Maine
Gov. Llewellyn Powers
- January 2, 1897 - January 2, 1901
- Republican
- October 14, 1836
- July 28, 1908
- Maine
- Colby University, Albany Law School
- Married Jennie Hewes
- Representative
About
LLEWELLYN POWERS, the forty-fourth governor of Maine, was born in Pittsfield, Maine on October 14, 1836. His education was attained at Colby University, and at the Albany Law School, where he graduated in 1860. After establishing a legal practice in Houlton, Maine, Powers entered into a career in public service. From 1864 to 1871 he served as the Aroostook County prosecuting attorney, and from 1868 to 1872 he served as the U.S. collector of customs. He also served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1873 to 1876, 1883, 1892, and 1895; was speaker of the house in 1895 and served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1877 to 1879. In 1896, Powers won the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win the general election by a popular vote. He was reelected to a second term in 1898. During his tenure, the U.S. involvement in Cuba was criticized, but after the war erupted, the state provided troops and arms for the cause. Also, a national sound currency system was endorsed, and the elimination of free silver was supported. After completing his term, Powers left office on January 2, 1901. In April 1901, he secured an appointment to the U.S. House of Representatives, an office he held seven years. Governor Llewellyn Powers passed away on July 28, 1908 and was buried in the West Pittsfield Cemetery.
Source
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.
