MICHAEL F. POWERS

Michael F. Powers, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Stoughton , is also active in community affairs and is now serving as chairman of the library board of trustees. He was born September 61 1859, in the city which is still his home, his parents being John and Hannah (Welch) Powers, who were natives of Ireland . The father came to America about 1848 and established his home in Stoughton , where he was engaged in shoe manufacturing throughout the remainder of his life, passing away March 2, 1902 , when he had reached the age of seventy years. For a few years he had survived his wife, whose death occurred in April, 1899.

     Michael F. Powers was reared and educated in Stoughton , completing a course in the high school by graduation with the class of 1878. He started upon his business career as an employee in shoe factories and was thus occupied until 1894, when he became associated with the firm of Withington & Lowe, furniture dealers and undertakers. He has since followed that line of business and in 1905 he became a partner in the undertaking firm of Lowe, Smith & Powers, his partners being Horace W. Lowe and Webster Smith. On the 1st of October, 1915 , Mr. Smith passed away and the business has since been carried on by the surviving partners under the firm style of Lowe & Powers. Their place of business is located at No. 14 Porter street and they are accorded a liberal and well deserved patronage.

    In April, 1886, Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Mary Glennon, a daughter of Kieran and Elizabeth (Kelly) Glennon, who were natives of Ireland and in early life crossed the Atlantic to the United States . The father engaged in shoemaking throughout his remaining days and both he and his wife have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Powers has been born one child, John J., whose birth occurred August 6, 1887 , and who is now in partnership with his father.

    Interested always in community affairs, Mr. Powers has cooperated in many well defined plans and purposes for upbuilding the city and advancing its interests. He is now chairman of the board of trustees of the public library and has been a member of the board for thirty-four years. He has also been one of the park commissioners for twelve years and has done much valuable work in these connections in upholding the best interests of the city. He belongs to San Salvador Council, No. 200, of the Knights of Columbus and is a past grand knight of the order. He is likewise a past chief ranger of Stoughton Court of the Catholic Order of Foresters and he has membership with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is president of the Holy Name Society. His religious faith has always been that of the Catholic church and his political support has been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a broad‑minded man, actuated by a spirit of advancement in all that he undertakes, whether for the benefit of his individual interests or of the public welfare.

 Source: History of Norfolk County Massachusetts 1622-1918 (New York, S. J. Clark Publishing Co., 1918), 1:170-171.

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