From May 1889 The Wood-Worker

This manufactory was founded by Williams & Smith in 1871. The following year, C. W. Watkins was added to the firm; in 1873, James G. McElwee became a partner. Operating at a loss, the business was sold to the Crawford Brothers, who then sold in 1874 to H. D. Wallen, Jr. In 1882 the business was incorporated as a stock company, under the name Michigan Iron Works Light & Power Co. In 1885 William T. Powers & Son purchased the business. Besides various kinds of engines and heavy castings, they also made veneer-cutting machines. In 1891 they employed 50 workers.

Information Sources

• Advertisement in the 1876 issue of the Grand Rapids City Directory.
• Advertisement in the 1887-88 Polk's Michigan State Directory for Michigan Iron Works, Wm. T. Powers & Son, Proprs., manufacturers of engines, boilers and general machinery. —and— ...Austin's patent shingle machines... cor. Louis and Campau Sts., Grand Rapids, Michigan."
• Edwin Densmore of Grand Rapids received an 1886 patent for a veneer-cutting machine.
• Ad from the May 1889 issue of The Wood-Worker. "Densmore's rotary veneer cutting machine...gluing and drying machines... Wm. T. Powers & Son, Grand Rapids, Mich."
• Information from an online version of the 1891 book, History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Albert Baxter.