He held several local offices and was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1843 to 1849 .
Born in Amherst County , Virginia , Powell attended private schools as a child and went on to attend Amherst College .
Powell held several local offices and was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1843 to 1849 .
Born in Amherst County , Virginia , Powell attended private schools as a child and went on to attend Amherst College .