Jeffrey Kerwin Powers

The sudden death of J. K. Powers last Sunday evening was a great surprise to the family and the entire community for he was recovering so nicely from a severe stomach trouble that began about two weeks ago. He was always joking, and he said he would be up in a few days. At about 5:30 he was taken suddenly worse and death ensued at 6 o’clock. The funeral will be held at the Catholic church at 10 o’clock today, Father O’Driscoll officiating. Jeffrey Kerwin Powers was born at Armenia, New York, Aug 1st, 1853, and was therefore past 63 years of age. He came to this county about twenty-five years ago and was married to Miss Mary Maher June 19th, 1900. They made their home on his farm, seven miles north of town, near the Carter school house, until seven years ago when they moved to this city. They recently built a handsome home on South street near the Jas. E. Maher residence and were so comfortably located it seems too bad that death should come to the head of the household so soon. Besides the wife he leaves one sister, Mrs. T. Ryan, of Ogden, Utah, who came for the funeral service. Mrs. Powers’ sister, Mrs. Fred Cunningham, came up from Muskogee, Okla., also his nephew and niece, Nick Powers and Katie Hickey, of Chicago, his sister-in-law, Mrs. Patrick Powers, of Omaha, Steve Maher, of Omaha, Mrs. John M. Mahon, of Lincoln, and other friends are here from out of town for the funeral service today.. Mr. Powers was a genial fellow who will be greatly missed by his many friends, all of whom join in expressions of sincerest sympathy to the sorrowing wife and relatives at his sudden and early death.

#2-Tribune 28 Feb 1917

Jeffry Kerwin Powers, a well known Blair citizen, passed away at his home on South street, in this city on last Sunday evening.

Deceased was sixty-four years of age and had been a resident of this county since 1900.

Mr. and Mrs. Powers were married in March 1900 and for a number of years farmed just north of Blair on what is termed the “bench land.” He had been sick for the past two weeks of gastritis.

The funeral services were held this morning at 10 o’clock at the Catholic church, Father O’Driscoll officiating and interment was made in the Blair cemetery.

Mr. Powers was of a family of thirteen children and his sister, Mrs. Ryan of Ogden, the only remaining member of the family was present at the last sad ceremonies. Others from a distance were: Mrs. Patrick Powers, and Miss Nellie Hickley of Omaha, and Mr. and Mrs. Haig and Mrs. Lynch of Chicago.

#-3 The publisher was not recorded but had a date of March 1, 1917

Jeffrey K. Powers was one of a family of thirteen children, twelve who came with their parents from Ireland. The family settled on a farm in Armenia, New York. Jeffrey was the youngest and the only member born in America. Several of the family came to Nebraska many years ago and settled near Millard, Sarpy, County. Mr. Powers came to Blair where he was married to Miss Mary Maher, on June 19th, 1900, a sister of County Commissioner Jas. E. Maher.

Several weeks ago Mr. Powers was taken seriously ill with stomach trouble but managed to get downtown for a few days, about a week ago. Sunday afternoon he was in his accustomed good health baring a few vomiting spells. Early in the evening while his wife, Mrs. Mary Powers, Mrs. J. W. Lippincott and her daughter, Miss Mildred Lippincott were in the room, Mr. Powers suddenly departed from life.

Father O’Driscoll held high mass for the repose of the soul of the deceased at the Catholic Church Wednesday and the burial was in the Blair Holy Cross Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Powers, and on sister, Mrs. Ryan, of Utah, who is over 80 years old and who attended the funeral. Miss Kate Cannon came from Council Bluffs, Wednesday, in answer to a telephone message from Mrs. Mary Powers. During the life time of the late J. K. Powers he always had a deep admiration for the quality of Miss Cannon’s singing and had expressed the wish that, if it were possible, she should sing at the funeral. Miss Cannon complied with the wishes of our departed friend.

The business houses of Blair closed from 10:00 to 11:00 o’clock our of respect to the deceased.

Among those from a distance who attended the funeral of the late Mr. Powers were his sister, Mrs. Ryan of Ogden; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Powers of Omaha; a nephew W. N. Powers of Chicago; A. J. Heeg and wife and Miss Hicky of Chicago, Mrs. Maggie McMahon of Lincoln, Mrs. James Maney of Benson, Mrs. R. A. Heaton of Wahoo, Dan Kenny, Pat Gillespie, Stephen Maher, Mrs. Thos. McGovern and Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Quinlan of Omaha, Mrs. Lizzie Cunningham of Muskego, Okla., Mrs. Lynch of Chicago and Mrs. Sinate of Fremont.

#4- Published in the Blair Democrat. The date was not recorded.

J. K. Powers Dies Suddenly At His Home Sunday Night

Jeffrey Kerwin Powers, one of the best known and highly respected residents of this city, died suddenly of heart failure at his residence on South Street early Sunday evening. Mr. Powers though born in America was possessed of the brilliancy of mind and the appreciation of humor that is one of the attributes of the Sons of Erin. He met his friends with a smile and a hearty handshake and it was characteristic of the man to always part company, leaving a pleasant memory of having met a man who shed rays of sunshine along life’s rugged road.

“Jeff” Powers enjoyed life. He was a devout Catholic. A brave and fair opponent in any argument and his unfailing fund of broad humor made him a delightful companion. He was an omnifarious reader and remembered what he read, using the knowledge thus gained often to the discomfiture of his opponent. Mr. Powers was of a kind and charitable nature and in departing leaves behind a pleasant memory. Thousands of his friends will read of his passing with keen regret. They will sadly miss his presence for he was one type of manhood who made this sordid old world a better place in which to live.

Find A Grave Memorial#129890860

~~~ Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~