Llewellyn Powers is Born

Today in Masonic History Llewellyn Powers is born in 1836.

Llewellyn Powers was an American politician.

Powers was born on October 14th, 1836 in Pittsfield, Maine. He common schools in Pittsfield and St. Albans Academy. He graduated from Colburn Classical Institute before going on to Colby University. He then attended Union University in Albany, New York where he graduated with a law degree in 1860. He was admitted to the bar in Albany, New York and Somerset, Maine before opening his practice in Houlton.

From 1864 to 1871 Powers served as prosecuting attorney of Aroostock County. During the same time he served as collector of customs for the county from 1868 to 1872.

In 1873, Powers was elected to the Maine House of Representatives. He served his initial term until 1876. He was reelected again to terms in 1883, 1892 and 1895. During the 1895 he served as Speaker of the House for the Maine House of Representatives. During his time in the House he created a bill abolishing capital punishment in Maine. He successfully passed by a vote of 75 to 68, making Maine the 3rd state in the country to abolish the death penalty.

In 1876, Powers was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican. He served only one term in the House. In 1897, he was elected Governor of Maine, serving from 1897 to 1901.

In 1901, Powers was elected again to the United States House of Representatives, this time in a special election when the sitting Congressman resigned. This time he was reelected three times. He served until 1908 when he passed away.

Powers passed away on July 28th, 1908.

Powers was a member of Monument Lodge No. 96 in Houlton, Maine.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.