JOHN R POWERS

BALDWIN 
BOTSFORD 
PRICE 
SPURLING 
SUTTON 
WAYNE

John R. POWERS, of the firm of Baldwin & Powers, attorneys of Elgin, was born in the city which is still his place of residence, April 6, 1870, his parents being John and Johanah SUTTON POWERS, who were natives of Ireland and Illinois, respectively.  The father was a cooper by trade, and at the beginning of the Rebellion he laid aside all business cares and offered his services to the Union, enlisting as a member of the 52nd Illinois Infantry, with which he went to the front.  Afterward he joined Comp. K, 16th New York Cavalry, werving during the greater part of the war as a scout.  His command often engaged in skirmishes with Mosby's cavalry, and in one of these engagements he was wounded and was sent to a hospital in Washington.  A few days after his recovery he was sent out with a company to hunt up Booth, the assassin and was in the command that captured him.  After his return from the war, he secured a position on the police force of Elgin and served creditably in that capacity until he was chosen for the office of city marshal in 1870.  For eighteen years he filled the latter position, dischargin his duties with marked fidelity and ability, a fact which is plainly indicated by his long continuance in office.  
	
On his retirement from that position he was elected supervisor and served for one term, after which he filled the office of constable, was then deputy sheriff, and was at one time alderman from the Seventh Ward.  When he left the office of marshal he purchased a half interest in the Elgin Ice Company, with which he ws connected for 2 years.  In 1897 he was again appointed marshal by Mayor Price, and is now serving in that capacity.  In politics he is a staunch Republican, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.  He has a family of 5 living children - John R., May, Celia A., Mabel and Charles, and has lost one daughter, Nellie.
	
John R. POWERS, of this review, pursued his education in the public schools of Elgin and afterward attended the Elgin Academy.  At the same time he read law with the firm of Botsford and Wayne, and was admitted to the bar in Ottowa in June, 1897.  He soon afterward entered into partnership with W.W. Baldwin, under the firm style of Baldwin & Powers, and the firm is now enjoying a fair clientage.  They have pleasant offices in the Spurling Block, and they have already met with creditable success, while the business is constantly increasing.  Mr. Powers is a young man of strong intellectuality and excellant business ability, and has the energy which always overcomes obstacles and ultimatley reaches the goal of success.  He is now holding the position of first sergeant in General W.F.Lynch camp, Sons of Veterans, also secretary of the Philomenian club, and a member of several other social organizatins.  He has many friends in the community in which his entire life has been passed, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all.


The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Ill.  1898
pg.  21

Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above
parties.

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