephew of Capt. Levi J. Knight, a pioneer settler of Lowndes and Berrien County, and company commander during several skirmishes with Indians during the summer of 1836.
The South Georgian, x13 Dec 1901:
"A Beautiful Wedding
Thursday, at the home of Mrs. M.S. Knight, mother of the bride, Miss Leila Knight, was wedded to Hon. John W.E. Powell, of Nashville.
The marriage took place at 8 o'clock, in the presence of the family and a few friends. The ceremony was beautiful and impressive, performed by Rev. Strong.
After the marriage, the bridal party drove to Nashville and were met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Lovette by a number of friends invited to partake in a 7 o'clock dinner in honor of the newly wedded couple. Many handsome gifts attested to the tender love of friends and dear ones.
The dining room elicited much admiration by reason of the lovely table and the tasteful decorations of the overgreens, tied with ribbons in love knots. The dinner was very elegant and reflected much credit upon Mr. & Mrs. Lovette and their able assistant, Mrs. A.W. Patterson.
The bride, as Miss Leila Knight, was esteemed one of the most cultured and intelligent young ladies in the county. Mr. Powell needs no commendation at our hands, among the people, he has served so efficiently in many public capacities. He is, at present, Cashier of the Bank of Nashville, and has hundreds of friends who join with us in wishing a long and happy life to him and his fair bride."
From various issues of the Tifton Gazette:
x6 Oct 1899: "Handsome John Powell, Berrien's clever tax collector, was in Tifton yesterday on his first round of 1899."
x21 Aug 1903: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell are placing the [foundation] for the erection of a handsome seven room residence."
x28 Aug 1903: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell is spending this week with relatives at Rays Mill."
x4 Aug 1904: "Col. Powell of Nashville was at Cecil this week on business."
x1 Sept 1905: "Mesdames Powell and Lovett have sold their millinery business to Mrs. T.D. Henderson of Brookfield."
x1 Sept 1905: "Anderson & Lovett have sold their old drug store to Mr. A.S. Knight, of Atlanta. Mr. Knight is a brother of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. He was raised at Rays Mill, in this county, but has been living in Atlanta for some time."
Nashville Herald,
x18 Jan 1907: "Mrs. W.D. Buie drew the free buggy at Sol Hackerman's on Monday. The drawing was witnessed by several hundred people and was conducted in a perfectly impartial manner by Messrs. J.W.E. Powell and J.D. Lovett. Mrs. Buie is being congratulated by her friends."
x1 Feb 1907: "The Priscilla Club met last Thursday with Mrs. J.D. Lovett and spent a very delightful and beneficial afternoon. The meeting this week has been postponed until next Tuesday, Feb. 7th, when it will meet with Mrs. J.W.E. Powell."
x8 Feb 1907: "Mrs. E.G. Brown entertained a number of friends Tuesday at a spend-the-day party and quilting. Those who enjoyed Mrs. Brown's charming hospitality were: Mesdames Harrison, Silas Tygart, W.B. Goodman, A.J. Albritton, W.G. Harrison, J.W.E. Powell, A.E. Bullard, W.H. Tygart, A.S. Knight and Misses Tygart, Stephens, Ricks and Butler."
Tifton Gazette,
x23 Apr 1909: "The Georgia Bankers Association is in session in Atlanta. Delegate from Nashville: J.W.E. Powell, First National Bank of Nashville."
x24 Feb 1910: "The Nashville Garden Society met at the home of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. Plans for the upcoming spring plantings around town were discussed."
x11 Apr 1913: "The Civic Improvement Club was organized in Nashville, Monday afternoon, Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, elected Secretary."
x11 Jun 1915: "The residence of Col. J.D. Lovett was completely destroyed by fire this morning. The cause of the blaze is unknown. The fire department did splendid work in saving Hon. J.W.E. Powell's residence, which is the next house to Col. Lovett's."
x3 Mar 1916: "District rally of the Women's Missionary Union of the Mell Baptist Association met at Sparks Baptist Church, Tuesday, Feb. 29th. Presentations included "The Value of Young People's Organizations in Our Church" by Mesdames J.W.E. Powell & W.H. Tygart."
Nashville Herald:
x21 Mar 1919: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Ray City with relatives."
x7 July 1921: "Messrs. J.W.E. Powell, Bill Rentz and A.H. Giddens, in the company of their lovely wives, left Wednesday at noon for Miami, Fla., to visit Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Rentz. While on the trip, they will also visit other Florida cities and expect to return to Nashville Saturday night."
x18 Jun 1924: "Mr. Whitlow Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Lakeland."
x28 Aug 1930: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent the weekend in Dublin with her daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards. Mrs. Edwards and children, Martha and Andy, returned Sunday with Mrs. Powell to spend several days in our town."
x15 May 1930: "The following have been elected as teachers of the Nashville Public Schools for school year 1930-1: Principal Mr. Whitlow Powell ..."
John Whitlow Evans and Leila Knight Powell were parents of two children:
1. Evelyn Powell b. Sept. 19, 1902, Nashville, GA, d. Oct 1955, Nashville, GA. Marrried 27 Jun 1923 to Troy Edwards. Mr. Edwards was b. 24 Jan 1900, Bold Springs Walton Co., GA, the son of Wm Bartow Edwards and Wilma Abigail Giles. Both Evelyn and Troy graduated from the University of Georgia in 1922. Evelyn's degree program was in education. Troy graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Evelyn Powell Edwards continued her studies at Georgia State Women's College where she earned a Master of Arts degree.
A letter in the archives of Valdosta State University written by Evelyn Powell Edwards to Edith Patterson, the Alumni Director, humorously stated, ""I see you have received the news that I have my AB degree, but have you heard about the M.R.S. and now the M.A.? I have them, as well." The "M.R.S." degree was earned when she married Troy Edwards, on June 27, 1923, a little over a year after they both matriculated from the University of Georgia. The "M.A." degree, in "Maternity Arts", was earned when daughter Martha Leila was born nine months after the wedding.
Evelyn and Troy's dau. Martha Leila Edwards was b. 10 Apr 1924, McRae, Ga. and son Andrew Soule Edwards was b. 2 Jan 1929, Dublin, Ga.
2. Whitlow Harrison Powell b. 24 Aug 1907. W.H. Powell graduated from the University of Georgia on 14 June 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. By 1930, Mr. Powell was Principal, and later, Superintendent, in the Berrien County school system, positions he held for over 35 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Couturier Long, in 1931. They had one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, who is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and a practicing radiologist.
Obit from Valdosta Times: "Whitlow H. Powell, age 62, died in a Tallahassee, Fla., hospital Friday, 9-26-1969. He was a son of John W.E. and Leila Knight Powell of Berrien County. Whitlow Harrison Powell was born on 8-24-1907 and he served two terms as Principal of Alapaha High School and the same position at Nashville High School. Survivors: his wife, the former Couturier Long; one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla."
Obituary from Valdosta Times:
"Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, age 63, of Nashville, died 9-4-1944 from a heart attack. Before her marriage in 1901, she was Leila Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knight of Ray City. Forty three years ago, she and her husband moved to the home they built where she resided at the time of her death. Burial was in Nashville City Cemetery where her husband was buried in 1933. Survivors: one son, Whitlow H. Powell of Nashville; one daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards of Stephens Pottery; four brothers, A.S. Knight of West Palm Beach, FL, J.T. Knight and L.J. Knight of Augusta, E.M. Knight of Ray City; a sister, Mrs. W.C. Johnson of Valdosta."
___________________________________________________________
Captain Levi J. Knight, is mentioned as the keynote speaker at the 4th of July celebration, Franklinville (Valdosta), Ga., 1835, in the following Southern Recorder article:
Southern Recorder
August 4, 1835
FOURTH OF JULY
AT FRANKLINVILLE, LOWNDES COUNTY
According to previous notice, a large and respectable number of our citizens convened at the Court house at an early hour of the day – when the Rev. Jonathan Gaulden was chosen President of the day and John Dees, Vice President. About half past 12 o'clock, the company was formed at Mr. Smiths', and marched into the court-house headed by James Williams, Marshal of the day, when a Throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. J. Gaulden. The declaration of American Independence was then read by H. W. Sharpe, Esq., after which a chaste and patriotic Oration was delivered by Levi J. Knight, Esq., Orator of the day.
Oration of Captain Knight:
Fellow Citizens – We should regard it as an interesting occasion which calls us together. Every association, whatever its character, which sets apart a day for rejoicing and for recollection, consecrates a period when the heart shall go back with memory to revisit the spring time of its existence. On this occasion, as the organ of your sentiments, it is to me a source of singular gratification to reflect upon the nature of the object which has gathered us here. Casting aside our every day occupations and cares of life, we have come up on the jubilee of our country's liberty, to honor the day that gave birth to the greatest republic in the world. Perhaps the day could not be more appropriately honored, or the hour more agreeably occupied, than by dwelling briefly upon the proud merits of our country.
This day 59 years ago, our chivalrous sires from the then thirteen States, in the burning language which you have just heard read, declared we would be free from the yoke of Great Britain, which at that time hung over us, and to which pledge they bound themselves in the strongest of all human obligations – no less than their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors. It is a theme from which none can turn away; it lays claim to our hearts, not only as a magnanimous people, but as the children of that country which it is a pride and glory to call our own, our native land. No one surveys the physical resources of our country with more gratification than myself. It furnishes me a noble satisfaction to behold its broad lands covered with an vigorous and rapidly multiplying population; to know that the busy hand of civilization and industry is fast invading the stillness of the forest; to view our commerce stretching — white sails over every wave — feel that in the hour of danger, brave hearts and skillful hands are ready to gather beneath the folds of our country's banner. No one returns from such a contemplations with a higher sense of his country's excellence and glory, or with deeper gratitude to God, who hath given us such an inheritance, than I do.
There is another circumstance which this view will not permit us to overlook. An immense ocean rolls its waters between us and the old world. We inhabit a continent far removed from the influence of other nations. It is difficult to comprehend the immense importance of this circumstance, or feel and know the force and peculiarity of its results. We can however feel that it promises a lasting and undisturbed operation of our free institutions. Should the political atmosphere of Europe all become poisoned, it dies before it reaches our healthful clime; no breeze can waft it over the rolling waves. Let their lands degenerate into falsehood and crime, till demons occupy and pollute their altars of Christ, their victory closes with their shores; they cannot overleap the mighty barrier which the God of nature hath thrown between us. Did we occupy some portion of the continent of Europe, our juxtaposition to other powers might prove fatal to our liberty. Though their elements of civil society may heave, their systems may totter, the volcanoe may burst forth and flame the heavens; yet we feel not the shock; secure in the distance, we look on and learn wisdom. Who, in the contemplation of such a scene, does not rejoice that providence has cast his lot in this land, in behalf of whose liberty nature itself does battle!
What a beautiful scene does our own State present, of the excellent system under which we live. Over its fertile land there is spread out already an intelligent, noble, and rapidly increasing population. It seems as but yesterday this spot was a wilderness – the forest of centuries waved over it – the only contrast to its unbroken gloom was the glare of the council fire, and the wild song of the Indian. To-day how different! – Beauty, taste, and civilization, here have met to honor the day that gave birth to our liberty. There is another matter I cannot pass silently by – it is education. To this we owe the present greatness of our nation; it is to this we may look for a perpetuation of our institutions. Education alone can render us capable of judging of the abuses of our Government, from whatever source they may emanate. It is ignorance alone that can make a slave. Here, then, let us examine the peculiar influence which our government is likely to exert upon the intellect of the country. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that it is free, essentially free, not in name alone, but in spirit and in action. It throws a broad shield over every citizen, but it leaves each to the exercise of his gifts. It recognizes no established spheres in which men must move, without the hope or power of passing beyond. It throws open wide the great lists of society, and bids all contend for its distinctions, trusting to their own valor and their own skill. It forgets the artificial distinction of birth, and passing by the unworthy descendants of patrician blood, seeks the humblest and poorest of its enterprising sons who have divorced themselves from the obscurity of their origin by the might and grandeur of their intellect. Minds that would sleep cold and silent on the gloom of despotism, start forth into glorious life and power under the light of liberty. I regard the intellectual character of our country is of the greatest importance. The power of political ascendancy is gone by. This is an age in which moral influence is felt. There have been times, when the barbarian trod learning into the dust; when the brutal spoiler overwhelmed the contriver of arts; but the conquest of mind has begun; the dark days of blood have departed, the sun of peace has arisen; never again shall science be chained by despotism; the empire of mind is established, and henceforth nations are to be ranked, not according to their physical but their moral strength. What are bright skies and balmy breezes, when man is crushed by the iron hand of despotism? What inspiration can wake up the genius of him, who lives under a system of government that writes slave on his forehead? It is remarked by distinguished writers, that a nation has no character unless it is free; and indeed the history of mankind would go far towards establishing the assertion, that unless it be free it can have no literature worth the name. It is always satisfactory to be able to try our opinions by the actual experience of others. Free institutions alone present to the mind a fair opportunity for expansion; they do most towards stimulating intellect, and afford man the greatest inducement to exercise his best powers.
Let us pass for a moment to other lands, and compare France with her neighbor Spain. Can geographical varieties so slight create so wonderful a difference in the degree of intellectual development? The one great in every department of learning, the other yet in the gloom of the dark ages and bare of genius. While France can vie with any nation on earth except our own, as to the glory of her institutions, her liberal principles and her proud and lofty intellect, we see Spain enveloped in despotism and superstition. No! not to climate, not to the separation which nature hath placed between the two lands, but to the difference of their political systems, the cause must be traced. What one of our fair guests, but must feel a secret pride and emotion as she looks on her tender offspring, or some one of near relations, and sees a prospect of their enrolling their names on the list of their country's intellectual excellence. No nation in its infancy has ever done so much in this way. The early history of the most of them is little better than a distinguished detail of petty feuds and bloody contests. But already how much has our country accomplished? What a delightful encomium on our system it must furnish, to visit each State, from the oldest and most established, to the youngest that is just pouring its enterprising population into the bosom of the forest. You pass from the magnanificent city, where the chief objects which meet your glance are temples of worship with their tall spires pointing to heavens, and institutions of learning nobly testifying to the munificence of the government, and your enter the forest, just falling beneath the axe, you find people, though rude and unpretending, who hold it as their first duty to worship God, the very next to educate their sons. Though we have no wealth to pour into the lap of science; though the scholar must content himself with poverty; yet all is not barren. As our country becomes older, and wealth increases, the influence of these causes will outstrip calculation; the grandeur of their results no man conjecture.
My heart swells with a lofty conviction that our political system is the best adapted of any on earth to elevate the character of man, to energize his intellect, and to call it forth in the noblest and boldest shapes, where it dreads no human power. Here, it is where opinions may be expressed fearlessly, and where there is nothing to tempt from the pursuit of truth. A free press upon which government lays no fetters, ready to spread their opinions to the world, to detect corruption and applaud virtue – a free people, early taught to think right on all subjects – what may we not hope for? We have an age friendly to intellectual development. Grim visaged war hath smothered his front; ambition of men has assumed a holier aspect; truth has touched them with her wand; they no longer make it their great business of life to marshal victorious hosts upon the tented field or strive for an empire of blood; they have discovered that glory is to be won elsewhere than in the red path of battle; the effort now is to be wise, to be learned, and to be good. Let these things, fellow-citizens, fill us with an ardor in the cultivation of our literature. This only can enable the rising posterity to maintain and hand down to generations yet unborn, our glorious system of government, which is the true desire of a republican people.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Leila Knight Powell, wife of John Whitlow Evans Powell, born Feb 26, 1881, daughter of Henry Harrison Knight and Mary Susan Ray of Rays Mill, Berrien Co., GA. Henry Knight was the son of John Knight and Sallie Moore. John Knight was the nephew of Capt. Levi J. Knight, a pioneer settler of Lowndes and Berrien County, and company commander during several skirmishes with Indians during the summer of 1836.
The South Georgian, x13 Dec 1901:
"A Beautiful Wedding
Thursday, at the home of Mrs. M.S. Knight, mother of the bride, Miss Leila Knight, was wedded to Hon. John W.E. Powell, of Nashville.
The marriage took place at 8 o'clock, in the presence of the family and a few friends. The ceremony was beautiful and impressive, performed by Rev. Strong.
After the marriage, the bridal party drove to Nashville and were met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Lovette by a number of friends invited to partake in a 7 o'clock dinner in honor of the newly wedded couple. Many handsome gifts attested to the tender love of friends and dear ones.
The dining room elicited much admiration by reason of the lovely table and the tasteful decorations of the overgreens, tied with ribbons in love knots. The dinner was very elegant and reflected much credit upon Mr. & Mrs. Lovette and their able assistant, Mrs. A.W. Patterson.
The bride, as Miss Leila Knight, was esteemed one of the most cultured and intelligent young ladies in the county. Mr. Powell needs no commendation at our hands, among the people, he has served so efficiently in many public capacities. He is, at present, Cashier of the Bank of Nashville, and has hundreds of friends who join with us in wishing a long and happy life to him and his fair bride."
From various issues of the Tifton Gazette:
x6 Oct 1899: "Handsome John Powell, Berrien's clever tax collector, was in Tifton yesterday on his first round of 1899."
x21 Aug 1903: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell are placing the [foundation] for the erection of a handsome seven room residence."
x28 Aug 1903: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell is spending this week with relatives at Rays Mill."
x4 Aug 1904: "Col. Powell of Nashville was at Cecil this week on business."
x1 Sept 1905: "Mesdames Powell and Lovett have sold their millinery business to Mrs. T.D. Henderson of Brookfield."
x1 Sept 1905: "Anderson & Lovett have sold their old drug store to Mr. A.S. Knight, of Atlanta. Mr. Knight is a brother of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. He was raised at Rays Mill, in this county, but has been living in Atlanta for some time."
Nashville Herald,
x18 Jan 1907: "Mrs. W.D. Buie drew the free buggy at Sol Hackerman's on Monday. The drawing was witnessed by several hundred people and was conducted in a perfectly impartial manner by Messrs. J.W.E. Powell and J.D. Lovett. Mrs. Buie is being congratulated by her friends."
x1 Feb 1907: "The Priscilla Club met last Thursday with Mrs. J.D. Lovett and spent a very delightful and beneficial afternoon. The meeting this week has been postponed until next Tuesday, Feb. 7th, when it will meet with Mrs. J.W.E. Powell."
x8 Feb 1907: "Mrs. E.G. Brown entertained a number of friends Tuesday at a spend-the-day party and quilting. Those who enjoyed Mrs. Brown's charming hospitality were: Mesdames Harrison, Silas Tygart, W.B. Goodman, A.J. Albritton, W.G. Harrison, J.W.E. Powell, A.E. Bullard, W.H. Tygart, A.S. Knight and Misses Tygart, Stephens, Ricks and Butler."
Tifton Gazette,
x23 Apr 1909: "The Georgia Bankers Association is in session in Atlanta. Delegate from Nashville: J.W.E. Powell, First National Bank of Nashville."
x24 Feb 1910: "The Nashville Garden Society met at the home of Mrs. J.W.E. Powell. Plans for the upcoming spring plantings around town were discussed."
x11 Apr 1913: "The Civic Improvement Club was organized in Nashville, Monday afternoon, Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, elected Secretary."
x11 Jun 1915: "The residence of Col. J.D. Lovett was completely destroyed by fire this morning. The cause of the blaze is unknown. The fire department did splendid work in saving Hon. J.W.E. Powell's residence, which is the next house to Col. Lovett's."
x3 Mar 1916: "District rally of the Women's Missionary Union of the Mell Baptist Association met at Sparks Baptist Church, Tuesday, Feb. 29th. Presentations included "The Value of Young People's Organizations in Our Church" by Mesdames J.W.E. Powell & W.H. Tygart."
Nashville Herald:
x21 Mar 1919: "Mr. and Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Ray City with relatives."
x7 July 1921: "Messrs. J.W.E. Powell, Bill Rentz and A.H. Giddens, in the company of their lovely wives, left Wednesday at noon for Miami, Fla., to visit Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Rentz. While on the trip, they will also visit other Florida cities and expect to return to Nashville Saturday night."
x18 Jun 1924: "Mr. Whitlow Powell spent Sunday afternoon in Lakeland."
x28 Aug 1930: "Mrs. J.W.E. Powell spent the weekend in Dublin with her daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards. Mrs. Edwards and children, Martha and Andy, returned Sunday with Mrs. Powell to spend several days in our town."
x15 May 1930: "The following have been elected as teachers of the Nashville Public Schools for school year 1930-1: Principal Mr. Whitlow Powell ..."
John Whitlow Evans and Leila Knight Powell were parents of two children:
1. Evelyn Powell b. Sept. 19, 1902, Nashville, GA, d. Oct 1955, Nashville, GA. Marrried 27 Jun 1923 to Troy Edwards. Mr. Edwards was b. 24 Jan 1900, Bold Springs Walton Co., GA, the son of Wm Bartow Edwards and Wilma Abigail Giles. Both Evelyn and Troy graduated from the University of Georgia in 1922. Evelyn's degree program was in education. Troy graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Evelyn Powell Edwards continued her studies at Georgia State Women's College where she earned a Master of Arts degree.
A letter in the archives of Valdosta State University written by Evelyn Powell Edwards to Edith Patterson, the Alumni Director, humorously stated, ""I see you have received the news that I have my AB degree, but have you heard about the M.R.S. and now the M.A.? I have them, as well." The "M.R.S." degree was earned when she married Troy Edwards, on June 27, 1923, a little over a year after they both matriculated from the University of Georgia. The "M.A." degree, in "Maternity Arts", was earned when daughter Martha Leila was born nine months after the wedding.
Evelyn and Troy's dau. Martha Leila Edwards was b. 10 Apr 1924, McRae, Ga. and son Andrew Soule Edwards was b. 2 Jan 1929, Dublin, Ga.
2. Whitlow Harrison Powell b. 24 Aug 1907. W.H. Powell graduated from the University of Georgia on 14 June 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. By 1930, Mr. Powell was Principal, and later, Superintendent, in the Berrien County school system, positions he held for over 35 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Couturier Long, in 1931. They had one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, who is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and a practicing radiologist.
Obit from Valdosta Times: "Whitlow H. Powell, age 62, died in a Tallahassee, Fla., hospital Friday, 9-26-1969. He was a son of John W.E. and Leila Knight Powell of Berrien County. Whitlow Harrison Powell was born on 8-24-1907 and he served two terms as Principal of Alapaha High School and the same position at Nashville High School. Survivors: his wife, the former Couturier Long; one son, Dr. James Whitlow Powell, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla."
Obituary from Valdosta Times:
"Mrs. J.W.E. Powell, age 63, of Nashville, died 9-4-1944 from a heart attack. Before her marriage in 1901, she was Leila Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Knight of Ray City. Forty three years ago, she and her husband moved to the home they built where she resided at the time of her death. Burial was in Nashville City Cemetery where her husband was buried in 1933. Survivors: one son, Whitlow H. Powell of Nashville; one daughter, Mrs. Troy Edwards of Stephens Pottery; four brothers, A.S. Knight of West Palm Beach, FL, J.T. Knight and L.J. Knight of Augusta, E.M. Knight of Ray City; a sister, Mrs. W.C. Johnson of Valdosta."
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Captain Levi J. Knight, is mentioned as the keynote speaker at the 4th of July celebration, Franklinville (Valdosta), Ga., 1835, in the following Southern Recorder article:
Southern Recorder
August 4, 1835
FOURTH OF JULY
AT FRANKLINVILLE, LOWNDES COUNTY
According to previous notice, a large and respectable number of our citizens convened at the Court house at an early hour of the day – when the Rev. Jonathan Gaulden was chosen President of the day and John Dees, Vice President. About half past 12 o'clock, the company was formed at Mr. Smiths', and marched into the court-house headed by James Williams, Marshal of the day, when a Throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. J. Gaulden. The declaration of American Independence was then read by H. W. Sharpe, Esq., after which a chaste and patriotic Oration was delivered by Levi J. Knight, Esq., Orator of the day.
Oration of Captain Knight:
Fellow Citizens – We should regard it as an interesting occasion which calls us together. Every association, whatever its character, which sets apart a day for rejoicing and for recollection, consecrates a period when the heart shall go back with memory to revisit the spring time of its existence. On this occasion, as the organ of your sentiments, it is to me a source of singular gratification to reflect upon the nature of the object which has gathered us here. Casting aside our every day occupations and cares of life, we have come up on the jubilee of our country's liberty, to honor the day that gave birth to the greatest republic in the world. Perhaps the day could not be more appropriately honored, or the hour more agreeably occupied, than by dwelling briefly upon the proud merits of our country.
This day 59 years ago, our chivalrous sires from the then thirteen States, in the burning language which you have just heard read, declared we would be free from the yoke of Great Britain, which at that time hung over us, and to which pledge they bound themselves in the strongest of all human obligations – no less than their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors. It is a theme from which none can turn away; it lays claim to our hearts, not only as a magnanimous people, but as the children of that country which it is a pride and glory to call our own, our native land. No one surveys the physical resources of our country with more gratification than myself. It furnishes me a noble satisfaction to behold its broad lands covered with an vigorous and rapidly multiplying population; to know that the busy hand of civilization and industry is fast invading the stillness of the forest; to view our commerce stretching — white sails over every wave — feel that in the hour of danger, brave hearts and skillful hands are ready to gather beneath the folds of our country's banner. No one returns from such a contemplations with a higher sense of his country's excellence and glory, or with deeper gratitude to God, who hath given us such an inheritance, than I do.
There is another circumstance which this view will not permit us to overlook. An immense ocean rolls its waters between us and the old world. We inhabit a continent far removed from the influence of other nations. It is difficult to comprehend the immense importance of this circumstance, or feel and know the force and peculiarity of its results. We can however feel that it promises a lasting and undisturbed operation of our free institutions. Should the political atmosphere of Europe all become poisoned, it dies before it reaches our healthful clime; no breeze can waft it over the rolling waves. Let their lands degenerate into falsehood and crime, till demons occupy and pollute their altars of Christ, their victory closes with their shores; they cannot overleap the mighty barrier which the God of nature hath thrown between us. Did we occupy some portion of the continent of Europe, our juxtaposition to other powers might prove fatal to our liberty. Though their elements of civil society may heave, their systems may totter, the volcanoe may burst forth and flame the heavens; yet we feel not the shock; secure in the distance, we look on and learn wisdom. Who, in the contemplation of such a scene, does not rejoice that providence has cast his lot in this land, in behalf of whose liberty nature itself does battle!
What a beautiful scene does our own State present, of the excellent system under which we live. Over its fertile land there is spread out already an intelligent, noble, and rapidly increasing population. It seems as but yesterday this spot was a wilderness – the forest of centuries waved over it – the only contrast to its unbroken gloom was the glare of the council fire, and the wild song of the Indian. To-day how different! – Beauty, taste, and civilization, here have met to honor the day that gave birth to our liberty. There is another matter I cannot pass silently by – it is education. To this we owe the present greatness of our nation; it is to this we may look for a perpetuation of our institutions. Education alone can render us capable of judging of the abuses of our Government, from whatever source they may emanate. It is ignorance alone that can make a slave. Here, then, let us examine the peculiar influence which our government is likely to exert upon the intellect of the country. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that it is free, essentially free, not in name alone, but in spirit and in action. It throws a broad shield over every citizen, but it leaves each to the exercise of his gifts. It recognizes no established spheres in which men must move, without the hope or power of passing beyond. It throws open wide the great lists of society, and bids all contend for its distinctions, trusting to their own valor and their own skill. It forgets the artificial distinction of birth, and passing by the unworthy descendants of patrician blood, seeks the humblest and poorest of its enterprising sons who have divorced themselves from the obscurity of their origin by the might and grandeur of their intellect. Minds that would sleep cold and silent on the gloom of despotism, start forth into glorious life and power under the light of liberty. I regard the intellectual character of our country is of the greatest importance. The power of political ascendancy is gone by. This is an age in which moral influence is felt. There have been times, when the barbarian trod learning into the dust; when the brutal spoiler overwhelmed the contriver of arts; but the conquest of mind has begun; the dark days of blood have departed, the sun of peace has arisen; never again shall science be chained by despotism; the empire of mind is established, and henceforth nations are to be ranked, not according to their physical but their moral strength. What are bright skies and balmy breezes, when man is crushed by the iron hand of despotism? What inspiration can wake up the genius of him, who lives under a system of government that writes slave on his forehead? It is remarked by distinguished writers, that a nation has no character unless it is free; and indeed the history of mankind would go far towards establishing the assertion, that unless it be free it can have no literature worth the name. It is always satisfactory to be able to try our opinions by the actual experience of others. Free institutions alone present to the mind a fair opportunity for expansion; they do most towards stimulating intellect, and afford man the greatest inducement to exercise his best powers.
Let us pass for a moment to other lands, and compare France with her neighbor Spain. Can geographical varieties so slight create so wonderful a difference in the degree of intellectual development? The one great in every department of learning, the other yet in the gloom of the dark ages and bare of genius. While France can vie with any nation on earth except our own, as to the glory of her institutions, her liberal principles and her proud and lofty intellect, we see Spain enveloped in despotism and superstition. No! not to climate, not to the separation which nature hath placed between the two lands, but to the difference of their political systems, the cause must be traced. What one of our fair guests, but must feel a secret pride and emotion as she looks on her tender offspring, or some one of near relations, and sees a prospect of their enrolling their names on the list of their country's intellectual excellence. No nation in its infancy has ever done so much in this way. The early history of the most of them is little better than a distinguished detail of petty feuds and bloody contests. But already how much has our country accomplished? What a delightful encomium on our system it must furnish, to visit each State, from the oldest and most established, to the youngest that is just pouring its enterprising population into the bosom of the forest. You pass from the magnanificent city, where the chief objects which meet your glance are temples of worship with their tall spires pointing to heavens, and institutions of learning nobly testifying to the munificence of the government, and your enter the forest, just falling beneath the axe, you find people, though rude and unpretending, who hold it as their first duty to worship God, the very next to educate their sons. Though we have no wealth to pour into the lap of science; though the scholar must content himself with poverty; yet all is not barren. As our country becomes older, and wealth increases, the influence of these causes will outstrip calculation; the grandeur of their results no man conjecture.
My heart swells with a lofty conviction that our political system is the best adapted of any on earth to elevate the character of man, to energize his intellect, and to call it forth in the noblest and boldest shapes, where it dreads no human power. Here, it is where opinions may be expressed fearlessly, and where there is nothing to tempt from the pursuit of truth. A free press upon which government lays no fetters, ready to spread their opinions to the world, to detect corruption and applaud virtue – a free people, early taught to think right on all subjects – what may we not hope for? We have an age friendly to intellectual development. Grim visaged war hath smothered his front; ambition of men has assumed a holier aspect; truth has touched them with her wand; they no longer make it their great business of life to marshal victorious hosts upon the tented field or strive for an empire of blood; they have discovered that glory is to be won elsewhere than in the red path of battle; the effort now is to be wise, to be learned, and to be good. Let these things, fellow-citizens, fill us with an ardor in the cultivation of our literature. This only can enable the rising posterity to maintain and hand down to generations yet unborn, our glorious system of government, which is the true desire of a republican people.
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