Speaker
David W. Maxey, Esq.

Position
Historian

Presentation Summary
Samuel Powel was mayor of Philadelphia and the first president of The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture. Born in Philadelphia in 1739, he graduated in 1759 from the College of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania. Powel served as mayor prior to the Revolution and, after the military authorities decided the issue of sovereignty, he was chosen mayor again. He was the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Senate in 1792 and one of the early members of the American Philosophical Society. Powel was a successful merchant. His wife, Elizabeth Willing, was a sister of Thomas Willing. His wife Elizabeth was a sister of Thomas Willing, who with his partner Robert Morris helped finance the Revolution. Powel, like so many other Philadelphians, died of the yellow fever in 1793, but the family remained in the house for over forty years. On the second floor the ballroom dominates, and it was here that Washington, Adams, Franklin, Lafayette and other worthies were entertained by Mrs. Powel, one of the most brilliant hostesses of her time. He died of yellow fever in 1793.

In an effort to provide wide-ranging views and perspectives regarding the practice of and issues surrounding agriculture, the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture (PSPA) seeks speakers representing a variety of perspectives. The statements and opinions they present are strictly their own and do not necessarily represent the views of PSPA.