Benjamin Powers
Benjamin Powers, the son of Avery Powers and Prudence Benjamin. was born at Franklinton, Ohio (now Columbus), on October 7, 1800. His father. Avery Powers. Jr., who came of good old New England stock, was born in Old Norwich, Connecticut, January 22, 1772. and was married to Prudence Benjamin on January 12, 1797. in the old Griswold Church of that place. They removed to Norwich. New York, being the first white settlers there and giving the name to the settlement after the old Connecticut home. They afterwards moved to Franklinton, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was born.
Part of his boyhood was spent in Franklinton, where he often hunted squirrels on the sight of the present capital grounds, which was then a thickly wooded tract of land. After some years the family removed to a farm below Delaware about six miles, situated on the east bank ol the Olentangy River, near what was then known as the Carpenter farm. From there in a short time they moved to the village of Delaware.
Early in life he was left without a father, for Avery Powers. Jr., was killed by the Indians July 26, 1812, while serving his country as a soldier near Sandusky. Ohio, during the War of 1812. He received the usual scanty educational advantages of the times, and as a young man learned the trade of a printer. He entered the employ of William Little, a pioneer merchant, whose place of business was the southwest corner of Sandusky and Winter Streets. He dealt in general merchandise, and bought and sold hides, furs, pelts and tallow.
In the year 1828 he entered into partnership with William Little in the conduct of the same business, a partnership which lasted for a number of years. The firm was later changed to Powers & Bennett. For a number ot years, in partnership with Chauncey Hills, he conducted a dry goods business in the city.
Benjamin Powers was always active in the business life of Delaware, and in 1857, with a few other citizens, he organized the Bank of Delaware, which in 1864 transferred its business to the First National Bank of Delaware, at present one of the solid financial institutions of our city. He succeeded P. D. Hillyer as president of the Bank of Delaware and continued to serve the two institutions as president until he was forced to resign on account of failing health in 1880.
Benjamin Powers was married to Elizabeth Storm, September 16, 1829, and this happy union continued for over 55 years. Six children were born in this family—Maria E., Charles A., Henry Y.. William L., George W. and Louis E. Powers. Most of this large family grew to mature years, and two of them are now living in Delaware—Henry V. and George W. Powers.
He was one of the first members and for many years an officer and staunch supporter of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. A gentle, kindly, dignified. Christian gentleman, who tried to do his duty in all things, he never sought for public office, yet he was the kind of man in whom people always placed implicit trust and confidence. He served his city as a member of the Common Council. He died January 6, 1884, aged 84 years, his wife living about one year after his death.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle, Biographical Publishing Co., 1904