Honorable Simeon S. Powers was born in Chautauqua County, New York, April 7, 1836, where his early life was spent till the age of nineteen in attending the common schools and working on a farm, one year of which was spent in studying the higher branches at the academy in Jamestown. In 1857 he commenced the study of the law at Panama, New York, with Hon. W.L. Sessions, member of Congress from the Thirty-third District of New York from 1872 to 1875. In 1859 he entered the Law College at Cleveland, Ohio, graduating therefrom in 1860. He then removed west, to Kent's station, Indiana, from where he practiced law two years, and in 1862 recruited a company for the military service, but, on account of ill health was rejected by the examining surgeon. In the Fall of 1862 he came to Iowa, settling in Clayton County, where he worked on a farm and taught school, with a view to the recovery of his health, till 1870, when he removed to Postville and opened a law office, since which his success has been rapid and marked. Beginning with nothing, he has acquired in a few years a larger business than he can well manage, although his energies in his profession are untiring. Mr. Powers is now Mayor of the town of Postville and President of the Board of Education. He has taken an active interest in masonry, and is Master of Brotherly Love lodge No. 204. He was married January 2, 1859, to Miss Helen A. Farrand, of Panama, New York, and has three children.

- transcribed by S. Ferrall