Notes from History of Mary Powell Sabin
Mary Powell Sabin was born Nov. 2, 1844 at Lanover, Monmouthshire, South Wales. John Powell was born in Tedmonshire, England. Elizabeth Harris was born in Llanover, South Wales.
John Powell was an expert mason by trade-took up large building contracts. Had a brother, David Powell who lived in New York. Elizabeth Harris's aged father lived alone in Wales. After he died, they decided to immigrate to America. Elizabeth was born Oct. 12, 1821 at Breneyrant farm, Rednarshire, South Wales. She was the oldest of six children born to John Harris and Elizabeth Ivins. Brothers and Sisters were Rachel-1831, Mary-1829, Joseph-1827, Thomas-1825, and William-1823.
She lived with grandparents in her young childhood on their farm in South Wales. She attended a private school for girls in England. Met John Powell.
They moved to Abergavenney, South Wales. He was foreman for Sir Benjamin Hall at the Llanover Estate. Sir Benjamin Hall represented that region in the British Parliament.
They moved to Iron Works Mills to seek better wages-became acquainted with James Walter Huish. Pres. of Branch at Blainvon, Wales.
John Powell was placed in charge or three districs, Lan Ellen, Abi Gavanni, Lan Toni Abbey.
John Powell was baptized Nov. 28, 1850. they left their home in Wales March 22, 1856 to immigrae [sic] with the Saints. They sailed from Liverpool, England March 23, 1856 on Ship "Enoch Train". Capt. Daniel McCartey. John Powell's Perpetual Emmigration Fund no# was 1057. His allotment was from herefordshire Conference, England.
Crossed Plains in Handcart company under Edmund Ellsworth. John Powell died in Salt Lake City on his wifes birthday. He was buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery - Salt Lkae city Cemetery records. Vol.4,Utah 53, pg 1174.
Elizabeth's relatives in England were extremely bitter of her joining the Mormon Church but later relented and wrote to her while in Utah of the deaths of seven close relatives that died in a mine explosion.
