BIO: Edward L. POWERS, Centre County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including 
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing 
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  465

  EDWARD L. POWERS, of Bellefonte, is the proprietor of the oldest boot 
and shoe store in Centre county. It was established twenty-six years 
ago by his father, the late John Powers, in the days when every shop 
was a little factory, and although the conditions of the trade have 
changed greatly the business has been adapted to them.
  John Powers, whose death occurred May 30, 1896, was born in Kilkenny, 
Ireland. An exceptionally bright and able man, well-informed through 
his constant reading of the best literature of the day, he was 
extremely popular among all classes, and was twice elected mayor of 
Bellefonte, on the Democratic ticket. His energy and "nerve" in 
business brought him to the front in his line of work also, and he 
shipped his boots and shoes to all parts of the country, including 
California. Socially, he was a member of the I.O.O.F. After coming to 
this country he met and married Miss Nancy Kearns, a Roman Catholic 
lady of Irish parentage, but born probably in America. Of their four 
children, the subject of this sketch was the first in order of birth. 
(2) Kate, the wife of ex-sheriff Walker, resides in Lamb street, 
Bellefonte; (3) Mary (deceased), married William Brockville, and (4) 
John served an apprenticeship of three years in the jewelry business, 
but concluded to follow the ancestral occupation, and is now the 
manager of a shoe store at Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
  E. L. Powers, our subject, is a native of Bellefonte, born June 18, 
1857, and has been a resident of the place all his life. His education 
was begun in the parochial schools, continued in the public schools and 
Bellefonte Academy, and he entered upon his business career with a 
goodly fund of practical knowledge, being especially expert as a 
bookkeeper. In 1875 he became a partner in his father's business, 
having previously spent three years on the bench, learning the details 
of the work. In 1886 he purchased his father's interest, and has since 
conducted the establishment alone. Genial and polished in manner, he is 
successful in dealing with the public, while his judicious yet 
enterprising management, has kept the business in a satisfactory state.
  In 1884 Mr. Powers wedded Miss Lizzie Keyser, who was born in New 
York State in 1857, and passed her early life there. Two daughters, Ada 
and Pearl, brighten their home. The sucful prosecution of his business 
has demanded close attention, but Mr. Powers finds time to perform the 
duties which good citizenship requires, and takes much interest in 
political questions as an ardent believer in Democratic doctrines. He 
is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle.