My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES N. POWERS, a well-known farmer of Greenwich and formerly a prominent builder, was born in that town, December 10, 1821, son of Stephen and Rebecca (Manley) Powers. Mr. Powers’s great-grandfather was one of the first ancestors of the family to locate in Hampshire County; and his son Stephen, Mr. Powers’s grandfather, was an early settler in New Salem.

Stephen Powers, Sr., served as a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War; and, after retiring from the service, he resided upon a farm within the territory now covered by the town of Prescott. He was a sturdy, industrious farmer, a prominent man of his day; and he died at the age of about eighty years. He married Elizabeth Hines, who lived to reach an advanced age. Their family consisted of six children, who severally became the heads of families, and of whom Stephen Powers, Jr., Mr. Powers’s father, was the second-born.

Stephen Powers, Jr., was born in New Salem, now Prescott, in 1790. He was reared to agriculture; and, when a young man, he settled upon a large farm in the northern part of Greenwich. He was a stirring, energetic man, and attained a position of comfort and prosperity. He died at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, Rebecca Manley before marriage, who was born in 1789, became the mother of five children, as follows: Catherine M. Turtelotte, who died aged seventy years; Chandler M., who resides in Greenwich; Otis A., who resides in Westfield, Mass.; Philenia E., a resident of Worcester; and Charles N., the subject of this sketch. She died at the age of eighty-three. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Charles N. Powers, commencing his education in the schools of Greenwich, completed his studies at the select school in Prescott. He taught school for two terms, and then learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed as an occupation in connection with farming for many years. In the course of time he became a master builder, and erected many fine residences in Greenwich and the adjacent towns, which are still standing to bear testimony as to the excellence of his work. He succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, where he resided for over sixty years; and he successfully conducted the farm until 1884, when he moved to his present home. He still retains possession of a greater part of the older property, which originally contained one hundred and fifty acres. He is a Republican in politics, and has served with ability in various positions of responsibility and trust. He has been a member of the Board of Selectmen for several terms, was Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and a member of the School Committee, and is at the present time serving as Town Auditor.

Mr. Powers married Rebecca W. Wood, a native of Prescott and daughter of Ira and Lydia Wood, whose ancestors were early settlers in that town. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have one son living — namely, C. A. — and an adopted daughter, Ella L. C. A. Powers is an enterprising business man of Greenwich, who has succeeded his father in the management of the farm. He is station agent, and also deals in coal, wood, hay, etc. He married Sarah Scott, and has four children, three of whom are living; namely, Harry A., Marion R., and Clara A. Ella L. Powers is now the wife of C. A. Wheeler, and resides in Athol, Mass. Mrs. Powers is now deceased; and Mr. Powers has retired from active occupation in favor of his son, and is now resting from the cares of a busy and useful life.