HerStory Spotlight: Mrs. Arthur (Ada Franks) Powell
As the second president of the Marion Women's Federation (1899–1900), Mrs. Arthur (Ada Franks) Powell helped guide the young organization during its earliest years. A teacher by profession and the wife of former Marion Public Schools Superintendent Arthur Powell, she believed deeply in the power of education, faith, and community service. She also founded the Powell Bible Class at Epworth Methodist Episcopal Sunday School, leaving a lasting influence beyond the Club.
When Mrs. Powell resigned after moving from Marion, fellow club members published a heartfelt tribute describing her as a wise, modest, and trusted leader who had given confidence to an organization still finding its footing. They credited much of the Federation's early success to her steady guidance and expressed their hope that she would always cherish her time with the Marion club.
More than a century later, their words still speak to the lasting impact of a leader who helped shape not only an organization, but a tradition of women serving their community with wisdom, kindness, and purpose.
