L. M. Powell, A. B., M. D., one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons of Topeka, has practiced medicine in the Capital City over twenty years, and in that period has attained not only to a high professional standing, but also ranks as one of its most prominent citizens.

Dr. Powell was born at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1858, one of two children of the union of Charles Morgan Powell and Margaret Ann Lewis. The father, a successful contractor in Iowa, died in 1860, and in 1863 his widow married Rev. J. W. Clock. Dr. Powell accompanied his parents to Baldwin, Kan., in 1871. For some time he was a student in what is now Baker University, but then known as "Old Chapel." He was graduated in the high school at Ottawa, Kan., in 1878, and took a one-year course in Ottawa University, a Baptist college in that city. He then entered the University of Kansas, in which institution he was graduated, in 1885, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. While there he also completed the preparatory medical course offered by the university and for two years was assistant to the professor of chemistry. He entered professional life as a teacher and was thus engaged several years, serving as principal of the high school at Newton one year, as principal of the Quincy School, in North Topeka, one year, and as principal of the Lincoln School, at Topeka, a similar period. In 1888 he became a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania and was graduated with the class of 1891. He won a scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania on a competitive examination, and this gave him free tuition for the entire course. He was appointed demonstrator of chemistry and won the first prize of his class for the best work in surgical bandaging. After his graduation he returned to Kansas and located at Topeka, where he has since practiced his profession with a high degree of success. He has occupied the chair of clinical obstetrics in the Kansas Medical College, at Topeka, and for five years was chemist and microscopist for the Kansas State Board of Health. He also served as president of the board of health of Topeka one year. His professional standing and interest are further shown by his membership in the Shawnee County Medical Society, the Kansas State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa college fraternity. While a resident of the Fourth ward of Topeka he represented it on the school board one term. He occupies a handsome suite of offices in the Central National Bank Building, and enjoys a large and remunerative practice.

In 1888, Dr. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Clara Bunker, of Marion, Ohio, and of their union have been born four children—Grace D., Loretta M., Elizabeth C., and Wendell B. The church associations of Dr. and Mrs. Powell are with the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Topeka, of which they are valued members.