My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM E. POWERS, one of the prominent citizens and leading business men of the town of Hanover, Chautauqua county, is the son of William and Achsah (Emerson) Powers, and first saw the light February 6, 1827, in Auburn, New York. His grandfather, John Powers, was a descendant of the early families of that name who came to the rock-bound coast of the New England States for settlement. He, however, was born among the mountains of New Hampshire, afterward removed to the State of Vermont and there died. Beside himself and wife, his family consisted of six children. Enoch Emerson (maternal grandfather of subject) was more commonly known to his neighbors and chosen friends by the sobriquet of “Deacon Emerson.” He was a native and citizen of Vermont, where, among the green mountains of his nativity, a plain marble slab, bearing the inscription “Requiescat in pace,” marks his last resting place. Deacon Emerson was a man whose life and energies were devoted with a rare sincerity and sacrifice to the interests of the Commonwealth of Vermont. He was nominally a farmer, but the longest and best part of his life was given to the public service. For many years he was a member of the Vermont Legislature and the recognized political leader of his section of the State. Imbued with sincerity, honesty and a controlling desire to promote the general welfare of the entire people of the State, he was held in the highest confidence and respect. William Powers (father) was born in Corydon, New Hampshire, where he spent his childhood and youth, amid the natural beauty of the “Granite State.” In 1795 he migrated to the State of Vermont, thence to Auburn, Cayuga county, New York, in 1826, and thence to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, in 1833, and from thence to Chautauqua county, in 1840, where he died. Politically he was a firm exponent of Democratic principles, and while in Vermont was a member year after year of the State Legislature. His place in the Legislature had been formerly filled by his father-in-law for many years. While a resident of Auburn, New York, Mr. Powers was appointed keeper of the State prison, which position he held until called to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, as architect and builder of the province penitentiary at that place. He was selected as architect and builder by a British commission sent all over the United States to inquire into and investigate prison systems. Their inspection of the prison at Auburn and its management, together with a satisfactory examination of certain plans drawn up by Mr. Powers led to his selection. After the completion of the prison he was made warden, which position he held for seven years. In Chautauqua county he occupied himself in agriculture and stock-raising. Mr. Powers was a man of military bearing and tastes, and at one time (in the State of Vermont) was colonel of a regiment of militia. In politics he was a republican and strong abolitionist. He was a personal friend of Hon. William H. Seward, Vice-President Fillmore, William L. Marcy, of New York, and ex-Postmaster-General Jacob Collamer, of Vermont. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he held the office of deacon. His first wife, Achsah Emerson, bore him five children, three boys and two girls. His children were: Eunice, dead; John, died in Buffalo, New York, where he had been distributing superintendent in the post-office for thirty-five years; William E.; Ellen, dead; and Gershom, now living at Grand Rapids, Michigan, and engaged in the insurance business. He married a second time shortly before his death, but without issue.

William E. Powers received his education in the common schools, and has, since maturity, been engaged in various pursuits, though chiefly in farming. For three years he was engaged in the mercantile business at various points. He is a republican in politics, and for three years was post master at East Golden, Michigan.

William E. Powers was first united in marriage to Calista Mark, who bore him one son, Frank, a merchant and farmer, now married to Caroline Oyer, and living in Springport, Jackson county, Michigan. His second wife, Mrs. Harriet Evans (nee Clough), also bore him one child, Hattie C., who is now married to Frank A. Rider, a farmer.

Mr. Powers is a prominent secret society man, being a member of the Masons, Royal Templars of Temperance, Equitable Aid Union and I. O. O. F.