The Powell family traveled overland from Monmouth, Illinois to Monmouth, Oregon in the 1850s. Ira F.M. Butler and Joseph B.V. Butler, Sr. traveled with their families to Monmouth in 1849 from Monmouth, Illinois. Ira C. Powell worked at the U.S. National Bank in Monmouth. He started in 1889 and continued until his death in 1940. He worked as a janitor, clerk, bookkeeper, manager, and finally as president from 1915 to 1940. J.F. Powell was part of the Novello Quartette in the 1890s. J.B.V. Butler, Sr. and his wife Elizabeth were influential in Monmouth. Maggie and Alice Butler, sisters, helped students attend college by setting them up with part time employment. A.D. Butler, brother of Maggie and Alice, also lived in town. J.B.V. Butler, Sr. was postmaster of the town for nine years, starting in 1859.
From the description of Powell family papers, 1851-1918. (University of Oregon Libraries). WorldCat record id: 52499594
