BENJAMIN F. POWERS, farmer on sec. 28, Austin Tp., was born near Montreal, May 7, 1817. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Cutter) Powers, natives of Vermont, who were pioneers of Canada, removing to the Dominion soon after their marriage. Mr. Powers received a fair common school education, and at 20 years of age left his native county and went to London, Ontario, where he was a farm laborer until 1849. In that year he came to what is now Newaygo Co., then unorganized, When its municipal condition was made self-sustaining by organization according to law, Mr. Powers was one of the organizing Board. When Mr. Powers first became a resident of Croton Co. (now Newaygo) there was no habitatiton nearer than 25 miles. He exerted all his energies and influence for the advantage and prosperity of the people. In 1869 he removed to Austin Tp., this county, and bought 80 acres of land, to which he has since added 40 acres, making a farm of 120 acres, with 60 under good cultivation, which places it among the foremost in the county in point of beauty and value. Mr. Powers was married Dec. 1, 1840, to Martha D., daughter of Garrett and Vesta (Tousley) Stevens, born near London, Ont., Aug. 26, 1819. Her father was a native of Germany, and mother, of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have had 12 children, six boys and six girls. Three sons and four daughters yet survive. Their births occurred in the following order: Iran C., March 22, 1845; Elizabeth, April 17, 1847; Lucy A., Jan. so, 1849; Charlotte, Feb. 1, 1851; Benjamin F., July 19, 1853; Mary A., July 13, 1856; Charles H., Oct. 14, 1862. The following are deceased: William, born Aug. s8, 1841, died Oct. 29, 1842; an infant child was born and died Sept. 17, 1844; Caroline M., died eight days after birth; Martha, born May 25, 1859, died July 29, 1860.
The family attend the M.E. Church and though not members are adherents to the principles of the society. Mr. Powers is a Republican, but has always declined elective positions among his townsmen.
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