William Bramwell Powell

William Bramwell Powell (December 22, 1836 – February 6, 1904) was an American educator, author and superintendent of schools.[1][2]

William Bramwell Powell
Born(1836-12-22)December 22, 1836
Castile, New York
DiedFebruary 6, 1904(1904-02-06) (aged 67)
Mt. Vernon, New York
Known forCo-founder of the National Geographic Society
Spouse(s)Wilhelmina Bengelstraeter Paul
ChildrenMaud Powell
Parent(s)Mary Dean
Joseph Powell
RelativesJohn Wesley Powell, brother

Biography

He was born in Castile, New York, on December 22, 1836 to Mary Dean and Joseph Powell.[1]

He spent most of his childhood in Illinois, where his father was a Methodist minister. He received degrees from Wheaton College and Lombard College, and then stayed in Illinois as a school principal. He moved to Peru, Illinois for eight years. There he married Wilhelmina Bengelstraeter Paul on May 28, 1865.

He spent sixteen years in Aurora, Illinois, where he was the superintendent of schools.[1]

In 1885 he was appointed superintendent of schools in Washington DC, and in 1888 he co-founded the National Geographic Society, of which he was vice-president in 1894. He wrote several textbooks on writing, history and reading and then retired in June 1900.[1]

He died in Mt. Vernon, New York on February 6, 1904.[1][3]

Powell Elementary School in Washington, DC is named in his honor.

References
  1. Alyson Foster. "The Other Powell: An Advocate for Geography Education". National Geographic Society. Retrieved 2014-01-09. William Bramwell Powell, an educator, was born in Castyle, New York, on December 22, 1836. The younger brother of John Wesley Powell, William Powell spent much of his life in Illinois ...
  2. "William Bramwell Powell - Hennepin Principal - 1861-1862". Putnam County, New York. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
  3. "William Bramwell Powell". Yearbook and List of Active Members. National Education Association. 1903. Retrieved 2014-01-09. William Bramwell Powell died at his home in Mount Vernon, N. Y., February 6, 1904. Mr. Powell was born in Castile, N. Y., December 22, 1836. His parents soon after removed to Illinois, locating near Wheaton. ...
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