Pvt. John Powers
Listed in the 1859-1860 Elgin Directory as a Laborer for F. L. McClure.
From the 186 Census #332/2459
Name - John Powers
Aged - 16 Years
Born - Ireland
Home in 1860 - Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
Occupation - Laborer
From the Elgin Reserved Militia Rolls
1861 Elgin Class II Reserve Militia
Signed the roll July 27, 1861.From the Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois
5th Ill. Light Artillery
Three Years Service
Renwick’s Elgin Battery
Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862.Listed home of record as Elgin, Ill's.
Mustered In at Elgin, Ill's. Nov. 15, 1862
Deserted Nov. 19, 1862.
K Co. 16th New York Cav.
Sprague Light Cavalry
Aged 20 years.Enlisted may 6, 1863 at Oswego.
Mustered In May 7, 1863.
Wounded in Action Feb. 22, 1863 at Dranesville Va. in a fight against Mosby's Rangers. Gunshot Wound in the Right Lung.
Sent to the Squad Hospital in Washington, DC.
Known Actions;
Dranesville, Va. Feb. 22, 1863
Lewinsville, Va. Oct. 1, 1863
Bristoe Station, Va. Oct. 14, 1863
Leesburg, Va. April 10, 1964
Hunter’s Point April 23, 1864
Carter’s Farm, Va. May 1, 1864
Middleburg May 29, 1864
Fall’s Church June 23, 1864
Burke’s Station July 29, 1864
Fairfax Station, Va. Aug. 14, 1864
Culpeper, Va. Sept. 19, 1864
Wolf Run Shoal Sept. 20, 1864
Garrett’s Farm April 26, 1865
Involved in the capture of John Wilkes Booth and Daniel E. Harold of the Lincoln Conspiracy.
Proprietor of the Independent Ice Co.
Elgin City Marshal from 1876 through 1887.
From the 1870 Census
Name – John Powers
Aged – 25 Years
Born – About 1848 in Ireland
Home in 1870 – Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
Race – White
Authors Note;
The following is Elgin City Council minutes as reported in The Elgin Advocate the follows Mayor Reeves election as Elgin's Mayor and his attempt to take over control of the Elgin Police Dept. by firing the existing police force and inserting men who he believed he could control.
Excerpts
from the April 13, 1878 issue of Elgin’s The
Advocate
City Council Report
Hugh Murphy’s name was presented for
city marshal, and on the announcement thereof, a deathlike stillness pervaded
the room, which was finally broken by Ald. Kizer, who arose, and said in order
to bring the matter before the council, he would move to concur in the
nomination. On the call of the roll all
the aldermen voted no, and the motion to concur in was declared lost.
Ald. Kizer moved that the mayor be
requested by a vote of the city council to appoint John Powers city marshal.
The mayor said he would present his
reasons for refusing to appoint Mr. Powers at the next meeting of the council,
and he would now appoint Hugh Murphy marshal until the next meeting of the
council.
Ald. Kizer insisted on his motion being
put, as it had been seconded and was properly before the council.
The mayor ruled the motion out of
order. Ald. Kizer appealed from the
decision of the mayor.
Mayor Reeves – I do not wish an
expression from the council; I am honest in my convictions, and all I ask of
the council is gentlemanly treatment. I
have serious objections to this man, (Powers) and will state them at next
meeting. I now ask for nothing but
gentlemanly treatment. I have been
elected by a majority of the voters, and I will endeavor to do my duty in a
fair way. The roll being called the
twelve aldermen voted not to sustain the mayor in his decision.
Ald. Kizer then called for his motion in
regard to requesting the mayor to appoint John Powers city marshal, and on the
call of the vote, all the aldermen voted aye, and the motion was declared
carried.
The mayor – Gentlemen, I shall
respectfully decline. (Cheers, stamping, and hisses.)
At this juncture, Ald. Kizer presented a
petition signed by I.C. Bosworth, D.F. Barclay, M.C. Town, J.A. Carpenter, and
many more of the business men and citizens, and embracing some of the heaviest
tax-payers in the city, asking the mayor and council to appoint John Powers
city marshal. The petition was a handsome
indorsement of Mr. Powers as an official, and one which any official in any
station might feel proud of.
Ald. Stewart thought it was not in order to
present the petition at this time, and thought it should lie over.
The mayor – It will lie over.
The aldermen objected to its lying over,
and Ald. Foster moved that it be read, and the motion was carried.
After the petition had been read, Ald.
Coburn moved to receive and place on file.
Carried.
The mayor – File it away.
From
the April 13, 1878 issue of The Elgin
Advocate
“By G-a-d,” says crazy Reeves, “that man
Powers can’t be marshal under my administration.” And by twelve votes to none, says the city
council, “Hold on!” “Go slow with your
Humuphyism.
From the April 13, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
Tuesday night Mayor Reeves nominated
Hugh Murphy as City Marshal, and the Council, by unanimous vote, said, “No, you
don’t.” Thereupon Ald. Kizer moved that
the Council request the Mayor to appoint as Marshal John Powers. The mayor ruled the motion out of
order. Kizer appealed, and the Council
refused to sustain the ruling. The
motion was put and carried. Reeves then
declined to nominate Powers. Then
followed a petition, signed by nearly all the business men of the city, urging
Powers retention. This Reeves treated
with contempt, and only by appealing to the Council did it have a respectful
hearing.
From
the April 13, 1878 issue of The Elgin
Advocate
Mayor Reeves proposes to present his
objections to Marshal Powers at the next meeting of the Council. That is all right. Let them come. It is safe to say, however, in advance that
they are personal. In fact, Mr. Reeves
has said within the present week that he objected to Powers on personal grounds
and therefore, he should not be City Marshal, if every alderman and all the
people desired it. It is said Powers
was instrumental in causing the arrest of one of Reeves’ boys on a serious
charge not long ago, and hence the Mayor’s objection to him as a fit person as
chief police officer. That sounds well,
don’t it?
Excerpts from the April 20, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
City Council Report
An adjourned regular meeting of the city
council was held on Tuesday evening last, and the court house was filled with
citizens who were present to witness the performance, which all expected would
take place. It was expected that Mayor
Reeves would present his objections to Marshal Powers, but he failed to do so
claiming that the law said it must be done at the next regular meeting. The council thought differently, and so
acted.
-
Ald. Foster arose and addressing the
mayor said, at the last meeting you stated that you would present your objections
to Mr. Powers at the next meeting, have you them ready?
The mayor – I have not.
Ald. Foster – I desire to have this
resolution read.
The clerk thereupon read the following
resolution:
WHEREAS John Powers, the city marshal of
the City of Elgin, was on the 10th day of April last, served with a
written notice by the mayor of said city of his removal from office as marshal:
AND WHEREAS, The said mayor thereupon
pretended to appoint one, Hugh Murphy, to said office and to discharge the
duties thereof, and that said Murphy is now assuming to act as such marshal,
and perform the duties thereof:
AND WHEREAS, The mayor has failed to
report such removal with his reasons therefore to the council at the present
meeting, said meeting being the next regular meeting of said council after such
removal: -
Therefore
be it resolved That we, said city
council, do disaporve of such removal of the said John Powers as city Marshal,
and do hereby resotore him to said office of marshal of the City of Elgin, from
which he was so removed.
Ald Coburn moved the adoption of the
resolution.
The mayor – Gentlemen I think you are
entirely out of order. I decided this
matter according to law.
Ald. Coburn – I appeal from your
decision.
Ald. Foster – There is a motion before
the house.
Ald. Foster called for the motion.
The mayor – I rule it out of order.
Ald. Coburn – I appeal from your
decision.
Ald. Kizer – The ayes and nays on the
question.
The mayor, looking toward Ed. Joslyn who
sat in the corner, and laughing said, I know the law and will abide by it.
(Laughter and cheers.)
Ald. Foster moved to excuse the mayor,
and have the clerk put the question on the motion of appeal.
The mayor – All out of order.
The clerk then put the question, all
those who are in favor of sustaining Mayor Reeves vote aye when your name is
called, and those who are opposed vote no.
The roll was called and the twelve aldermen voted no, and the mayor was
not sustained.
The mayor – I see gentlemen if I am to
be sustained it must be by law.
Ald. Kizer called for the previous
question, on the adoption of the resolution.
The mayor – It is a good deal like boy’s
play, but I will put the question (To the clerk, put down the name of the
alderman who made the motion.)
The clerk called the roll and all the
aldermen, twelve, voted aye.
The Mayor – I will surely set him aside,
until the next regular meeting. All I
want is fair treatment. After I have
made my objections if you sustain him all right.
Ald. Dickinson – No charges have been
made and he cannot be set aside.
Mayor – He will be set aside, and at the
next regular meeting I will state my objections.
Ald. Foster – This is a regular meeting.
The mayor – This is an adjourned
meeting.
Ald. Foster asked the chair to declare
the vote on Ald. Coburn’s motion.
The clerk was then directed by the
aldermen to declare the vote, and he did so stating that there were twelve ayes
and no noes.
Ald. Fish wanted the vote stated
regularly.
Ald. Fish asked if City Marshal Powers
had filed a bond, if so he wanted it read.
The clerk then read the bond of John
Powers, city marshal, with D.F. Barclay and I.C. Bosworth sureties, in the sum
of $500.
Ald. Kizer moved to approve the bond.
The mayor – Although you may approve the
bond, I will set him aside. The law
says so in so many words.
Ald. Fish – Does the mayor decline to
put the motion, or rule it out of order?
The mayor – Out of order.
Ald. Fish appealed.
Ed. Joslyn here advised the mayor to
declare the appeal out of order.
The mayor so decided.
Ald. Kizer moved to appeal from the
decision of the chair on the appeal.
Ald. Fish to the mayor – Is your
decision final, can we take no appeal?
I think we have the right of appeal and I insist upon it. To Col. Joslyn – you are a good lawyer, but
out of place here; you are not chairman.
Ald Foster to Col. Joslyn – Keep
still. (Cheers.)
The Mayor – assuming a tragical
attitude, and striking the table vehemently which caused the crowd to roar with
laughter – I am chairman and I decide it out of order.
Ald. Fish to the clerk – Will you put
it?
The clerk – I am the servant of the
city, and will do so if requested.
Ald. Kizer called for the clerk to put
the motion.
Ald. Coburn moved to go into committee
of the whole and settle the matter. Not
seconded.
The clerk – I am requested to call the
ayes and nays on the appeal.
The mayor jumping to his feet, and
striking the table a powerful blow, which made that unfortunate piece of
furniture bounce – It is all out of order, and I forbid the call.
The clerk paid no attention to the mayor
and proceeded with the roll call, and again all the aldermen voted not to
sustain the mayor.
Ed. Joslyn again put in his lip, and
said this is revolution and any man has a right to talk. I want to take a hand.
Ald. Fish called for the previous
question, which was upon the approval of the bond;.
The mayor – And I shall only be under
the necessity of setting the man aside.
If I am wrong I will abide the consequences; if right the citizens will
sustain me, and I appeal from the action of these men (the aldermen).
At this juncture there was a good deal
of talk among the crowe. Ed. Joslyn
said 680 against all the rest. (Referring probably to the vote Reeves received
for mayor.)
A
voice in the crowd – It is twelve now against nothing. (Laughter, cheers and
hisses.)
Marshal Murphy stepped up and said he
would lock up any man who did not observe order, he cared not who he was.
The clerk called the roll on the approval
of the bond, and all the aldermen, twelve voted aye, and the clerk declared the
bond approved.
The mayor – I shall set that man aside
according to law.
Ald. Foster moved to adjourn until
Friday evening. Carried.
From
the May 4, 1878 issue of The Elgin
Advocate
Hugh Murphy whom Mayor Reeves, appointed
City Marshal pro tem. Resigned because he discovered that Reeves was only
making a cat’s paw of him to pull some other man’s chestnuts out of the fire. Murphy promises to give the whole thing away
and Reeves is on the ragged edge in consequence. It is to be hoped that Murphy will make the
thing known, so that all citizens may know Reeves motive for deceiving a true
friend.
From
the May 4, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
Next Tuesday evening the “regular
monthly meeting” of the city council occurs.
It is expected that Mayor Reeves will hurl his two hundred charges at
Marshal Powers in a “very unanimous” way, and that he will show the council
that it reinstated Powers in an “un-legal” manner, having no more right to do
so than he had to veto a resolution.
The council will enjoy the sport, and there will probably be a full
house to hear and see the fun.
From
the May 11, 1878 issue of The Elgin
Advocate
City Council Report
The mayor then proceded hurling charges
against City Marshal Powers.
To the Honorable City Council
of the City of Elgin:
GENTLEMEN.- Having on the 9th
day of April, 1878, removed John powers from the office of City Marshal, oif
said city, because, in my opinion the interests of said city required his
removal, I herewith submit my reasons for such removal, at the next regular
meeting of your honorable body, sindce my removal of said Powers, in compliance
with the statute in that begalf enacted:
Because,
after having enlisted in the military service of the United States during the
late rebellion and received a pecunlary bounty for such enlistment, the said
Posers deserted the said service. In
proof of this I refer to the report of the Adjutant General of the state of
Illinois, Vol. VIII, Page 661.
Because
the said Powers, while acting as City Marshal of said city, has played at cards
and gambled on Sunday in said city upon at least two occasions: 1. At the store of Eugene Lynch: witness,
Jacob Arent. 2. At the store of Clifford
A. Bradford: witnesses, Edward Eberhart, Elgin, Leonard Lasher, Elgin.
Because the said Powers while acting as
City marshal, has assumed powers not belonging to said office, and has been
guilty of malfeasance. 1. In the case
of City of Elgin vs. Hennessy, tried before M.M. Marsh, J.P. in accepting $1
from said Hennessy after said Marsh had imposed upon him a fine of $5, and
arranging that said case should not appear upon said Justice’s docket. Witness, John Fitzgerald. Gilbert
Station. 2. In taking money from
persons by way of compromise of penalties incurred by said person for violation
of the ordinances of said city. Witness
Joseph Pabst, Elgin.
Because
the said Powers after having been removed from the office of City Marshal as
aforesaid, made use of duplicate keys to the city prison of said city, which
had been procured by him while acting as City Marshal in contemplation of such
removal, for the purpose of neutralizing, so far as he could the necessary
effect of such removal. Witness, Hugh
Murphy.
In addition I would respectfully submit
to your honorable body that since my removal of said
Powers
as City Marshal he has assumed to
appoint policemen of said city, after the same had been removed by me. In compliance with my authority as Mayor of
said city.
I would therefore, suggest that the
foregoing reasons by me assigned for said Powers removal be referred to a
committee to be raised by your honorable body, for their report in the pretnsed.
Respectfully
submitted,
E.
V. Reeves, Mayor.
Ald. Kizer moved to take a recess for five
minutes. Carried.
When the Council was called to order,
Ald. Westerman inquired of the Mayor if the above were all the charges he had
to make against Marshal Powers?
The Mayor – Those are the specific
charges. I have others, but have not
presented them.
Ald. Westerman – we might as well have
them in one batch.
The Mayor – Those are all you have.
Ald. Kizer moved that the charges be
referred to a committee of three to report at the next meeting. Carried.
The Mayor stated that he had then
received the resignation of Acting Marshal Murphy, but had not accepted it
until this evening and we are now without a Marshal, and I will nominate Barton
Clark for Marshal, and call upon the Clerk to call the roll.
Ald. Dickinson moved to concur in the
nomination, in order to bring the question before the Council.
Motion failed to be seconded.
The mayor appointed Ald. Fish, foster
and Dickinson to investigate the charges against Marshal Powers.
The mayor ordered the roll called on the
appointment of Barton Clark.
Ald. Inquired if the appointment was
temporary or permanent?
The mayor – It is temporary, but I will
make it permanent.
Ald. Westerman said he could not see how
he could make it permanent until the other matter was disposed of.
Ald. Fish inquired if the motion had
been seconded. We usually have a motion
seconded before it is put, but the Mayor does not do things that way.
The Mayor – I will withdraw that motion
and nominate A.W. Wilbern as City Marshal.
Ald. Fish – We have a Marshal.
The Mayor – I do not recogniae him.
Ald. Fish – The Council elected one and
approved his bonds. We never recognized
Mr. Murphy. So long as this thing
stands, I contend that you have no right to bring up another candidate.
Ald. Stewart to the Mayor – At the time
you appointed Murphy you said you would bring in your charges at the next
meeting, but after going to Chicago you changed your mind. We have Marshal Powers, and until you prove
that he is not Marshal you cannot appoint another.
Mayor Reeves – It was the law that
guided me in setting Powers aside, and I could not change the law as to the
time when I should bring in the charges.
Ald. Fish wanted to know if the Mayor
nominated a candidate if it was necessary to have the motion seconded.
The Mayor – I put in nomination a man
and have the right to call the ayes and nays.
Ald. Stewart thought it was not treating
men right to nominate them until these charges are disposed of.
Mayor Reeves thought it very strange
that twelve men should rule one man.
Ald. Fish – What are you going to do
with two-thirds of the Council against you?
The Mayor – I was elected on the issue.
(Laughter.)
Ald. Fish – You are not to bring in dead
rabbits.
Ald. Foster offered the following
resolution, and moved its adoption;
Whereas, The Mayor of the city of
Elgin did on the 10th day of April last, notify John Powers, then
City Marshal of said city that be said John Powers, was removed from his said
office, and
Whereas, At a meeting of the said City Council
on the 16th day of April last, the said Mayor refused to report to
the Civy Council his reason for such removal,- he, said Mayor, claiming that
such meeting was not the “Next regular meeting” of the City council after such
removal, and
Whereas, Said body is now holding its
stated monthly meeting next after such removal, whichy said meeting the said
Mayor claims to be the “next regular meeting after such removal and
Whereas, Said Mayor has reported to the
Council his reason for such removal.
Now, therefore, for the purpose of removing all question in regard to
the regularity of the proceedings of the City Council in the matter, but in
nowise ignoring or annulling the reinstatement of said John Powers to said
office heretofore made, be it
Resolved,
That we said City Council, do disapprove of the said removal of John Powers
from the office of City Marshal.
Mayor Reeves – Gentlemenl I hate to
think you wish to insult me, but I must think so.
Ald. Jencks called for the ayes and
nays.
Ald. Moulton inquired if the resolution
would effect the report the committee might bring in.
Ald. Foster – No.
Ald. Coburn did not understand the
resolution.
Ald. Kizer explained, by saying that the
Mayor was trying to appoint a Marshal before the charges are reported upon.
All the aldermen voted aye on the
resolution.
Ald. Kizer asked if it was necessary for
the Marshal to give another bond.
Ald. Foster replied that he did not
think it was.
Ald. Stewart – I understand that the
charges are referred to a select committee.
Why can’t we adjourn for ten minutes and investigate them?
Ald. Mouilton said he did not believe
the committee could investigate the charges in ten minutes, as they will have
to see the witnesses.
A petition, signed by nearly all the
busness men on the west side, and many of the prominent citizens, asking to
have Thomas Powers reinstated as night policeman, was read.
Ald. Westerman asked the Mayor if he had
any charges against Thomas Powers.
The mayor said he had none, but had set
him aside.
Ald. Westerman also introduced a
resolution setting forth that as the Mayor had removed said Powers and failed
to give his reasons for such removal, that the council disapproved of his
action and restore Powers to his officer ffrom which he was removed.
The Mayor said the resolution was not
right, as it said that James B. Kirkpatrick was the policeman, and such was not
the case, as J. Arent was the policeman.
Ald. Westerman – The petition says or his
successor.
Ald. Westerman moved that the petition
be received and placed on file.
Carried.
Ald. Kizer moved to adopt the resolution
restoring Powers to office.
Ald. Foster called for the ayes and
nays.
The Mayor said he did not understand the
resolution and called for its reading, but said he presumed the aldermen
understood it.
Ald. Foster – They seem to.
The Clerk read the resolution again, and
on the call of the roll all the aldermen voted aye, and the motion was carried.
Ald. Jencks introduced a resolution
restoring Henry Miller to the police force, he having been removed by the
mayor, and the latter had failed to give his reasons for said removal.
Ald. Jencks inquired of the Mayor if he
had any charges against Miller.
The Mayor said he had. That Miller had told him two or three
stories in regard to recognizing his authority in removing Powers, and he had
him set aside.
Ald. Jencks moved to adopt the
resolution.
Ald. Fish called for the ayes and nays,
and said it would only be twelve votes for it.
Ald. Coburn asked if the vote on Powers
had been declared.
The Mayor said it had carried itself,
but it was not declared.
Ald. Fish – How many times do you want
it voted on?
The Mayor – 700 times.
Ald. Dickinson – Will the Mayor state
the question.
The Mayor – I don’t believe I can.
Ald. Dickinson – Get a wooden man and
put him in the chair, he can answer questions.
The vote was taken and all the Aldermen
voted aye.
The Mayor – The motion was voted for
unanimously.
Ald. Coburn rose to a point of order,
which was to know if the question was carried.
The mayor – It was voted for
unanimously, and he (Coburn) could judge whether it was carried.
-
Ald. Kizer moved that the Marshal and
Policemen be authorized to arrest every person wearing a star without
authority.
The Mayor said there was a law to that
effect now.
Thursday Night.
The Special Committee, to whom the
communication of the mayor’s charges against Marshal Powers was referred, reported
as follows:
To the City Council of the City of
Elgin.
GENTLEMEN – The Special Committee, to
whom was referred the communication of the Mayor to this body, setting forth
his reasons for the removal of John Powers from the office of City Marshal of
said city, to inquire into the truth of said charges and to report on the same
respectfully submit that volume and page of the Report of the Adjutant General
of the state sets forth the fact that said John Powers did desert from the Elgin
Battery, but your committee finds no proof whatever that the said John Powers
received any bounty for such enlistment, nor any pay for the services rendered
in said Battery: and your committee further find that within a few months after
such desertion said Powers enlisted in Co. M. 16th Regiment N. Y.
Cavalry, and served honorably and with distinction in said regiment up to and
until his said regiment was mustered out of the service of the United States by
reason of the termination of the war, and that during such service said Powers
was severly wounded while in defense of his country.
Taking into consideration the fact that
at the time of such desertion said Powers had not yet attained the age of
fifteen years, and the amends he has made for his error as above set forth, we
can see no reason in this charge for his removal from office.
In regard to the second charge contained
in said communication, while the said Jacob Arent insists still that the charge
is true, we are satisfied from the abundant proof that the charge is absolutely
unfounded and of course untrue,
This statement refers to both
specificastionhs under said second charge.
In regard to the third charge. Mr. Joseph Pabst has been enquired of, and
reports that one morning a person who had been lodging at his house, and for
some cause had been arrested, told him, the said Pabst, that is cost him $10 to
get loose: that said Pabst is unable to give the name, residence or description
of the person, or any proximate date of the occurrence: that the nearest date
Pabst will fix is six years since. This specifcation seems too vague and distant
for further inquiry.
Concerning the other specification under
this charge, the best information obtainable by your committee, is to the
effect that said Powers received no money, nor made any arrangement nor
compromise in the cause there mentioned.
The other matters and things set forth
in said communication are now fully within the notice of said City Council,
they being an expression of our honorable Mayor’s view in regard to the present
complications concerning our police department, and on which your committee
have nothing ro report.
Respectfully submitted.
A.
B.
Fish.
T.
H.
Foster Special Com.
B.
C.
Dickinson.
Ald. Moulton moved to receive and place
on file. Carried.
-
Ald. Kizer presented a new bond of
Marshal Powers but before it reached the Clerk’s hands the Mayor, who seemed to
divine its purport, arose and said, I shall be under the necessity of removing
that man (Powers,) and at the next regular meeting I will present charges
against him.
Ald. Fish – We do not recognize your
authority.
The mayor – The State law says I shall
appoint the officers, and I never will appoint that man (Powers,) bbut I now
appoint Palmer Clark Acting marshal.
The new bond of Marshal Powers, with
D.F. Barclay and I.C. Bosworth, sureties, in sum of $500, was read, and Ald.
Foster moved to approve the bond.
Mayor Reeves – If the powers of the
Legislature are good for anything ---
Ald. Foster called for the question, and
as the mayor paid no attention to him, but continued his harangue, Ald. Foster
put the motion on the approval of the bond, and all the aldermen present voter
aye.
From the May 11, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
The Grand Jury concluded its labors at
Geneva yesterday, and among the indictments found, was one against Mayor Edwin
F. Reeves, of Elgin. The bill charges
him with various commissions and omissions, such as refusing to put motions and
perform the several duties of a presiding officer, as by law he is bound to do;
removing policemen without giving reasons therefore, and the appointment of
persons to police duties and sustaining them in such positions without
reporting the same to the Council, and without its consent or concurrence.
Reeves will probably be arrested today
or Monday morning, and will undoubtedly give bonds for his appearance when
wanted for trial, and that will be very soon, as the Circuit Court will begin
the trial of criminal cases next Monday.
Growing out of this same municipal
controversy comes the indictment of Jake Arndt on a charge of perjury. Arndt made affidavit before the committee
investigating Reeves’ charges against Marshal Powers, that he saw Powers and
several others gambling on a certain day in E. Lynch’s store. All the parties implicated swear point
blank, and emphatically to the contrary.
Under such circumstances it will be difficult for Jake to prove his
charge. He is in a tight place.
From the June 1, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
Mayor Reeves has placed E. N. Welch on
the police force. He could not wait
until the Council met on Tuesday evening next.
From the June 1, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
How many Marshals and Acting AMarshals
are there in Elgin? Let us see. The Council has John Powers, and the mayor
has at various times appointed about four.
Capt. Wilbern, Palmer Clark, Part Clark and J. C. Brown. The latter knew nothing of the honor Reeves
conferred upon him, as he was at Hampshire when his name was presented to the
Council.
Excerpts from the June 8, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
City
Council Report
P. Clark, acting city marshal, reported
that affairs in the police department had been quiet since his appointment, and
he recommended that E. N. Welch and Jacob Arndt be paid their respective
salaries for the month of May, A.D., 1878.
Ald. Dickinson moved to receive and place on file. Carried.
The committee on claims reported in
favor of allowing the bill of Jas. B. Kirkpatrick for police services in the
sum of $19.50, subject to deduction of fine and costs on docket oif A. hadlock
Exq. Ald. Moulton moved to receive and
adopt the report, and draw an order for the amount. Carried.
-
Ald. Dickinson moved to reject the
following bills: P. Clark, special city
marshal, $50: Jacob Arnt, policeman,
$45: E. N. Welch, same, $4.50 for
teason that they were acting in direct opposition to the resolution adopted by
the council.
Ald. Kizer called for ther ayes and
noes.
Ald. Moulton wanted to know the exact
date of the resolution.
The Clerk replied that it was adopted on
the 9th of May.
Ald. Coburn moved to amend by allowing
for the service rendered up to the 9th of May, and the amendment was
accepted as the original motion and was adopted by a vote of ten for it, and
noe against it, and the Mayor said it was carried.
The mayor called up the appointment of
E. N. Welch as policeman.
Ald. Kizer said there was no vacancy,
and unless the people wanted to increase the police force, he could not be
appointed.
Mayor Reeves – If you look over the law
you will find that every one can not appoint policemen or marshals. The law is strick.
Ald. Dickinson – We can Reject them.
The Mayor – Yes.
Ald. Dickinson did not believe old man
Welch was fit for policeman. He did not
have energy and activity like a young man.
The Mayor said that he appointed Welch
at the solicitation of such men as Henry Sherman, whom he respected. The petition was lare and respectable
citizens had signed it. We have but two
policemen and one of them is acting marshal.
Ald. Dickinson – The Council does not recognize
them.
Ald. Kizer inquired if the person acting
as policeman and marshal drew pay for both.
The Mayor – We are economical, and have
a quiet city, with little for the police to do.
Ald. Kizer asked if it was because we
had a double police force?
Ald. We4sterman – Six burgiarlaries in
one night, with a double police force.
The Mayor said he had no objection to
the merchants putting on special policemen providing they paid them. He thought two policemen, and one of them to
act as marshal, would be enough forf the city.
That would give one on each side of the reiver. Dr. Joe, had applied to him for a policeman.
Ald. Westerman – To watch his wood pile.
The mayor – I believe so.
Ald. Jencks – Who is Dr. Joe?
The Mayor – A citizen whom you do not
know.
Ald. Kizer said the Mayor had ignored
the action of the council in regard to the police.
The Mayor – Did not the councel put on
officers and ignore the Mayor?
Ald. Kizer – You removed officers, do
you doubt that the council can not reinstate such officers?
The Mayor – When a man is removed there
is no way to get in agaqin except by appointment.
Ald. Westerman – Why did not prefer
charges against officers, if they had served out their time, as you claim?
The Mayor ordered Ald. Westerman to sit
down, and there was some by talk between them which the reporter failed to
hear, further than that the Mayor said he (W.) could prove anything by the
council.
Ald. Kizer moved to adjourn. Lost.
Ald. Jencks presented a paper, and
wished the clerk to read the same.
The Mayor said it was out of order and
could not be read.
Ald. Coburn wanted it read.
The Mayor wanted the roll called on the
appointment of James C. Brown, as City Marshal.
Ald. Coburn moved to confirm the
appointment. The ayes and noes being
called, all the Aldermen present, ten, voter no, and the appointment was
rejected.
The
Mayor – Mr. James C. Brown having been rejected, I will now appoint Barton
Clark.
Ald. Coburn moved to confirm the
appointment, and all the Aldermen present voted no, except Ald. Coburn, who
voted aye, and the appointment was rejected.
The mayor then appointed Capt. A. W.
Wilgern and ordered the roll called.
All the aldermen voted no, except ald. Coburn, who voted aye.
The Mayor then appointed P. Clark acting
city marshal for the month.
Ald. Dickinson asked if the Mayor
recognized the marshal appointed by the council?
The mayor – We have none.
The following paper presented by Ald.
Jencks was then read:
To his Honor E. F. Reeves:
WHEREAS,There is a difference of opinion
existing between your honor and the council regarding the office of Marshal,
therefore, in order to the final settlement of said issue we propose to you to
allow the legal voters of this city to express their choice for said officer by
a vote: Said election to be called at once, and the one receiving a majority of
botes to be appointed for the ensuing year as City Marshal.
Elgin, Tuesday Evening, June 4, 1878.
Ald. Kizer moved to adopt the
resolution.
The Mayor said you all know that I am in
favor of the people electing officers, but the condition of affairs will not
permit me to entertain the proposition. The matter is in court and must be settled
there.
One of the aldermen asked the Mayor if
he would resign, but the Mayor could not see it.
He said if all the Aldermen from the
wards north of Chicago street resign, he would place his resignation in the
hands of a third party, to be presented to the council in case all the aldermen
were re-elected.
Ald. McClure – We will resign if the Mayor
will, and take our chances of a re-election.
Ald. Jencks made a like statement.
The mayor said he was in a peculiar
condition. He stood before Kane county
as an indicted criminal, and I will not resign. I am conscious that I have done no wrong and
am guilty of
Article
incomplete, print hard copy of remaining article!
From
the June 8, 1878 issue of The Elgin
Advocate
This Reeves lunacy is getting to be a
serious thing. Is it not about time
somd decisive steps were taken to end it?
The d—ed idiot ought to be put in an ensame asylum, or the courts should
be called upon to interfere and restrain Reeves’ unlawful interference in
municipal affairs.
From the June 8, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
Look Out
for Reeves.
Yesterday morning between 4 and 5
o’clock, Mayor Reeves and his police force – Pam. Clark, Jake Arndt and E. N.
Welch – broke the locks on the calaboose, and took possession of the building
and relessed a prisoner who Policemen Miller (of the Council’s force)had locked
up for drunkenness. When marshal Powers
visited the Court House in the morning to feed the prisoner he found that new
locks had been put on all the doors of the prison and Reeves and his police
held the keys.
He broke the locks and put on new and
stronger ones, and will keep watch upon the building from this out.
It was rumored upon the streets last
night that Reeves was swearing in a lot of bummers as extra police force, with
the intention to take forcible possession of the city property, marshal’s
office, clerk’s office, etc., and arrest the council police, and perhaps the
aldermen.
Nothing occurred, however, to disturb
the peace. Powers and his police were
on duty all night, and will be prepared to give the Reeves’ crowd a warm
reception if they attempt to carry out their unlawful purposes.
From
the June 8, 1878 issue of The Elgin
Advocate
Jake Arndt lives in Elgin, which makes
him ambitious. His ambition is for
money at the expense of other people.
Probably Jake has desire to grtasp a bonanaza all at once. And this is the way he proposes to get
it. A few weeks ago he testified before
a committee of Aldermen that Jack Powers, City Marshal, had gambled in Eugene
Lynch’s store. This Arndt swore to
positively, and after the committee examined other witnesses, they came to the
conclusion that Jake’s story would not hold water – that in fact it was
decidedly thin and the committee reported that there was no foundation for the
charge against Powers. About the time
Reeves was indicted some on procured the indictment of Arndt for perjury, and
when the case was called in the Circuit Court the indictment was quashed, upon
the ground that he could not commit perjury in testifying before a committee,
and especially as there was no case being tried: he could lie and swear to it,
but it would not be perjury under the statute.
With this coclaion in his favor, Jake began to feel game and commenced
looking for game, estimation that his character had been damaged to the extent
of $10,000, and feeling that that amount would satisfy his wounded honor, he
this week commenced an action for that amount, for false imprisonment against
the following persons: A. B. Fish, Thomas H. Fostrr, C. D. Dickinson, Georgbe
farrington, John coburn, A. H. Barry, Eugene Clifford, Eugene Lynch, John
Powers, John Kizer and D. R. Jencks.
The papers have beenb filed at Geneva,
and the suit docketed for the October term.
We are of the opinion that Jake’s ambition will never be appeased by the
$10,000 claim, unless he will consider that he will always have that amount due
him.
Excerpts from the June 15, 1878 issue of
The Elgin Advocate
A bill for $13.50 from Oscar Lee, for
services as policeman, was allowed upon motion of Ald. Kizer.
An ordinance to amend an ordinance
regulating the election of city officers, prescribing their duties and providing
for their removal, whereby the chairman of the finance committee is empowered
to sign such petitions in the case of the mayor’s refusal, was passed on motion
of Ald. Kizer, but the mayor’s autograph has not yet been set thereto.
The city marshal matter was again
resurrected and urged upon the mayor that said officer be chosen by election.
Mayor Reeves remarked that he would take
it under advisement, and if he could consistently consent to such an
arrangement, he would be glad to do so; but he though there was more than one
man qualified for the office, and he had done all in his power to settle it.
Ald. Fish wanted to know if the council
would hand in the name of some good man, would he (the mayor) appoint him.
Then up rose his honor, and with the
look of an injured saint, he replied that he had so often intimated as much,
that it was not necessary for him to repeat it.
Reeves, like all drowning men who catch
at straws, thought that was the case, and delivered a short oration on
law. He always thought the office
should have been decided by election, and would rejoice and be exceeding glad
were the great responsibility of the appointment lifted from his shoulders: but
gentlemen, the law, the las. He had
also often harbored the idea that all office holders should be paid according
to the work they preformed, but did not set any figures on the office of mayor
of Elgin.
Ald. Jencks thought that it was no
question of law, it was an informal request from the council to the mayor.
The great expense of such an election
was the mayor’s chief objection.
Ald. Jencks would guarantee and give
bonds before 9 o’clock on the next day, that the election should not cost the
city a cent.
But it would cost private individuals
thousands of dollars replied the mayor.
Ald. Kizer thought it had been shown by
the council (12) against the mayor (1), who was the city’s choice.
Then Mayor Reeves reminded the alderman
that it was not 12 to 1, it was the state vs. 12, which remark the council had
heard before.
Ald. Coburn thought they had better stop
these quibbles, and come to some satisfactory agreement. The matter of law had been overlooked by
having two city marshals, and he thought the mayor had better continue his
nominations and try to agree on some one.
Then the mayor put in a plea for some of
his previous nominations, and said that the council had not been able to state
any objections; they had objected apparently without any reasons.
This called Ald. Fish to the front, who said
it was nobody’s business what the aldermen’s reasons were; their vote was all
that the mayor need know of; the reason for so voting was their own lookout,
and if the mayor had a good man for the office let him trot him out. But the mayor did not trot.
From the June 29, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
City Marshal Powers seems to have as
many official beads in the eyes of Reeeves, as a cat has lives.
Excerpts from the Julyu 6, 1878 issue of
The Elgin Advocate
The following bills were allowed and
orders drawn on the general fund: Join Powers, marshal, $50: Thos Powers , $45.
The reasons for the removal of Thos.
Powers were, that he was non-comunicative and brutal, having refused to give
information and assistance to ladies who arrived at night at the west side
depot.
The mayor desired the council to further
investigate the charges against Marshal Powers, as he claimed they had only
examined into one of the charges.
Ald. Foster moved to place that matter
on file, and not waste any more time over it; carried.
Ald. Jencks moved to reinstate John
Powers, city marshal; carried.
Excerpt from the July 20, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
The bond of John Powers, city marshal,
with D. F. Barclay and S. W. Chapman, as sureties, was read.
Ald. Kizer moved to approve the
bond, Carried.
The mayor nominaterd I. N. Buck for city
marshal.
Ald. Coburn moved to lay the name of I.
N. Buck on the table for the present.
Ald. Kizer said he would like to have
the matter laid over until the next meeting, so the aldermen could consult in
regard to the appointment.
The mayor said he though Ald. Coburn’s
motion was too indefinite, and he would appoint I. N. buck as acting city
marshal, until he was confirmed or his successor was appointed.
Ald. Dickinson – We have a marshal; we
have just approved his bonds.
The Mayor then withdrew the appointment
of I. N. Buck.
The motion to lay on the table was
carried.
From the July 20, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
Reeves has again notified Marshal Powers
and Policeman Miller and Powers that he has removed them. The notice of removal was served on Thursday
morning. T_____ officers will pay no
attention to the notice of removal, but continue to perform their respective
duties. It has lately leaked out that
the true causes of the frequent removals of these officers is because Policman
Miller once arrested and locked up Ed. Joslyn: that Thos. Powers performed a
similar duty in regard to Frank Orsby, and that Reeves has a personal spite
agains Marshal Powers, and the three worthies have sworn vengeance against
these officers and are determined to make every effort to secure their
removal. The officers have proven
themselves efficient and vigilant, and should not be removed without just and
sufficient cause, and so far in the police contest, none has been shown. Reeves appointed Pam Clark acting marshal.
From
the aug. 3, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
AN ORDENANCE
Regulating
the Police of the city of Elgin.
Be it ordained by the City Council of
the city of Elgin:
SECTION 1. The office of City Marshal and Police
officers, as heretofore constituted are hereby abolished and the term of office
of all persons now holding any such office under or by virtue of any ordinances
heretofore passed is hereby terminated.
SEC. 2. Upon the passage of this ordinance and at the
first regular meeting in April of each year thereafter there shall be chosen by
a majority vote of the Aldermen present at the meeting, three members of the
city council who shall be designated as the Committee on Police.
SEC. 3.
Said committee shall superintend and direct the police force of said
city and shall have full power and authority, subject however to the approval
of the city council, to employ such a number of policemen as the city council when
in session may by ordinance or resolution determine to be necessary, and may
from time to time, in their discretion, discharge any policeman so employed and
employ others to take the place of any so discharged.
SEC. 4.
Said committee shall designate one of the policemen so employed, as
janitor of the council rook and keeper of the city prison. Said policeman so designated shall attend
every regular and special meeting of the ciy council and shall have the care
and custody of the city council room, and shall keep the same clean and
otherwise properly attended to and shall receive from the city clerk the
necessary fuel, lights and other articles for that purpose. He shall also serve all notices now provided
for by ordinance of the city to be served by the city marshal.
SEC. 5.
All policemen employed as above provided for shall perform such police
duties at such places and times as the said Committee on Police may
direct. The policeman designated as
janitor of the city council rook shall receive as compensation for his services
the sum of fifty dollars per month, and all other policemen employed as above
provided forty-five dollars each per month, and at the same rate for a part of
a month until otherwise provided by the council.
SEC. 6.
The Committee on Police may, upon any emergency, riot, pestilence,
invasion or during any day of public election, celebration, or unusual
congregation of people in the city, employ as many special policeman as it may
deem advisable for a specified time and during the term of service of any such
special policemen they shall possess all the powers and privileges and perform
all the duties of a member of the regular police force of said city, and shall
receive such reasonable compensation as may be determined by said Committee on
Police.
Provided: the term of serviced of any
such special policeman shall not extend beyond the time of the meeting of the
city council next after the employment of such special policeman.
SEC. 7.
The policemen employed as above provided shall have the same power and
authority and posese the same privileges heretofore conferred by ordinance upon
police officers and policemen of said city, and shall perform the same duties
and be subject to the same obligations as police officers under the ordinance
of the city heretofore in force.
SEC. 8.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed.
Ald. Dickinson moved that this ordinance
by passed, and all the aldermen present, 10 voted aye.
From the
Aug. 3, 1878 issue of The Elgin Advocate
Mayor Reeves has not yet approved the
ordinance passed by the council on Tuesday evening, regulating the police force
of this city.
From the 1880 Census
Name – John Powers
Aged – 32 Years
Born – About 1848 in Ireland
Home in 1880 – Elgin, Kane Co., Ill.
Race – White
Occupation – City Marshall
Spouses name – Johanna L. Powers
Spouses age – 27 Years
From the 1900 Census
Name – John Powers
Aged – 55 Years
Born – Feb. 1845 in Ireland
Home in 1900 – 3rd Ward, Elgin, Kane
Co., Ill.
Street – 213 Ann street
Race – White
Immigration Year – 1850
Occupation – Constable
Marriage Year – 1875
Spouses Name – Johanna Powers
Spouses age – 47 Years
From the 1910 Census
Name – John Powers
Aged – 65 Years
Born – About 1845 in Illinois
Home in 1910 – 2nd Ward, Elgin, Kane
Co., Ill.
Street – 213 Ann street
Race – White
Occupation – Own Income
Spouses Name – Anna Powers
Spouses Age – 56 Years
From Family Trees / Blarry
Name – John “Jack” Powers
Born – Feb. 22, 1845 in Waterford, Ireland
Marriage – Dec. 25, 1874 in McHenry, McHenry
Co., Ill.
Died – April 20, 1917 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee
Co., Wisc.
Spouses name – Johanna Sutton
Application for membership in Elgin GAR Veteran's Post #49 rejected on March 17, 1890.
Elgin City Alderman from 1893 through 1895.
Re-appointed City Marshal in 1898.
Article; March 16, 1888 of the Elgin Daily Courier.
A command of the Union Veterans' union was mustered in, last night, with twenty-five charter members. It is composed of good and true soldiers of the late war of the rebellion, and starts out with good prospects for success.
The command was mustered in by General George W. Eldridge, department commander, of Bloomington. The following officers were elected by acclaqmation: Colnel, George H. Knott;, lieutenant-colonel, Andrew Apple; major, H. Sweet; surgeon, William Dalton; chaplain, Thomas Jones; officer of the day, John Powers; officer of the guard, S.D. Chamberlin; quartermaster, Theo Schroeder; adjutant, D.J. Lynch; sergeant major, John Davenport; quartermaster sergeant, P. Murray; outside sentinel, H.A. Cochran; inside sentinel, E. Kent.
In this order none but veterans who actually served at the front six months and over are eligible, those who know what a soldier's life is: who smelt powder, heard the zip of the bullets, the scream of the shell, lived on hard-tack and sow-belly, and endured the genuine hardships of camp, field and march. It does not intend to antagonize the G.A.R. in any way.
Joined Elgin GAR Veteran's Post #49 Aug. 21, 1893.
Member of the Modern Woodmen Silver Leaf Camp #60.
Member of the Odd Fellows.
As recorded on the Elgin Sexton's ledger: Occupation, Marshal. Died April 20, 1917, 3:40 pm at the US Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisc. Aged 72 years. Undertaker retained, Wait & Ross Co. Physician, Herman J. Roberts of the National Home. Permit #16763.
Obit; April 21, 1917 issue of The Elgin Daily News.
John Powers, former city marshal and alderman, died at 3;33 o'clock yesterday afternoon at St. Mary's hospital, Milwaukee, at the age of 72 years.
For several months he had been at the Old Soldiers home at Lake Wawautosa, near the Wisconsin city.
Mr. Posers was one of the most prominent of Elgin's public men, serving as chief of police at a time when an exceptional burden was placed on the shoulders of that official. He was also a well known business man, associated with T. McBride in the ice business many years ago and later as one of the proprietors of the independent Ice company.
Born in Waterford, Ireland, Feb. 22, 1845, he was sent to this country by his parents when a small boy. He was but 16 years old when he joined the Elgin battery at the outbreak of the Civil war. Later he was transferred to Company K, 16th New York cavalry.
In a battle in Virginia he was wounded and escaped being taken prisoner by crawling into some bushes on the battlefield. He was discovered by a southern woman who cared for him for weeks until he had recovered.
After the war he returned to Elgin and in 1870 was appointed city marshal. he served in that capacity until 1887. From 1893 to 1895, he was an alderman from the seventh ward. In 1898, he was re-appointed marshal by Mayor price and served during that term.
His wife, who formerly was Miss Joann Sutton of McHenry, died three years ago.
He was a member of the Veteran post, No. 49, G.A.R., Silver Leaf camp No. 60, M.W.A. and the Odd Fellows.
He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. W.H. Lester and Miss Mabel powers of Elgin, Sister Mary Francis Paula of Lyons, Iowa, a son Chas. powers of Elgin and a brother, Thos. Powers of Elgin, also Duncan powers of Los Angeles, a grandson.
Resolutions of sympathy for the relatives of the late John Powers were submitted to the city council this morning by Commissioner Charles L. Kohn and were unanimously passed by a rising vote of that body. The preamble to the resolutions cited the fact that Mr. Powers had served the city as an official from 1870 to 1879 and from 1888 to 1897. Mr. Powers had been an alderman and city marshal for the city.
Obit; April 26, 1917 issue of The St. Charles Chronicle.
John R. Powers, a veteran of the Civil war, and a resident of Elgin for many years, died at the Soldiers Home in Milwaukee Sunday. Mr. Powers came from Ireland alone direct to Elgin when he was only seven years old. His father sent him to an older brother who had preceded the lad to this country. For many years Mr. Powers was chief of police in Elgin, and attained the title of the "fighting marshal". In the Civil war he was a member of the Renwick battery. After the war he was in Washington for a time, and was a member of the posse that captured J. Wilkes Booth, the murdered of Abraham Lincoln.
Brother of Thomas.
 |
| Used with permission Dan Mallett |
Many members of Post #49 sewed watch faces to their ribbons to show they were from Elgin.
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