Powell was a partner in W. L. Powell & Son, grocers and produce commission merchants in Alexandria Va. He became a commissioner in chancery for the courts in Loudoun Co., Va. and the Circuit Cour and was a magistrate in Leesburg, Va. An occasional customer of Powell's was John Augustine Washington, descendant of George Washington. The collection includes a journal from W. L. Powell and Son, but goes on to document his career as merchant and court official. Many transactions were recorded from Powell's business as well as financial records of the courts. There also is a legal notice published by Commissioner Powell.
