Hi there!
Through your research, I wonder if you've come across anything relating to a John (Richard?) Powers of St. John's, NL. He would have been born in the 1830s and died at sea in the 1870s. He was married to a Mary Anne Stentiford (also of St. John's). They were married Catholic (she was raised Church of England), but I don't know where because they eloped - I've never heard of another Catholic elopement, but maybe I'm just sheltered...They had 4 children in St. John's: Richard, Alice, Mary, John.
Anything you've happened to come across or any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Brian