MICHAEL F. POWERS

Well Known Citizen and Railroad Man Died Last Week

   Michael F. Powers, for many years a resident of Oxford died at his home on Mechanic street Wednesday, October 2, 1918, aged 67 years.

   Mr. Powers was born in Winchendon, Mass., in 1850.  As a boy he worked on the Black River railroad and at the age of 14 years had charge of construction gangs.

   On the building of the Lackawanna railroad through town, Mr. Powers came to Oxford and assisted in the tracklaying.  He laid the first rail and drove the first spike.  Later he was a section foreman here for two periods covering six years, farming it in the interval.  About seven years ago, he was appointed flagman on the Main street crossing in this village and held the position up to two months ago when ill health compelled his retirement.

   November 9, 1872, he married Margaret, daughter of William and Sarah Dunne of this town.

   Besides his wife, he is survived by six children:  Mrs. Frank Rooney of Schenectady; John Powers of Oneida, division passenger agent of the O. & W. railroad; Dr. Martin and Dr. Edward Powers and Mrs. Edward O'Donnell of Rome, and Clarence Powers of Norwich.  A brother and two sisters also survive him, F. A. Powers, Mrs. Kehoe and Mrs. Mooney all of Olean, N. Y.

   Funeral services were held in St. Joseph's church Friday morning following his death.  Interment in St. Joseph's cemetery.