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NICHOLAS POWERS. This gentleman is engaged in the sale of general merchandise and in grain dealing in the town of Curran, and is the oldest business man in that thriving place. He was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, not far from the city of Waterford, about 1825. His parents, William and Fanny (Gorman) Powers, were natives of the same county and were members of the agricultural community. The came to America with our subject and both died in St. Louis, the father about three months after their arrival.

Our subject was reared in his native land and educated in the city of Waterford. He remained with his parents as he grew to manhood and finally took charge of the home farm, which was located but six miles from the sea. Having carefully studied the situation he could see no prospect of advancement, and determined to seek a home in the land where opportunities were greater and prospects brighter. In 1849 he brought his parents with him to America, sailing from Liverpool on "The Haidee, of New Haven," and landed in New Orleans after a voyage of eight weeks. Thence they came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, Mo., where they made their home. Our subject worked at various occupations, such as farm labor, and boating on the Mississippi.

In 1853 Mr. Powers traveled on foot to Shelbyville, Ill., following the telegraph poles, as there was snow on the ground and roads were not to be seen. He found employment at saw milling, helping to build the first mill in the place. In the spring of 1854 he came to Springfield, traveling on foot as before. During the ensuing two years he was employed on a farm near Rochester, after which he went to Berlin and worked for the Great Western Railroad. He lived in that place three years, then removed to Macon County and carried on a farm three years. In 1865 he came to Curran in the employ of the railroad, but after a time became weigh-master for the Wabash Railroad at the coal shaft in Neelyville, Morgan County.

After two years spent thus Mr. Powers returned to Curran where he has since remained. On his return here he built the store which he still occupies, put in a stock of general merchandise and began to work up a business which has been fairly successful. The second year he began buying grain and subsequently purchased the elevator. He averages from one hundred to two hundred and fifty carloads of grain per year and is doing as well as could be reasonably be expected in this line of labor. The goods with which his store is stocked are well selected, arranged in such a manner as to catch the eye of a visitor to the establishment, and sold at prices with which no fault can be found by those who are willing to live and let live.

At the bride's home in Springfield, in April, 1861, Mr. Powers was united in marriage with Miss Bessie O'Brien who, after a short but happy wedded life, was smitten by the death angel in 1865. She was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to America with her parents, who settled in the county-seat. Two children came to bless the union, The first-born, James, a young gentleman of intelligence, business tact and cordial manners, is now assisting his father in the store. He attended St. Mary's school at Springfield, and from 1885 to 1889 held the position of mail agent on the Wabash Railroad between Lafayette, Ind., and Quincy, Ill. He is married, his wife having formerly been Miss Mary Brennan, who was born in Alton. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Curran. The second child, Maggie, was also educated in St. Mary's school, Springfield. She became the wife of Hugh McRoberts, a merchant at Curran, and Assistant Postmaster.

Mr. Powers of whom we write held the office of Township Clerk two years and discharged the duties of the office in a creditable manner. He holds the appointment of Postmaster, and in this position, as in his capacity as a dealer, he has become known to a large circle of acquaintances and attained a prominent place among them. He is a believer in the principles laid down in the Democratic platform and never fails to exercise the right of suffrage in their support. His religious faith is that expressed by the tenets and ceremonies of the Catholic Church.