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Resources : PERKINS FAMILY BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES BY STATE ILLINOIS
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Perkins Research Illinois Biographical Sketches
EDWIN C. PERKINS, among the leading and prominent attorneys of Lincoln, IL, is Edwin C. Perkins, who is now serving as master in chancery. He was born in Braxton, West Virginia, May 1st, 1860, and is a son of Enoch and Eliza (Salisbury) Perkins, also natives of that county. His paternal grandfather was Andrew Perkins, who was born in Virginia of Scotch descent, and his maternal grandfather was Thomas Salisbury, who was of German lineage. The latter was connected with the Strong family, which was of Puritan stock and was represented in the Revolutionary War. In 1865, at the close of the Civil war, Enoch Perkins left his old home in West Virginia and came to Lincoln, Illinois, where he spent some years, but is now living a retired life in Wymore, Nebraska. His wife is also living. By occupation he was formerly a farmer. Mr. Perkins, of this review, was only a small child when brought by his parents to this county, and in its district schools he acquired his primary education. He assisted his father in the work of the home farm until eighteen years of age. In 1883 he began teaching school in this county, and for six years devoted his attention to that pursuit through the winter months, while during the summer season he continued to engage in farming. The following year he took a teacher's course at the Indiana Normal School. He commenced the study of law in 1885, and was admitted to the bar Nov. 22nd, 1889, at Mt. Vernon, Illinois. In the spring of the following year he located in Lincoln, IL, and has since successfully engaged in practice at this place. Soon after his arrival he was elected justice of the peace and ably filled that office for eight years. In 1891 he was elected city attorney, in which capacity he served two years, and has been master in chancery since 1897. On the 28th of January, 1891, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage with Miss JOSEPHINE NIEBAUHR, of Emden, Logan county, IL, a daughter of Simon and Francisca (Necum) Niebauhr, and by this union were born four children: Marguerite Perkins, Rollo R. Perkins, Lionel S. Perkins and Helen Perkins. In his political views Mr. Perkins is a stanch Republican, and in 1896 was a member of the county central committee. He is a member of Lodge No. 210, F. & A.M.; Chapter No. 147 R.A.M.; Constantine Commandery, No. 51, K.T.; and the Temple of the Mystic Shrine. As an attorney he ranks among the foremost lawyers of Logan Co., IL, and as a citizen he is progressive and public-spirited, giving his support to all enterprises calculated to advance the general welfare. Source: The Biographical Record of Logan County, Illinois ... ANNA A. PERKINS, M. D. The success and efficiency of women in the field of medicine are too well established to require any comment. While women physicians are not numerous in any one community they are usually regarded as among the ablest and most successful in the field of local practice, and those in Kansas are no exception to the rule. For a number of years Dr. Anna A. Perkins has enjoyed a splendid practice at El Dorado and over Butler County and is known among hundreds of families throughout the community as both a kindly and able doctor and a friend and good counselor. A resident of Kansas since she was six years of age, Doctor Perkins was born near Amboy, Illinois, in 1871. She came to this state with her parents, Ansel A. and Orilla (Van Hansen) Perkins. Her father was born in Connecticut and her mother near Montrose in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. They removed to Illinois during the '60s, were farmers there until 1877, and in that year became pioneers in Harvey County, Kansas. Their farm was located about nine miles northwest of Halstead. In 1881 they moved into the Village of Halstead, but soon afterward went to Newton, where Doctor Perkins' mother died in 1887. Some years later her father went to North Dakota, and finally returned to Illinois, where he died in 1910. There were five children: Floyd Perkins, of Coldwater, Kansas; Ford L. Perkins, of Newton, Kansas; Hattie Perkins, wife of L. C. Helvie of Coldwater; Lida Perkins, wife of B. P. Philip; and Anna A. Perkins, M.D.* Doctor Perkins acquired her early education in Kansas. She attended the public schools of Harvey County, and when only sixteen years of age became a teacher herself. Even as a girl she had high ideals as to a woman's usefulness in the world, and her vision of her career has been substantially realized. After teaching five terms she took a course in nursing in the Axtell Hospital at Newton. This experience was only preparatory to her preparation for the life of a doctor. Entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Kansas City, Kansas, she was graduated M. D. in 1897. On securing her degree Doctor Perkins at once opened an office at El Dorado and now for twenty years has been broadening her service and work and easily ranks among the ablest of her profession in Butler County. She has a general practice, and has successfully performed some of the most difficult work devolving upon a physician. She stands high among her professional brethren and has held all the different offices in the Butler County Medical Society. She is also a member of the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At the present time Doctor Perkins is a member of the El Dorado School Board. Few of her brothers in the profession have done more to keep themselves in touch with advancing medical knowledge than Doctor Perkins. She has taken post-graduate work in the Post-Graduate School of Medicine at Chicago. In 1914 she was with a party of American physicians who made a clinical tour of Europe, visiting the leading hospitals in the great centers of medical and surgical learning in the old world. They began their tour of inspection and observation by visiting the principal hospitals of Philadelphia and New York. In Europe they attended clinics at Paris, Berne, Zurich, Munich, Vienna, Dresden, Leipsic, Berlin, Jena, Heidelberg, Frankfort-on-the-Main, Cologne, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool. The practical knowledge and the inspiration from such a tour are inestimable, and Doctor Perkins feels that it has been the greatest single influence in her professional life. She observed some of the world's greatest surgeons at their work. One of them is now chief surgeon of the German army, while another, whose skillful work she witnessed, is chief surgeon of the Austrian army.Source: A Standard history of Kansas and Kansans, written & compiled by William E. Connelley, 1918 B. H. PERKINS, farmer and justice of the peace, Sec.9, P.O. Peoria, was born in Danbury, Fairfield Co., CT, Jan. 12th, 1832, and is the son of Sands and Abbie (Helm) Perkins, natives of Rhode Island. His mother died in his early infancy, and he received the advantages of the common schools in his native town until the age of sixteen, when he came with is father to Illinois, settling in Princeville township, Peoria Co., IL, July 4th, 1848. Previous to coming, his father had purchased a farm on Sec. 4, and there they resided for three years, thence removing to Richwoods township, and settling on Sec. 9, on the land Mr. Perkins now occupies. He has resided there ever since. He married in April, 1862, Miss ELIZA OVEREND, a native of Ohio, by whom he has six children, all living - Abbie Helm Perkins, Annie May Perkins, Jennie Perkins, Susan Mary Perkins and George Sands Perkins. He owns 260 acres of land, eighty of which are under pasture, and the rest cultivated, worth about $35 an acres clear through. His father died on the old homestead Jan. 1860. Mr. Perkins has filled the office of justice of the peace for nine years, and his decisions give general satisfaction. Source: The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest--history of Illinois--history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc. .. (1880)
Also: ELIAS PERKINS, contractor and builder; is a native of Derbyshire, England, and was born in May, 1830; he grew up, and served apprenticeship to the brick-mason's trade; he came to the United States in 1849, and came to Stephenson Co., IL and arrived in Freeport April 27th of the same year, and began working at his trade; he has been engaged in building and contracting over thirty years, and is the oldest in the business, and has built many of the best buildings here; his brother William Perkins came here in 1844, and erected the first brick building in Freeport, IL. Mr. Perkins has held the office of City Alderman and also Assistant Supervisor. In 1849, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss MARY WOOD, a native of England; they have five children, only one of whom survives; Charles Edwin Perkins, born July 13th, 1859, and now engaged in business here. Source: The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, (1880) Also See: Edwin Perkins - IA & Edwin Perkins - IL & John Perkins - IL EDWIN PERKINS, brick manufacture, Adams Street; is a native of England, and was born Oct. 2, 1837; he came to the United States in 1849, and came West to Stephenson Co., IL, the same year; he grew to manhood here, and established his present business in 1866, and has carried it on for the past fourteen years. In 1860, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss ELLEN ROUND, a native of England; they have ten children, five sons and five daughters -- William A. Perkins; Jennie Perkins; Frank Perkins; Nellie Perkins; Harry Perkins; Edeline Perkins; May Perkins; Robert Burton Perkins, Celina Perkins and Bennie Perkins. Source: The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, (1880)
Also see:
Edwin Perkins - IA
& Elias Perkins - IL Captain WILLIAM PERKINS was born in 1819 in Kentucky. His mother being a widow*, his opportunity for an education was limited. He started out to make his own way at the age of nineteen. On coming to Illinois he worked on a farm for twenty-five cents per day. After his marriage, by farming and working for others, he accumulated enough to buy a farm two miles east of Vienna, IL. He later sold the farm and turned his attention to milling in partnership with A. J. Kuykendall. When the Civil War came on he assisted in raising a company which was incorporated in the fourteenth cavalry, and was made Captain of Company G. He served four years, and took part in many battles. He was seriously wounded in an engagement near Macon, GA, and taken to a farm house. When he recovered sufficiently to be out on crutches, he was sent to Andersonville prison. Within a few months he was exchanged and was soon discharged on account of his disability. In 1866 he bought what has been know since as the Perkins house and operated it as a hotel as long as he lived. He was elected sheriff in 1868. He married ELIZA SIMPSON, 1840 (*See Simpson). Captain Perkins died in 1892.
Source: A history of Johnson County, Illinois (1925)- Chapman, Leorah
May Copeland, (Mrs. P.T. Chapman). Also........
ANDREW JACKSON PERKINS,
the popular and well-known proprietor of the Perkins house, is one of
Johnson County's native-born sons, and first saw light on the old family
homestead July 14th, 1853. His father was the late Capt. William
Perkins, who was an honored pioneer of the county, a gallant
officer during the war, and a man of prominence in the public life and in
the business circles in this part of the State. Capt. Perkins was born
Jan. 6th, 1819, in Kentucky. His father, who was a farmer, died there,
while his mother spent her last years in this county. He had to work hard
upon the old farm that was his boyhood's home, and only had an occasional
chance to attend school, but he had an active, receptive brain, and
besides learning to read and write outside of the school-room, he acquired
a practical education in other directions, and was a well-informed man. He
was ambitious to make something of himself, and at the age of nineteen
left the shelter of the paternal roof to try life in the young and growing
State of Illinois, coming to new scenes with but little money, but with an
assured capital, consisting of a clear head, willing hands and an honest,
courageous heart. He at once engaged in hard work on a farm, receiving
twenty-five cents a day in payment for his toil, and he continued for some
time to labor for others at whatsoever he could find to do, contriving to
lay up a little money in spite of low wages. He thus accumulated
sufficient means to enable him to take unto himself a helpmate, and May
10th, 1840, he was united in marriage with Miss
ELIZA SIMPSON, whose people were early settlers of the county.
After his marriage the Captain rented land in Johnson County, and devoted
all the time he could spare to its cultivation, having to do other work to
obtain money to support himself, and once he made a trip to New Orleans
with a flatboat load of hop poles to sell. In this manner he toiled on for
a number of years, and then bought a farm two miles east of the present
site of Vienna. A roughly built log cabin constituted the main improvement
on the place when he took possession of it, and it was only by diligence,
perseverance and application of sound methods of farming that he made of
it one of the best farms in the neighborhood, clearing the land by felling
the primeval forest trees and burning them to get them out of the way. He
subsequently sold that farm and turned his attention to milling in Vienna,
having an interest in a flourmill and in a sawmill, in connections with A.
J. Kuykendall. The war broke out, and Capt. Perkins laid aside all plans
for the future to respond to his country's call for help, and with
cheerful self-sacrifice and an enthusiastic patriotism that was
contagious, assisted in raising a company for service, which was
incorporated in the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry as Company G, and he was
appointed its Captain. He was in the army nearly four years, fought in
many battles, and in action evinced true courage, promptness and decision
that made his service as an officer valuable and inspired his men with
confidence. He was finally seriously wounded in an engagement with the
enemy, was taken to a farm-house, where he remained until he had so far
recovered as to be able to walk with crutches, and then, he having fallen
into the hands of the rebels at the time he was wounded, he was sent to
Andersonville to drag out life as best he could amid the sickening
environments of the prison stockade at that place. Some months later he
was fortunately exchanged, was subsequently discharged on account of
disability, and returned home with impaired health, and never again
regained the vigor and fine physical condition of bygone years. The
Captain was a man of affairs, who was influential in public life, and was
a man of large public spirit, who was active in promoting enterprises for
the advancement of the county. Among other things, he was persuaded to
sign a bound for a mail route between Dongola, Union County, and Vienna.
The principal on the bound died, and the Captain had to complete the
contract for carrying the mail. In 1868 he was elected Sheriff of the
county, and served the full term. Previous to that time, in about 1866 he
bought what has since been known as the Perkins House, a hotel property in
Vienna, which he improved to some extent, adding to the building, and he
had it under his management, except when he rented it, until his death,
which occurred April 30th, 1892. Thus there passed away from the scenes of
his usefulness one who had been for many years closely identified with the
growth of the county, and whose memory will long be cherished for his
great worth as a man and a citizen. The partner of his joys and sorrows
preceded him in death, dying in August, 1889. They were parents of twelve
children; Cynthia E. Perkins, John Lewis Perkins, and
Henry S. Perkins, who are dead: James K. Perkins, a railway
bridge carpenter, at Vienna; Mary L. Perkins and August M.
Perkins, deceased; Indiana, wife of W. E. Galener, of Tunnel Hill;
Andrew Jackson Perkins, our subject; Edie C. Perkins and
Mary L. Perkins, both of whom are dead; William E. Perkins, a
resident of Poplar Bluff, Mo;, and Lizzie E. Perkins, deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Perkins also took to their home and hearts and reared as one of
their own, J. A. Simpson.
Source: The Biographical review of Johnson, Massac, Pope
and Hardin counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens, also biographies of the presidents
of the United States (1893) FRANK PERKINS, farmer, P.O. Casey, IL, was born Dec. 18th, 1841, in Madison Co., IN. He is the third and eighth child of his parents, George Perkins and Aggie Allen. George Perkins, the father of Frank, is a Virginian by birth, and subsequently settled in Madison County, IN, where the family lived until their removal to this county in 1865. Frank was early in life inured to farm labor, and continued with his parents until his majority, and shortly after started out upon life's journey for himself. Dec. 31st, 1863, he formed a matrimonial alliance with NANCY STINSON, a native of Madison Co., IN. After his marriage, he located on a portion of his father's land and engaged in farming until Jan, 1865, when he came with his parents to this township. He has 100 acres of land, 80 of prairie and the remainder timber. His farming land lies on the south half of Section 9. He has no children. Has one adopted son named Rudolph Stinson, a relative of his wife. Source: History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois (1883)by William Henry Perrin M.V. PERKINS, another pioneer settler of Highland Township, came to Adams Co., Neb., in April 1873, settled on the farm where he now resides, and there he has since made his home. He first homesteaded eighty acres in Section 22, Highland Township, and this he has improved, added to and cultivated, until he has one of the best farms in the county. He was born in Bureau Co., Illinois to Timothy and Cynthia (Perkins) Perkins, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. Timothy Perkins went with his parents to Illinois at an early day, and was reared to the arduous duties of the farm. He was married in Bureau Co., Ill, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He took an active part in politics, and was a soldier in the Blackhawk War. His death occurred in 1865, and the mother's death occurred a number of years previous. Being reared to farm life, it was but natural, perhaps, that when it became time for M. V. Perkins to start out in life for himself, he chose that as his calling, although previous to this, however, he had made a journey to California (1864), overland; was five months on the road, and followed mining then until 1866, when he returned to Illinois and engaged in tiling the soil, which has been his principal occupation since. He was married in his native county in 1860 to Mrs. ELIZA (BLACKBURN) PERKINS, a native of Nodaway Co., MO, and the daughter of Jesse Blackburn, a native of Kentucky, and one of the pioneers of Maryville, MO. Mr. Blackburn was a farmer by occupation, and died many years ago. M. V. Perkins cultivated the soil in Bureau Co., IL, until coming to Adams Co., Neb., in 1873. He has good substantial buildings on his place, and the original eighty acres have been increased to 160 acres, all of which is in tillable condition. He raises considerable stock, and makes a specialty of blooded animals, having a fine grade of Norman horses and Short-horn cattle, and taken all in all, he is one of the enterprising and progressive men of the county. He is a Democrat, and active in politics. Mr. Perkins aided in the organization of the township, is a member of the school board, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church at Hastings, Neb. To their union were born nine children: William Perkins, Isabell Perkins, Jane Perkins, Jesse Perkins (married) and resides in the township, Martin Perkins, Fred Perkins, Lindsey Perkins, Ada Perkins and Emma Perkins. Mr. Perkins has seen the full and complete development of the county, and has killed buffalo near his farm. Hastings was but a small place when he first settled here, and it seems to have grown up like magic. He has aided in all enterprises for the good of the county, particularly so in educational matters. He is practically a self-made man, all his property being the results of his own exertions. Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties, Nebraska - 1890 - Chicago - The Goodspeed Publishing Co. EDGAR PERKINS, M.D., physician and surgeon, 104 N. Madison Street, was born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N.Y., Sept. 4th, 1836, and is the son of Timothy and Sarah (Veghty) Perkins. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of New York. When four years old his parents removed to Illinois, settling at Buffalo Grove, now Polo, Ogle Co., IL, where he went to school, graduating afterwards at Clarke's, now Jennings; Seminary, at Aurora, IL in 1864. Before graduating he enlisted in the Fall of 1862, in Co. D, 92nd, I.V.I. for three years, and served about seven months at the front, when in consequence of exposure and privations he fell sick and was discharged in the following Spring. He then returned to Aurora and graduated as above stated. For the next three years he read medicine and taught school, and took his degree of M.D. at Hahnemann Medical College in 1858, afterwards commencing to practice at Canton, Ill. After four years there he came to Peoria in the Fall of 1871, where he has ever since resided. He married, in Providence, R.I., in Aug., 1866. Miss LUCY F. CHEEVER, daughter of Daniel Cheever of Delavan, ILL, by whom he has had four children, Abby A. Perkins, Charles E. Perkins, Harry P. Perkins and Louie S. Perkins. The doctor owns his residence and lot at the above number. His wife and he are members of the First Congregational Church. Source: The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest--history of Illinois--history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc. .. (1880) S. P. PERKINS, farmer, Sec. 6, P.O. Lawn Ridge, was born in Dover, Stafford Co., N.H., May 16th, 1821, and is the son of Morris Perkins and Abigail C. Paul, who were both natives of the same county and State. His father was a mechanic, ship carpenter and builder, and Mr. Perkins learned his trade of Machinist, and worked at it in his native town till twenty-four years of age, when he moved to Philadelphia, and there for seven years took charge of a large machine shop. In the Fall of 1851, an offer was made to him to come to Kennelton, Ind., and take charge of a machine shop connected with a factory there; the offer was accepted, and his affairs were settled and household goods packed, ready to start for his destination, when a serious disagreement occurred between the owners of the factory and the agent they had empowered to manage their business, engage help, etc., resulting in the resignation of the agent, and consequent lapse of the arrangements he had purposed, among them the transference of Mr. Perkins to Kennelton. But a mischance of this kind was not allowed to stand in the way of his coming West, and he started with his family and came straight to his present farm, which he had some years previously bought, and where he has ever since resided. He married in Dover, N.H., July 2nd, 1845, LYDIA PIERCE, a native of Maine, born March 3rd, 1819, by whom he has had five sons, three of them now living, Morris Perkins, born June 4th, 1847; Edwin Perkins born in 1849 and died in the following year; George Perkins, born May, 1851, died Nov. 3, 1861; Charles W. Perkins born Sept. 11, 1853; Sumner Perkins, born March 14th, 1857. Mr. Perkins owns 320 acres fine prairie land, worth $60 an acre, and sixty acres timber; has been for five years supervisor of township, and has filled in turn almost all the township offices; is in politics a radical Republican. Himself and wife are members of Congregational Church at Lawn Ridge. Source: The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest--history of Illinois--history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc. .. (1880) ALVIN PERKINS, Mr. Perkins was born Oct. 22nd, 1834, and was a son of Jesse and Amy (Garton) Perkins, who came from the State of Kentucky, and located in Bureau Co., IL in the year 1833. Six surviving children were born to them, namely; Elijah Perkins, Madison Perkins, Matilda Perkins, Jesse Perkins, Cirena Perkins and Alvin Perkins. Elijah Perkins and Jesse Perkins reside in Cass County, IA. Matilda Perkins married William Wherry, and lives in Green County, IA. Cirena Perkins and Mrs. Jeremiah Drake live in Senachwine, and Madison in Page Co., IA. Alvin Perkins married Miss LYDIA HAMILTON, daughter of James and Elizabeth Long Hamilton, of Ohio, in the year 1856. Has seven children living - Edward Perkins, Jennie Perkins, Carrie Perkins, Austin Perkins, Alvin Grant Perkins, and baby boy. In the year 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, where he remained until Aug., when he returned home. In 1864 he went to Austin, Nevada, worked in the mines about one year, then visited California, and returned home via the Isthmus. In 1867 he sold out in Bureau Co., moved to Pottawatomie Co., IA, remained there one year and moved to Putnam Co., IL. He owns 315 acres of fine land. Source: Records of the olden time; or, Fifty years on the prairies. Embracing sketches of the discovery, exploration and settlement of the country, the organization of the counties of Putnam and Marshall, incidents and reminiscences connected therewith, biographies of citizens, portraits and illustrations (1880) J. P. PERKINS, Agent C. & N.W. Railway; residence 305 Church street;, born in Essex, Mass, March 27th, 1835; in 1838 his parents removed to Cook Co., IL; he was engaged in farming pursuits until 1853; in 1856 he went into the employ of the C. & H.W. Railroad, and has continued with that company ever since; came to Rockford, IL in 1864; has the entire management of the Galena & Kenosha Division of the C. & N.W. Railroad at this point; married ISABELLA J. REYNOLDS, May, 1859; she was born in Burdette, Schuyler Co., N.Y.; they have one child, George P. Perkins, who was born, March, 1861. Mrs. Perkins is a member of the Second Congregational Church. Source: The History of Winnebago County, Illinois : its past and present, containing ... a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics ... history of the Northwest, history of Illinois ... etc (1877) J.R. PERKINS, steam and gas fitter and plumber, Bridge Street, is a native of New York State, and was born in the town of Franklin, Delaware Co., NY, July 2,1835. He grew up to manhood in that State, and when the war broke out he enlisted in the 21st N.Y.V.I.; was transferred to the 1st N.Y. Mounted Rifles; he remained in the service until June, 1865. He came to Stephenson Co., IL the same year, and located in Freeport, IL; entered the hardware house of Burchard Bros., where he remained four years, and, in 1869, established his present business, and has built up a good trade; he makes a specialty of heating houses by steam. He is a member of the Excelsior Lodge, 97, A. F. & A. M., and of Freeport Chapter, No. 23, and Freeport Commaandery, No. 7; also is a member of J. H. Addams Lodge, A.O.U.W. Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss C. L. BUTLER, of Otsego Co., N.Y., Oct. 20th, 1859, they have one daughter, Lillie A. Perkins. Source: The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, (1880) JOSIAH PERKINS, son of an early pioneer of Scott County, was born on his father's homestead, a half mile southeast of Winchester, Oct. 9th, 1836. Nearly the whole development of the township and county has taken place within his lifetime, and he has assisted in promoting their grown both as a boy and man, and now owns a good farm that is under excellent tillage, and yields him a profitable income. In the place of his nativity he and his wife have labored hard in the up building of a comfortable home, and they have reared a large family to become honorable and useful members of society. The father of our subject, William Perkins, was a native of Cumberland County, KY, as was also his mother, POLLY ANN GROCE. In 1829 they emigrated to Illinois, and the father purchased an 80 acres tract of wild land from the Government in Winchester Precinct, and became one of its original settlers, not a habitation being on the present site of the town at that time. After a year he entered eighty more acres of land, and in the course of time, by prudence and hard labor accumulated a very good property, and at the time of his death which occurred in 1880, at a ripe old age, owned 230 acres of fine farming land. His original purchases were covered with brush, and it required considerable toil to clear the land and prepare it for cultivation, but he was equal to the task, and developed a valuable farm. The mother of our subject died in the same year as his father, she being sixty-nine years old, and he about seventy-three. To that worthy couple eight children were born, three sons and five daughters, and two sons and two daughters are still living. Josiah Perkins, of this biographical sketch, received the most of his limited education in a subseription school, which he did not attend very much, as the most of his time was spent in cutting and burning brush. He stayed at home with his parents, working hard to help his father until he was twenty-three years old. He then established a home of his own, having invited Miss MARTHA JANE HOPPER, the eldest of twelve children of Joshua Hopper, an old settler of Morgan County, formerly from Kentucky, to assist him in its up-building, their marriage occurring Nov. 17th, 1859. Mrs. Perkins mother, whose maiden name was Greene, and who was born in Kentucky about seventy years ago, is still living. After their marriage, our subject and his wife began their wedded life on a part of his father's farm, living thereon six years. Mr. Perkins then bought sixty acres of land where he now resides, and has since added to his original purchase until he owns a farm of 143 acres, nearly all under cultivation, and fertile and productive, for which he paid $50 an acre in 1866. He devotes himself to mixed husbandry, raising grain and live-stock with good success, as he well deserves, he having toiled with persevering industry and good judgment. To him and his good wife twelve children have been born in their happy home, nine of whom are living, as follows: Albert Perkins; William Perkins; Emmeline Perkins; Mary Ann Perkins; Frances C. Perkins; Ida Belle Perkins; Geneva Perkins; Nettie Perkins; and Daniel D. Perkins , and all are in good health, being well endowed mentally and physically. Albert, Emmeline, and Mary Ann are married and well situated. Mr. Perkins is of a mild, amiable disposition, unobtrusive in his conduct, paying strict attention to his own business, and not meddling with other people's affairs, and he is well spoken of and liked by the whole neighborhood. He is a good, law-abiding citizen, and has done good service in his native precinct as School Director and as Road Commissioner of township 14, range 12, of which office he is at present as incumbent. He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association. In general elections he votes for the man irrespective of party. He is a temperate man, and a believer in the Christian religion, though not a church member. Mrs. Perkins, a truly kind and good woman, belongs to the Baptist Church, and is zealous in its support. Source: Portrait and biographical album of Morgan and Scott Counties, Illinois - Published 1889 by Chapman Brothers - Chicago, IL WILLIAM H. PERKINS. Among all the residents of Adams County, none show greater aptitude for business transactions or better judgment in the conduct of affairs than Mr. Perkins, who is at present residing in Melrose Township, where he has a fine fruit farm comprising eighty acres on section 8. In 1892, he set out over two thousand trees, including apple, peach, pear, etc. A native of this county, our subject was born a short distance from where he is at present residing, March 6, 1841, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Vining) Perkins, who emigrated from Malden, Mass, as early as 1835. The parental family included three children, of whom Mary Perkins, who married Jeremiah Parsons, is now deceased. Adaline Perkins became the wife of Lewis Turner and makes her home in Denmark, Iowa. The first representative of the Perkins family in America dates back to the landing of the Mayflower, in 1620. The gentleman of whom we write was the recipient of but limited schooling, as he lived in the country, had to walk to school, and had many home duties to perform even in early boyhood, when the usual chores of a farmer's home fell to his lot. The schoolhouse of his early years was a log structure, having slab benchers with pin legs and all the primitive surroundings of that day. March 16th, 1871, when ready to establish a home of his own, he was married to Miss MARY FELT, daughter of Jeremiah Felt, and to them have been born four children: Cornelia Perkins, Arthur Perkins, Mary Perkins and William Perkins. Mr. Perkins followed the occupation of a farmer until 1875, at which time he engaged in fruit-growing, and now has his beautiful estate devoted to that branch of agriculture, of which he is making a success. He gives his political adherence to the principles of the Republican party and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens, who duly appreciate the services he has rendered this section by his careful and conscientious life. He uses sound practical sense in his calling and stands high among the members of his class in this township. His business ability has always been recognized in his neighborhood and he possesses the good-will and esteem of the entire community. Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Adams County, Illinois, containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago - Chapman Brothers - 1892. A. J. PERKINS , physician and surgeon, Plainfield, ILL, is a native of New York; he was born in Mt. Upton, March 20th, 1834. He married Miss ELIZA BANGS, May 10th, 1860; she was born in Bennington, VT; they had two children, one living, viz; Harry A Perkins. He resided in New York until 1855; his early days were passed on the farm in summers and in the district schools during winters; he then applied himself regularly to school and later engaged in teaching, also in reading medicine; in 1864, he graduated in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio; he then came to Plainfield, Ill and engaged in his profession. Though not a member he has been actively identified with the churches of the village, and is persistent in his labors for the benefit of the schools of the place.Source: The history of Will County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c.; a directory of its real estate owners; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; general and local statistics, map of Will County; history of Illinois, illustrated; history of the Northwest, illustrated; Constitution of the United States, miscellaneous matters, &c., &c. By:Woodruff, George H, b. 1814; Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Hill, H. H.; Wm. Le Baron Jr. & Co. Pub. Also...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ALEXANDER PERKINS, dealer in groceries, Charleston, Illinois; is an early settler of the city, having emigrated from Marion Co., Ind., in September, 1836; he was born near Newcastle, Henry Co., KY, Feb. 22nd, 1814; when quite young he accompanied his parents to Marion Co., Ind; he was raised to agricultural pursuits; he was married Oct. 8th, 1835, to Miss JANE GRIFFITH, of New Bethel, Marion Co., Ind., and, in 1836, removed to Charleston, Ill; they had five children, two of whom are living -- Amanda Perkins, wife of Daniel Curd, and Margaret L., Perkins, now Mrs. John James, both residing in Charleston, Ill; two sons, William G. Perkins and Daniel A. Perkins, lost their lives during the late war. On arriving in Charleston, Ill., Mr. Perkins engaged in manufacturing brick, afterward followed the clothing business for a year, and then engaged in the grocery business, which he still continues; his wife died July 22nd, 1851, and on the 5th of February, 1852, he married Miss B. F. CURD, daughter of Daniel Curd, late of Charleston; they have five children -- Kate Perkins, wife of W. W. Bishop, of Kansas, Edgar Co., Richard S. Perkins, Daniel Perkins, Joseph Perkins and Minnie Perkins. Mr. Perkins has served several terms on the Board of Alderman, and was a portion of the time President of the Board. Source: The history of Coles County, Illinois : map of Coles County; history of Illinois, history of the northwest; Constitution of the United States, miscellaneous matters, &c. &c. By: Perrin, William Henry, 1892?-; Graham, Albert Adams, 1848-; Blair, D. M. FREDERICK A. PERKINS, who for a third of a century has practiced law in Canton, Ill, gaining a position of distinction as a member of the Fulton Co., bar, is also recognized as one of the leaders of democracy in his part of the state and has acceptably filled various public offices. He has been a lifelong resident of Canton, where he was born in 1880, a son of Captain R. A. and Martha (Steele) Perkins. The father won his title in service with the Fifth New York Cavalry in the Civil War. He came to Illinois in the '70's, settling at Canton, where he became a prominent and influential citizen, serving for two terms as mayor and also as postmaster under President Cleveland. He was a delegate to one of the democratic national conventions and was a presidential elector at the time Grover Cleveland was elected for a second term. He did much to shape public thought and action in him community and his aid was always given on the side of progress and improvement. Frederick A. Perkins, after completing his course in the high school of Canton, attended the University of Illinois as a law student and won his LL. B. degree at his graduation with the class of 1901. The same year he was admitted to the bar and opened a law office in Canton, where he has since successfully practiced, having a large and growing clientele that has connected him with much of the most important litigation heard in the courts of the district. For three terms he was elected and served as city attorney and was the democratic candidate for state's attorney in 1908. He also served for two terms as postmaster under Woodrow Wilson's presidency, and it was during his incumbency that Canton's office was raised to the first class and the fine post office building was completed and occupied. Mr. Perkins has also served on the county central committee a number of times and has been a delegate to state and judicial conventions. In a word he has done not a little to shape the activities and control the destiny of the party in his section of the state. In 1909 Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss LILA REICHERT, of Ohio, and they are the parents of three children, as follows: Richard A. Perkins, who was graduated from the University of Illinois with the Bachelor of Arts degree and from the University of Michigan with the degree of Bachelor of Laws and who is now a practicing attorney of Canton; Margaret R. Perkins, who is a member of the faculty of Vassar College, from which she was graduated in 1934; and Charles E. Perkins, at home. Fraternally Mr. Perkins is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose and has advanced far in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Peoria Consistory. At the time of the World War he served as vice chairman of the Liberty Loan committee of Fulton county and also as county chairman of the War Savings committee. Source: Illinois democracy : a history of the party and its representative members, past and present, Vol. 4. By: Townsend, Walter A.; Boeschenstein, Charles. ABNER PERKINS, agriculturist, is a native of Maine, where he was born in the year 1810, his father, Stephen P. Perkins, was born in Maine, where he married Miss ALICE STONE. IN 1831 Abner Perkins directed his footsteps to Virginia, and while living in Fredricksburg he united his fortunes to Miss ASENATH MERRILL, a daughter of Benjamin Merrill, of Maine, by whom he had 5 children, 2 of whom are living; Mehetabel Perkins and I. J. Perkins. After 20 years he came to Astoria, where then and in subsequent years he taught school. Miss Mehetabel Perkins, whose energetic and enterprising disposition is scarcely equaled in Western annals, takes care of the home farm, having complete control, and when the storms of winter are too cold for many a strong man to venture forth, Miss Perkins, may always be fount hard at work, taking care of the stock or doing other farm work with an energy that savors strongly of pioneer days when woman bore a prominent part in the growth and development of the county. Miss Perkins has gained considerable local celebrity as a prose and poetical writer. Source: History of Fulton County, Illinois : together with sketches of its cities, villages, and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens : history of Illinois, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, aborigines, French, English and American conquests, and a general review of its civil, political and military history, digest of state laws. STEPHEN PERKINS, was
born March 31st, 1798, in Grayson County, Va; died in this county (Bureau
Co.,Ill), September 14th, 1867. He was a son of Timothy and Tabitha
(Anderson) Perkins. The grandfather of Stephen Perkins, was a
soldier in the Revolution. Stephen Perkins married
MARGARET WOODS, of Wythe Co., Va., who was born in 1802. She was
the daughter of John Banham. The Perkins's crossed the river in 1834, and
wintered in a log-cabin three miles northwest of Hennepin, where Stephen
Perkins settled, and it was called Perkins' Grove, which had been staked out
by William Perkins in 1833. The grove was named after Timothy
Perkins, who made and sold claims from the mouth of the Bureau to Perkins'
Grove. He went finally to Missouri where he died in Gentry Co. He was of a
roving disposition; reared in a large and respectable family. Jabeth
Perkins and his son William Perkins came in 1833; but William
returned to Kentucky. Jesse Perkins bought Leonard Roth's claim in
1832, one mile west of Bureau Junction, where he died. His son Alivn
Perkins lives near Senachwine. Mason Perkins was born February
15th, 1826, in Ashe Co., N.C.. He was a son of Stephen Perkins. Source: History of Bureau County, Illinois. By: Bradsby,
H. C. (Henry C.). p.110 Source: History of Bureau County, Illinois. By: Bradsby,
H. C. (Henry C.). A circle has one center, and ellipse has two, but Hopkins
has three, Como, Galt and Emerson. The only member of the family of
townships that enjoys that distinction. The early people in Como were a
choice set, nothing common or unclean, as Peter once said. They were either
of noble descent or of marked ability. For instance.. Source: History of Whiteside County, IL p. 90 Rantoul, ILL, February 1st - Mrs. Emma Lacey Noble died at the home of her son, Charles Perkins. The cause assigned to her death was diabetes. She was born in Bath county, Kentucky, in 1854, and came to Champaign county in 1889. She was twice married, her first husband, Reuben Perkins, drowning in 1888. Source: Urbana Daily Courier, Urbana, IL - Thursday, February 01, 1912 Page: 1 (Newspaper Obit) JOHN PERKINS, Lamoille, ILL, was born February 17th, 1833, in Washington Co., N.Y. He is a son of Edward and Mary (Wall) Perkins, both natives of Queens County, Ireland. They came to the United States in 1828, and farmed in New York State about five years. They then removed to Ohio, and the next year to Chicago, ILL, and from there to LaSalle, IL. In April, 1842, they entered 160 acres of land in Section 20, in Lamoille Township, Bureau Co., ILL, which they improved and on which they died. Of their nine sons only six reached maturity, viz: Edward Perkins, who died in Louisiana; William Perkins, who died in Leadville, Colorado; John Perkins, our subject; Charles Perkins, deceased; Joseph Perkins, who lost an arm in the siege of Atlanta, and was an employee in the Pension Office in Washington (he died at the home of our subject); Thomas Perkins, who died on the old homestead; Peter Perkins, died in infancy; Henry Perkins, deceased, and Steven Perkins, a resident of Kansas. Our subject was educated principally in Illinois. He has made farming his occupation, and now has a fine farm of 160 acres near Van Orin. In 1852, in company with his brother William Perkins, he went overland to California with an ox team, occupying five months on the trip. He mined there with moderate success, returning to this county in 1856, via Panama and New York City. Here he married ISABELLA MARTIN, oldest daughter of William Martin, an old settler. They have six children now living, viz: La Monte Perkins, Carrie Perkins, Jennie Perkins, May Perkins, Fannie Perkins and J. Martin Perkins. Mrs. Perkins is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Perkins is a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. Politically he is identified with the Prohibition party. Source: History of Bureau Co., IL. By. Henry C. Bradsby. DAVID PERKINS came from New York in 1837. He married MISS BARRASS; resided at Lowell, IL several years, and removed to Chicago, Ill., where he is now living. Source: History of La Salle Co., IL. By: Elmer Baldwin - page 309 Eri L. Waterman, from Oneida Co., New York, came to Ottawa, Ill in 1836. He married Jane Burgett; was Sheriff of La Salle Co., Ill from 1858 to 1860, and from 1860 to 1862, and United States assessor in 1862. He has ten children. EMILY WATERMAN married LATHROP PERKINS of Ottawa, Ill; George is in the employ of the Chicago, Pekin & Southwestern Railroad, Fred is in Streator, Ill; Rebecca, James, Mary, Adda, and Ida (twins), Effie and Fanny, are at home. Source: History of La Salle Co., IL. By: Elmer Baldwin - page 243 Mrs. EMILY L. PERKINS, residing in Ottawa, Ill, is the widow of LOTHROP PERKINS, who was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts, April 10th, 1845. He died in Ottawa, Illinois, September 17, 1884, and thus passed away a respected, worthy and influential resident of the county seat. He acquired a college education in his native state after which he came to Ottawa and was employed in the First National Bank for a short time. He then turned his attention to the dry-goods business, entering trade in connection with S. B. Gridley, with whom he continued for ten or twelve years, when on selling out that enterprise, he became connected with the conduct of a lighting and gas plant, his associate being Colonel Cushman. Mr. Perkins continued as general manager of this business up to the time of his death and made it a profitable industry, owing to his capable management, keen discernment and resolute. On the 1st of September, 1870, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss EMILY L. WATERMAN, the wedding ceremony being performed in the home of the bride's parents at Ottawa, Ill. She was born in Ottawa, Ill, January 14th, 1846, and is a daughter of Eri L. and Jane A. (Burgett) Waterman. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Perkins were born three children, two daughters and a son, namely; Jennie C. Perkins, who became the wife of F. W. Bull, of Ottawa, Ill, and now living in Oak Park, Ill; Mary E. Perkins, the wife of Frank Follett, of this city;, and Lothrop Perkins Jr., who is living in Ottawa, Ill. Mr. Perkins was a very public-spirited man and his interest in the welfare of that city led him to give tangible support to many movements for the general good. He was a fire marshal at one time and also supervisor of his township. A very prominent Mason, he held membership in Occidental lodge, A. F & A. M.; Ottawa chapter, R. A. M.; and Ottawa commandery, No. 10, K. T., while in the consistory he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. In his life he exemplified the teachings and spirit of the craft and his active and honorable career won him a gratifying measure of success and the good will and trust of his fellowmen. He was faithful in friendship and devoted to his family, and in matters relating to the general welfare he took a deep and helpful interest, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret when he was called to his final rest. History of La Salle Co., IL. By: Urias John Hoffman. SANFORD
R. PERKINS, M.D. The extended and favorable reputation of Dr. Perkins
is not based alone upon his successful work as a physician and surgeon, but
upon his meritorious record as a Union soldier, and his agreeable personal
traits of character. From the beginning of his professional labors he has
been successful, and in less than a decade has built up the largest practice
in Princeville
Township and vicinity. He began his work with a thorough theoretical
knowledge of all that pertains to his profession, and has increased his
information from year to year as further developments have been made in
medical science, and as his own keen observation has given him advanced
views. Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois - 1890 - Pages 824-825 HOSEA E. PERKINS, now
deceased, who was formerly actively and prominently connected with the
agricultural interests of Kane county, was born at Champion, Jefferson
County, New York, November 8th, 1819. His grandfather, Solomon Perkins,
a native of Maine, came to the state of New York in its early settlement,
and participated in the French and Indian War. During the Revolution he was
employed by the colonial government in the manufacture of munitions of war;
he died in 1835. Hosea Perkins, the father of Hosea E.
Perkins, was a native of Maine, but for several years a resident of the
state of New York. In 1827 he removed to Ohio and engaged in farming, and
during his life he held several public positions. He married
Edith Manchester, daughter of Job
Manchester, a native of Rhode Island, but a resident of New York. To them
were born twelve children, only five of whom lived to maturity. Hosea E.
Perkins was reared on the farm, receiving a good education, and for seven
years taught school during winter, working on the farm in summer. In 1841 he
came to Illinois and settled in Elgin township, where he bought an interest
in a quarter section of land in section 26, a part of which still remains in
possession of his children. He added to it until at the time of his death he
owned over three hundred acres. For several years Mr. Perkins was engaged in
raising grain, then turned his attention to breeding horses, but for some
time prior to his death he was connected with the dairy business, for which
the farm is well adapted, it being thoroughly drained. He erected a good
house and several commodious barns, pleasantly located near South Elgin, and
was widely recognized as a leading agriculturist and prominent citizen of
this count. On the 11th of December, 1850, Mr. Perkins was united in
marriage to MARY BISHOP, a daughter of Nathaniel Bishop. Mrs. Perkins died
January 28th, 1853, and on May 18th, 1854, he wedded
ELIZABETH HALE, daughter of Isaac Hale. They were the parents
of six children: Edson A. Perkins, of Elgin, IL, who is married and
has six children; Harvey W. Perkins, deceased; William M. Perkins,
of Elgin, IL who married Sylvia Godfrey, by
whom he has three children; Zilpha E. Perkins the wife of Edward
Dickerman, of DuPage county, IL; Albert G. Perkins, deceased; and
Mary E. Perkins, the wife of Nathan Brown, of St. Charles, IL. The
mother of these children died January 11th, 1868, and on the 8th of June,
1869, Mr. Perkins married ANNA JANE MARSHALL,
of Elgin, IL, a daughter of George P. and Mary (Burton) Marshall, and a
granddaughter of James and Ann (Parker) Marshall. George P. Marshall
emigrated from England to Canada, where he was married, thence coming
directly to Kane Co., IL, in 1845. He was a farmer by occupation, and he and
his wife reared a family of ten children, as follows: Mrs. Perkins; Lavina
E. Marshall, the deceased wife of H. C. Padelford; William E. Marshall, of
South Dakota; Charles H. Marshall, deceased, formerly a resident of
California; George Marshall, of Elgin, IL; Lizette Marshall, the widow of
Hiram J. Brown, of Elgin, IL; Ella L. Marshall, the wife of Millard Starr,
of this county; Richard Marshall, who makes his home in South Elgin;
Frederick Marshall, living in Marengo; and Henry Marshall, likewise of South
Elgin, IL. Mr. Marshall's death occurred Oct. 3rd, 1882, when he had
attained the age of sixty-four years, but his wife still enjoys most
excellent health in the eighty-third year of her age. Unto Hosea E. Perkins
and his third wife, were born seven children; (1) Louis A. Perkins who
wedded Edith Roy, of South Elgin, IL, by whom
he has the following children, Warren Perkins, Willard
F. Perkins, Sidney L. Perkins,
Leonard Perkins and Cora E. Perkins; and
(2)
Charles F. Perkins; Source: History of Kane Co., IL- Volume 2 AMOS HENRY PERKINS was born in Norwich, Connecticut, July 26th, 1836 and was one of five children, three boys and two girls. He was the son of Isaac and Nancy N. (Allen) Perkins, and a direct descendant of Miles Standish on his mother's side. Isaac Perkins was a carpenter and builder, but died when Amos Perkins was but ten years old. The subject of this biography learned his father's trade, but followed it only for a short time. He was educated in his native place, and at the age of twenty came to Chicago, IL, and soon afterward began taking contracts for paving, laying sidewalks and roofing. Mr. Perkins was a man of more than average intelligence, and became a shrewd, careful and successful business man. He was one of the contractors who constructed La Salle Street tunnel. He continued to be a large contractor in cedar blocks, asphalt pavements and Portland cement walks, having had contracts for this in most of the large cities in the country. During the war he was a heavy dealer in tar, and at one time controlled nearly all of that product manufactured in the United States. Mr. Perkins was married July 20th, 1874, to Miss MAY TRISTRAM, daughter of John and Mary (De Forest) Tristram, of Norwalk, Connecticut. They had four children, Emery B. Perkins; Lorenzo B. Perkins, Mrs. Nellie M. (Perkins) Harris and Mrs. Jennie C. (Perkins) Brown, the latter being deceased. Mr. Perkins attended Dr. Hillis' church at Central Music Hall, and he was an exemplary citizen and a good man. In his sphere he contributed in no small degree toward making Chicago the western metropolis of the United States. He was widely known in the West, East and South, and was beloved by all who came within reach of his magnetic and benevolent influence. He was the originator of the Western Paving Supply Company, and although V. W. Foster was its president, he was its practical head and manager. He was a member of Covenant Lodge No. 526, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of Corinthian Chapter, No. 69, Royal Arch Masons. In politics he was a Republican. He died suddenly, of apoplexy, at the age of sixty-one years, and at the time of his death was vice-president of the Western Paving Supply Company. He had the universal respect of all representative elements of the city. Mrs. Perkins is an intellectual and accomplished woman and made for her husband the home which he prized so dearly, and which by her management always remained to him a haven of rest and comfort, where he ever found recreation from the cares of his ever-increasing business, and where he loved to entertain the friends who knew him best and loved him most. His was a most active and useful life, and although called away seemingly before his time, he accomplished much more than others do in a longer space of time, and, best of all, leaves to his posterity and friends an untarnished name that will be remembered by future generations. Source: Album of genealogy and biography, Cook County, IL ... 1897 Watson & Perkins - This firm was organized in 1877, by William H. Watson and Amos H. Perkins, for the purpose of taking contracts to pave streets and build sidewalks. They pave with asphalt or with cedar blocks, but mostly with the latter, having laid miles in Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN, where they cut and prepare them ready to be put into pavements. In the construction of their sidewalks, they use sand and Portland cement in such proportions that it is as hard and durable as stone. They have done a large amount of work in Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, and also in other cities in the Northwest. In 1882, in connection with their other interests, they commenced the manufacture and sale of bunch-kindling, which industry has grown until it has become a large business of itself. They employ from eighty to one hundred men to do a business of $275,000 annually. Source: From the fire of 1871 until 1885 - By Alfred Theodore Andreas
GEORGE H. PERKINS, vice president and general manager of the J. H. Patterson Lumber Company of Marengo, dealers in lumber, building materials, fuel, grain and feed, is one of the leading business men of this part of McHenry County. He was born at Marengo, July 20th, 1866, one of the three children of Samuel J. and Mary E. (Rodgers) Perkins. Samuel J. Perkins, who was born in Vermont, came to Marengo at an early day, and there died in 1887, his wife having died in 1884. They were farming people, and very highly respected. George H. Perkins attended the common schools of Marengo, and has been identified with the lumber business throughout his business career, rising through merit to his present position. Mr. Perkins was married to Miss ADA FRY, a daughter of Robert Fry, a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have the following children: Robert H. Perkins, Mary S. Perkins, Lawrence I. Perkins and Isabel L. Perkins. The family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and are very active in promoting its good work. A stanch Republican, Mr. Perkins served Marengo, IL as a member of its city council for two years, and was capable in every respect. Source: History of McHenry
County, Illinois - Volume II - (1922) HARVEY R. PERKINS, who is living retired on his farm in Chemung Township, McHenry Co., IL, was formerly actively engaged in agricultural operations, and is a man well and favorably known throughout McHenry County, IL. His farm is located seven miles north of Harvard, IL and four miles east of Sharon, WI. He was born on his present farm, September 5th, 1860, a son of Royal and Helen (Burton) Perkins. Royal Perkins was born in Rutland County, Vermont, December 7th, 1824, and died July 8th, 1899, aged seventy-two years. He came to Illinois about 1845 with his parents, and acquired a farm at the time of his marriage. There was a small clearing with a log house on the south side of the road, and in it Harvey R. Perkins was born. Mrs. Perkins was a daughter of Philip Burton who lived on an adjoining farm. She died in young womanhood, leaving her four children, namely; Emma Perkins, who married Robert Andrews, died when past sixty years of age; Mary Perkins, who married Frank Maybury, lives at Lockwood, MO; Harvey R. Perkins, whose name heads this review; and Jay Perkins, who is a stockman of Sharon, WI. In 1874 the father was married (second) to Mrs. Jane Arnold, widow of Fayette Arnold. Her maiden name was Willis. Harvey R. Perkins took possession of the homestead in 1883, and had added to it until he now has 152 acres, forty being a portion of the old Burton estate, and he has rebuilt and enlarged the barn, it now being 100 x 30 feet instead of the old dimensions of 30 x 50 feet. With the exception of several years spent in the Sharon Cheese factory, Mr. Perkins has spent practically all of his life upon his farm, and takes great pride in it. He bought out the interest of the other heirs so as to own it. On September 5th, 1881, on his twenty-first birthday, Mr. Perkins was married to SARAH SNOWDEN DEAN, a daughter of Archibald and Mary (Snowden) Dean, born in LeRoy Township, Boome County, Ill., November 27th, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have three children, namely; Mary Perkins, who married Frank Barth; Grace Perkins, who married August Peterson, the man who is managing Mr. Perkins farm and is in partnership with him, has two children, Eleanor Peterson and Gerald Peterson; Royal Perkins, who married Alma Keller, a daughter of Conrad Keller, have one child, Howard Perkins. There are two houses on the farm, and for three years Mr. Perkins has lived retired in one of them, his daughter and her husband, Mr. Peterson, occupying the other. There are two silo's, and a fine dairy barn for the forty-eight head of cattle of good strains. Mr. Perkins has one of the best rural homes in the county, and it will compare favorably with any city residence. This was built in 1910 and is of stucco, with a furnace, gas, hot and cold water, and all other modern conveniences. A Republican, Mr. Perkins has served as commissioner of the township for four years, and was on the school board for sixteen years. He is a man who has the courage to live up to his convictions, and is not afraid to let everyone know exactly how he stands with reference to matters of public movement. The Sharon Camp, M. W. A., provides him with fraternal affiliations. There are few men in this part of the county who are held in as high esteem as he and he deserves the confidence he inspires. Source: History of McHenry
County, Illinois - Volume II - (1922) GEORGE Y. PERKINS, druggist, Paris, Ill., was born in Edgar County, Ill, April 8, 1869, son of Edward and Rhoda (Koho) Perkins, the former a native of England and the latter of Edgar County, Ill. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and followed that occupation until twenty-two years of age, when he entered the drug business as a clerk and four years later entered the Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill) graduating from the department of pharmacy of that institution in the class of 1898. Returning to Paris, IL in the latter year, he was employed as a clerk in Rowe's pharmacy until 1901, when he purchased the drug store at 105 West Court Street, which he is successfully conducting at the present time (1904) Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Edgar County - By H. Van Sellar (1905) SAMUEL B. PERKINS, farmer, Shiloh Township, Edgar Co., Ill, was born in Edgar County, Ill., Aug. 18th, 1861, the son of Edward and Rhoda C. (Koho) Perkins. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and has followed that occupation all his life. He now owns 193 acres in Buck Township and 240 acres in Shiloh Township. On Nov. 6, 1884, he was married to EDITH SIMS, daughter of John Sims (deceased), one of the early settlers of Edgar County. To Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have been born three children: Nettie R. Perkins; Blanche A. Perkins, and Edward A. Perkins. Republican in politics Mr. Perkins has served as Tax collector of Shiloh Township one term. Fraternally he is a member of the M. W. A. In religious belief he is a Methodist. Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Edgar County - By H. Van Sellar (1905)
Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County - by Jesse Heylin (1908) G. (Glen) W. PERKINS, Of the contracting builders who have contributed much to the past of Canton, and who, because of their superior equipment and progressive ideas, may be counted on to share in the development of the future town, mention is due G. W. Perkins, who has been a resident of Illinois since 1874, and a citizen of Canton since 1893. Mr. Perkins was born in Cortland County, New York, in Oct., 1851, a son of Olney G. and Lorenda (Wheeler) Perkins, natives of Berlin and Solon, N.Y. respectively. Mr. Perkins comes honestly by his mechanical ingenuity, for his father was a mechanic, and it was from him that the son learned the trade of carpenter and builder. The older man eventually pursued his calling in Wisconsin, his death occurring in Marion, Kansas, in 1886. His son, G. W. Perkins started out his own responsibility in 1874, locating in Marshall County, Ill., whence he went to Marion County, Kansas, remaining there five years, when he moved to Kansas City, where he resided four years. Upon arriving in Canton, Ill in 1893, he worked for Mr. Hoag for two years and in the spring of 1895 engaged in business for himself, from the first receiving encouraging patronage from both the town and county. For fourteen months he was foreman of construction at the plow works and was general superintendent of work on the U. G. Orendorff residence in Canton. Mr. Perkins has the kind of enthusiasm for his work that not only enables him to master it thoroughly, but impels him to seek its broadest and most interesting manifestations. He has a keen eye for the artistic and practical, and that his labor will stand to test and approbation of years admits no doubt. The home of Mr. Perkins is presided over by his wife, who formerly was MARY C. GAPEN, a native of Marshall County, Ill. Mr. Perkins is a member of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, the Ideal Union Insurance and the Masons. He is popular with his employees, courteous and considerate towards those who wish to profit by his skill and on friendly and helpful terms with his fellow contractors. Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County - by Jesse Heylin (1908) RANSOM ALLEN PERKINS, for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Canton, Fulton County, Ill, both in mercantile and public relations, but now living in honored retirement, was born in Chicopee, Mass, October 4th, 1838. He is a son of Allen M. and Julia A. (Robertson) Perkins, natives of Connecticut, where both were born in Glastonbury, CT. In early youth, R. A. Perkins received his education in the public schools of Utica, N.Y.. From 1861 to 1865 he served in Company D., Fifth Regiment, New York Veteran Volunteer Cavalry, from which he was mustered out as Captain. In 1873 he left Utica, N.Y., and located in Canton, Ill, where he engaged in merchandise business, in which he continued for a long period with unvarying success. On Jan. 17th, 1866, Mr. Perkins was joined in wedlock with MARTHA A. STEELE, who was born and schooled in Bridgewater, N. Y., and they became the parents of two children; Albert S. Perkins and Frederick A. Perkins. In political relations Mr. Perkins has always been a earnest and influential Democrat. In 1885 he was appointed by President Cleveland Postmaster of Canton, Ill. He was elected Mayor of the city in 1882 and was re-elected the following year. He was instrumental in establishing the present system of water works and in making what is now known as Jones Park one of the most attractive feathers of the city. Mr. Perkins retired form active business in 1898. Fraternally he is a member of Joseph Hooker Post, G. A. R.,; Bohemond Lodge, K. of P., and Anchor Lodge, A. O. U. W. He is a man of high principle and strong character and has been a potent factor in the development of Canton, Ill. Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County - by Jesse Heylin (1908) CHARLES EDWARD PERKINS, whose activities have always been directed along agricultural lines, is an excellent example of the prosperous Kendall County farmer. He was born at Joliet, Ill, November 23rd, 1857, a son of William H. and Elizabeth Ann (Van Dolson) Perkins, natives of Oneida County, and of Albany County, N. Y. , respectively. On coming to Illinois, William H. Perkins entered land from the Government, securing 100 acres of timber and 120 acres of prairie, in Aux Sable Township, Grundy County, IL. He and his wife were married at Ottawa, and they took up their residence in a log house he had built that is still standing. In 1855, nineteen years after securing his land, he sold, and moved to Joliet, ILL , but following this he traded several properties. He died in June, 1887, his widow surviving him until March, 1894, both being members of their son's family when death claimed them. Their children were as follows: Van D. Perkins, who was born in March, 1838, died a southern prisoner during the Civil War; Harriet Perkins, who died December 12, 1912, was Mrs. J. F. Gougar; and Charles Edward Perkins. On April 9, 1876, Charles Edward Perkins moved to an 80 acre farm, with his parents, and has made it his home ever since. At that time there was a mortgage on the property so Mr. Perkins abandoned his purpose of going further west, in order to remain with his parents and clear off his indebtedness. This he succeeded in doing, and now owns it, and here carries on general farming. He is a well informed man, having been educated in the district and Minooka schools, and has kept abreast of the times. On April 3, 1884, Mr. Perkins was married to LAURA MURPHY, by Rev. John Rhodes of the Minooka M. E. Church. She was born in Nettle Creek Township, Grundy County, Ill, a daughter of Jacob H. and Mary (Pumphery) Murphey, of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have had children as follows: Hattie E. Perkins, born January 10, 1885; Alvin J. Perkins, born May 12, 1890; and Lureno M. Perkins, born November 17, 1890, all of whom are at home. Mr. Perkins attends the Congregational Church. He has served very acceptably as a School Director and as Road Commissioner, and is a man of substantiality in his community. Historical Encyclopedia of
Illinois and History of Kendall County - Volume 1 - By Special Authors and
Contributors - (1914) ISAAC STILES PERKINS, son of Walter and Harriet Perkins, was born in Southwick, Massachusetts, June 4, 1832. He received all advantages of a New England farmer's son, and obtained his early education at the public schools of his native town. He also attended the Southwick and Westfield academies. After he became of age, he resolved to seek his fortune in the great West. His first residence was at Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was employed in teaching a district school for one year. Preferring a more active life to the confinement of the schoolroom, he engaged himself as a commercial traveler for a period of five years. He then returned to Massachusetts, continuing in the same business until 1863, when he came to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he was connected with a hardware firm for one year. In 1864, Mr. Perkins came to Galesburg, and was employed as the traveling salesman for George W. Brown. By the geniality of his nature and his persona address, he was peculiarly fitted for this work, and the business prospered greatly under his efforts. In a short time Mr. Brown had learned to place so much confidence in his integrity and ability, that he made him general manger of his large and increasing manufacturing interest. As head of the factory, he labored for the company for twenty-two years, until ill heath compelled him to retire. He was instant in season in all his work. He labored not for himself, but for the great good and the best interest of his employer. In 1880, the company was reorganized and incorporated under the firm name of George W. Brown and Company, and Mr. Perkins was elected vice-president, which position he held until his retirement. By his untiring energy and shrewd management, the patent litigation and the demand for royalties were carried through to a successful issue. His efficiency was show in every department in which he was engaged, and on account of the success that attended his efforts, he received the hearty commendations of his employers. Mr. Perkins had a decided talent for business. He had quick perceptions, and his affability and gentility of manners especially fitted him to deal with men. Two characteristics were always manifested in his life and dealings with others -- honest and integrity. These shone out so conspicuously as to inspire confidence in all with whom he came in contact. On all moral questions, Mr. Perkins was never on the side of right. He had high ideals, and the instincts of his moral nature ever pleaded for the better in both church and state. Although he never sought or held any public office, yet he was interested in and actively identified with the affairs of the city of his adoption. For fourteen years he was a member of the city Library Board, giving his services freely without compensation. For nearly five years he was a member of the Park Commission, and his services in this capacity were always considered most valuable. He was also, for a short time, a Director in the City Hospital. In a like capacity, he served the Galesburg Printing Company. For more than twenty years he was a Director in the Second National Bank; and it may be truly said that in all these positions he was called to fill, he acquitted himself as a man of large experience and of excellent judgment. His associates always regarded him not only sociable and companionable, but of keen insight and wise in counsel. Mr. Perkins, in his political faith, was a republican, having been identified with that party from its organization. In religious belief, he was a Congregationalist, having united with the Old First Church during the pastorate of Dr. A. R. Thain. And it may be said that during these many years of his connection, he kept the laws and ordinances blameless, and walked and demeaned himself as becomes a Christian gentleman. For several years he was a member and President of the Board of Trustees, and with the same untiring energy that was displayed in his business relations, he labored for the interests and upbuilding of the church. Mr. Perkins father died several years ago in Massachusetts. His mother was once a member of his household, living in Galesburg, but died in Tuscola, Illinois, in July, 1885, while visiting her son. Mr. Perkins was married in Westfield, Massachusetts, July 31, 1866, to Miss ELIZA CLARK, who was a graduate of the State Normal School and a teacher in the public schols of her native State for several years. To them was born, in Galesburg, November 24, 1873, one son, Clayton Clark Perkins. Mr. Perkins died in Galesburg, IL on the twenty-first day of April, 1898. Historical Encyclopedia of
Illinois and History of Knox County - by W. Selden Gale - (1899) JENCKES DAVID PERKINS, is an old and noted railroad builder and train-master, was born in Oriskany, Oneida County, N. Y., February 17, 1823, and through advanced in years, bears himself with the vitality of middle age. His parents, David and Elmira (Stacy) Perkins, were among the pioneer settlers of Oneida County, New York and there their children were reared and educated. Jenckes D. Perkins acquired his education in the Oriskany village schools, and began what has since proved a very successful business career by driving piles for the old Erie Railroad, along the Susquehanna River in 1841. The following year he began an apprenticeship at bridge building and railroad carpentering and joining. For a time he was with Rogers Brothers, State Carpenters, but finished his trade with his father as millwright and joiner. In 1845 he was in the employ of the State of New York, and in 1846 began work for the old Syracuse & Utica Railroad, of which John Wilkinson was President. In 1851 the company gave him a vacation and sent him to Chicago. Here he was solicited by John Turner the President of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company, to enter the service of that road. Mr. Perkins did not feel at liberty to do this without first obtaining the consent of Mr. Wilkinson, as he felt under obligation to him for many favors. The agreement was made that if the Syracuse & Utica should call for him, he would return, as Mr. Wilkinson pronounced him the best man on the road. Mr. Perkins entered the service of the new railroad in 1851, and at once demonstrated his value in laying, at Fox River switch, the first T-rails ever put down west of the Lakes. These were laid at the junction of the old Fox River and the Galena & Chicago Union Railroads, two miles east of Elgin, IL. Mr. Perkins prepared the patterns for forging the tools, as none were to be found in the country, and the rails themselves had to be imported from England, there being no rolling mills in the United States at that time. The proposition to substitute the T-rail for the strap rail the in use on the Galena Road, met with much opposition among the directors on account of its greater cost, the opposition being led by Walter Newberry, then a large stockholder. At a meeting of the Directors held in the little frame depot building at the corner of Canal and Kinzie Streets, where the road began (the river not having been bridges at that time). President Turner urged the change, while the opposition of Mr. Newberry and others vanished, as a not uncommon accident at the time happened to a train just coming in with freight from Elgin. Right in front of the depot a strap-rail sprang, and, forming a snake-head, penetrating the floor of the caboose passed up through the roof. The train men pried the lower end of the rail loose, and tied a red flag to the upper end as a signal of danger to the directors. This practical illustration of the beauties of the strap-rail was sufficient and the change was ordered. Mr. Perkins took charge of a a gang of men and, as soon as the first cargo of rails arrived, began the reconstruction of the road at Elgin, and another great step forward was taken in the history of Chicago. For two years he had charge of the reconstruction of the road, and was then put in charge of the docks and tracks inside of Chicago. Later still he was made station master at the little frame station on the West Side; and, when the company built a pontoon bridge at Kinzie Street he was put in charge of it. The depot was moved to about its present side and all the trains ran over the bridge. In 1854 he was transferred to the West Side Lumber District as freight Agent and train-master for West Chicago. In 1864 he was made train-master at the Wells Street depot. His first vacation was had in 1861, when he had a respite of two weeks after a term of ten years of continuous and unremitting activity for the company. Mr. Perkins has been in the employ of the same railroad system, through al lits varying fortunes and transformations to the present time; and it is a source of just pride to him, and of commendation from the officials of the company, that, during all these years, until his honorable retirement with pay by President Hughitt, after the World's Fair, he has never omitted preparing, signing and submitting his monthly pay-roll for all the men under him. When the new depot at Wells Street was thrown open to the public, Mr. Perkins took charge of all the trains entering it, then being Superintendent of the Passenger Service from the depot. After the World's Fair he was retired from active service with a splendid record and full pay, but continues to give his department the benefit of his long experience. Mr. Perkins is a life-long Mason, belonging to Cleveland Lodge, No. 211, A. F. & A. M. He was married, April 22, 1844, at Oriskany, N. Y., to Miss PHOEBE JANE WIGGINS, by whom he has had two children: William Francis Perkins, who is an engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, having his home in Chicago, and a daughter, Martha Maria Perkins. Mr. Perkins has a host of friends who live him for his excellent qualities of heart and brain, and who hope that he may be spared for years to come, as promised by his athletic frame and energetic manhood. Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, Cook County Edition - Volume 1 - By: Newton Bateman, LL. D & Paul Selby, A. M. (1905) ALEXANDER PERKINS, one of the natives sons of Piatt County, and now postmaster of Cerro Gordo, is one of the representative business men of this locality, where he is held in highest esteem. He was born in Goose Creek Township, April 16th, 1858, a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Blacker) Perkins, natives of Virginia and West Virginia, respectively. After their marriage, the parents went to Circleville, Ohio, and in 1856 moved to Piatt County, Illinois, buying land in Goose Creek Township. The father died before the birth of Alexander Perkins, the youngest of nine children, and the widowed mother struggled bravely to bring up her children, and give them such advantages as lay in her power, although their school privileges were confined to the district schools of Piatt County. The birth of Alexander Perkins took place in a log cabin that continued his home until he was fourteen years old, when a better residence was put up. Until he attained his majority, Alexander Perkins continued to reside with his mother, and then began farming near De Land. Later he was engaged in farming near Cisco, and in 1891 came to Cerro Gordo Township where for six years he continued farming on rented land. He then bought seventy acres one mile east of Cerro Gordo, adding to his acreage until now owns 200 acres of land, which he has rented since October, 1913, in that year moving to Cerro Gordo to assume the duties of postmaster to which he was appointed by President Wilson. His sons conduct the homestead. On September 18, 1880, Mr. Perkins was married to SARAH JANE STUCKEY, born year Lancaster, Ohio, a daughter of Peter L. and Julia (Burgett) Stuckey of Ohion. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins became the parents of the following children: Jeanette Perkins, who died in infancy; Pearl Perkins, who was a public school teacher, died in 1912 at the age of Twenty-seven years; Ethel Perkins, who is Mrs. William Dobson, of Cerro Gordo Township; Irwin Perkins, who with Lewis Perkins, conducts the home farm; May Perkins, who is her father's assistance in the post office; and Florence Perkins, who is Mrs. William Groves, of Willow Branch Township. Mr. Perkins is a Democrat, and has been active in his party. Since 1880 he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Church. He has served the church as trustee, steward and held other church offices. He has served as assessor of Cerro Gordo Township, and for sixteen years was on the school board. A man of intelligence and wide knowledge, he has brought to bear upon the duties of his several offices, the experience life has given him, and has proven himself efficient and capable. Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Piatt County, IL - By: Newton Bateman, LL. D and Paul Selby, A.M. and edited by Francis M. Shonkwiler - Vol. II - (1917) JAMES D. PERKINS, a general farmer and stock raiser of Sangamon Township, Piatt County, IL, and a man widely and favorable known in Piatt County, was born in Goose Creek Township, July 21, 1864, a son of William and Elizabeth (Dubson) Perkins, natives of Ohio and Reading, PA. They came to Piatt County, Ill, in childhood, and were married at Goose Creek Township. There the father bought eighty acres of land, and cultivated it for many years, or until his retirement in 1910 to De Land, where he has since resided. The mother died September 20, 1915. Their children were as follows: James D. Perkins, John Perkins who lives in Monticello Township, Amy Perkins, who is Mrs. Heath Prime, of Goose Creek Township, Eva Perkins, who is Mrs. George Hammond, of Cerro Gordo Township, Elizabeth Perkins, who is Mrs. Bowman Rudisel, of Goose Creek Township, William Perkins, who lives in Goose Creek Township, Sadie Perkins, who is Mrs. Lewis Ezra, of De Land, Ill, Roy Perkins, who lives in Monticello Township, and Ada Perkins, who is Mrs. Newton Howland, of Bement Township. James D. Perkins attended the district schools of Goose Creek Township, and until he was twenty-two years old he remained with his parents. At that time he began farming for himself in his native township, conducting the homestead for many years. In June, 1899, he bought forty acres in Sangamon Township, to which he moved, and later added fifty acres which he has sold. Subsequently he bought a farm of 102 acres where he now lives in the same township, and he also owns 160 acres just west in Goose Creek Township. He has always carried on general farming and raises a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. On February 1, 1887, Mr. Perkins was married to MARGARET DUVALL, born in Goose Creek Township, a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Robison) Duvall, natives of Ohio, and early settlers of Goose Creek Township. They came here at a time when the prairie grass was higher than a man's head, so that he could ride through it on horseback, unseen. For his property the father paid $2.50 per acre, and on this property hunted deer and many wild animals. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins became the parents of the following children: Bertha Perkins, who is Mrs. D. Campbell, of Goose Creek Township, Allen Perkins, who lives in Goose Creek Township, married Anna Aldrich; Lorin Perkins, who lives in Goose Creek Township, married Addie Reeves; and Harley Perkins, Ernest Perkins, Lola Perkins and Roy Perkins, all of whom are at home. Mr. Perkins is a member of the Church of God. A Democrat, he served many years as a school director. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias of Deland, IL. A man of high principles, he has lived up to his ideals, and at the same time achieved material prosperity. Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Piatt County, IL - By: Newton Bateman, LL. D and Paul Selby, A.M. and edited by Francis M. Shonkwiler - Vol. II - (1917) FRANCIS B. PERKINS, secretary of the school board of the city of Elgin, Ill, is a native of Illinois, born in Barrington, Cook Co., Illinois, July 8, 1841, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the state, his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Proctor) Perkins, both of sturdy Puritan ancestry, having left their home in Essex, Massachusetts, and locating in Barrington, IL in 1838, then an almost unbroken wilderness. They at once identified themselves with the religious and educational interests of the community, and helped to shape the early influences in the right direction. In their pioneer log house was taught one of the first schools of the township, and often religious meetings were held in the same place. The colporteur and itinerant preacher of whatever creed always found a welcome, and in consequence of their open door for such guests it gained the name of Deacon's Tavern. Their first church home was with the Congregational church at Elgin, IL, six miles away, whence they made their way on the Sabbath over prairie and through woodland on foot or by the slow-going ox wagon. Later they were charter members of the Dundee Congregational church, and still later of the church at Barrington, IL, near their own farm home. They were pronounced in their views on temperance and slavery and gave all possible aid to all reforms. Their home was often the haven of rest to the black man on his way to Canada and freedom, and it was one of the many where was fostered that spirit of loyalty to the government and right that a generation later bore fruitage in an army of a million men who sprang to arms to maintain our free institutions. The father died in 1857 aged fifty-six years, his life no doubt shortened by the hardships incident to making a home under the adverse circumstances of a new country. He held honorably the office of deacon of the church for many years and though never prominent in politics was ever ready to bear his share of the responsibilities of citizenship. He had acquired a comfortable competence when he was called to lay down his life work, but the most precious legacy left his family was an unsullied name. His wife Elizabeth survived him some years, during which time she lived in Elgin, passing away in 1881 at the age of seventy-five years. She was a woman of heroic mold and the privation incident to the rough life of a new country served to bring into action the best and bravest of her nature. As in most homes transplanted from the refinements of the east, the mother felt most keenly the limited advantages for schooling that the future seemed to promise, and no toil or effort was too great so that educational advantages might be provided for the family growing up about her. A like spirit was in other homes of this region and no wonder that our present splendid school system came into existence. The subject of this sketch is one of a family of seven children of whom four reached adult age. Three brothers died in early life. Elisabeth Perkins married Rev. John V. Downs, a pioneer Presbyterian minister of Illinois, and died at the age of sixty. John Proctor Perkins was for many years a conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, now retired from active business, resides at Rockford, Ill. Lydia Choate Perkins married Dr. Edgar Winchester, who was for a number of years a physician of large practice in Elgin, Ill, and, later, of San Bernardino, California, where he died and where she now resides. The first sixteen years of his life Francis B. Perkins spent upon the farm home, thence after his father's death coming to Elgin, Ill to live with his mother, when for three years he attended the Elgin Academy, preparatory to entering Beloit College of Wisconsin, where he was pursuing his studies at the outbreak of the war. In August, 1861, at the first call for three-years men, Mr. Perkins enlisted in Company A, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and at once took the field with his regiment. In the campaign early in 1862, under the command of General Curtis, ending in the decisive battle of Pea Ridge and the expulsion of armed Confederates from the state of Missouri, he bore his share in the vicissitudes of camp march and battle field. About June 1, 1862 a part of General Curtis' command, in which was the Thirty-sixth Illinois, was hurried to strengthen the lines in front of Corinth, Mississippi, where it arrived just before its evacuation. About this time he was transferred to Company K, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining a member of that regiment till the close of his service, though on detached duty the last part in the Topographical Engineer Corps. In this branch of the service he took part in the Atlanta campaign under General Sherman, during the summer of 1864. After the fall of Atlanta, his term of enlistment having expired, he was honorably discharged from the army and came home. After a few months of study in Bryant's Commercial College in Chicago, Ill, he again entered the service of the government in the quartermaster's department, as a draughtsman and clerk, and was located at Columbus, Kentucky, Alexandria, Virginia, and Little Rock, Arkansas, remaining until the winding up of affairs by reason of the close of war. During the season of 1866 he engaged in cotton planting on the Arkansas river bottoms, and was fortunately one of the few who found it a paying venture. In the fall of 1868 he entered the employ of the Elgin National Watch Co., and worked for them twenty years. Seventeen years he was a foreman of a department and many valuable improvements in the manufacturer of watches were made and introduced by him during this time. In 1869 he married MARY E. RAYMOND, a daughter of an early settler, Augustine Raymond. She was educated at the Elgin Academy and at eastern schools and was assistant principal of the Elgin High School at the time of their marriage. She was an active worker in the Congregational church of which she was a member and an efficient and faithful Sunday-School teacher. She died in 1873, leaving one son, Thomas E. Perkins, now twenty-five years old, a musician by profession. His musical education was obtained under teachers at home and in Chicago and completing and graduating from the Metropolitan College of Music in New York City in 1897. He is now an organist at the church of the Pilgrims, Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Perkins has been a member of the First Congregational church since his sixteenth year, serving the church at different times in the offices of clerk, trustee and deacon, which office he now holds. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and is actively interested in all that the organization stands for. He is also secretary of the 52d Illinois Veteran Volunteer Association and is ever ready to help and encourage his former comrades in arms. The influence of the forty years spent in the community where he now lives has always been found on the side of right and order and he has taken an active part in promoting those measures which he believes calculated to advance the educational, moral, and material welfare of this city. Source: The Biographical Record of Kane County, Illinois -(1898) WILLIAM C. PERKINS: Among the self-made men of DeWitt county is W. C. Perkins, owner of a good, well kept farm on section 21, Nixon township, and one of the more progressive men of the county. Equipped with an excellent education and an unmeasured capacity for hard work, he has made a position for himself in the community which is an enviable one. Not only that, but he did it after giving his health and strength to the support of the union of these states of America, as he is a veteran of the Civil war. Born in Oregon county, Missouri, July 3, 1844, W. C. Perkins is the son of the late Stephen and Nancy (Casey) Perkins, who were esteemed residents of the county in which they lived so long. The father was born in Oregon county, as was his son, the year of his birth being 1819, and he is buried in the county of his birth, his death having occurred a number of years ago. NANCY (CASEY) PERKINS was a native of Jefferson county, Illinois, born near Mount Vernon. She was a relative of Governor Casey of Illinois and one of her uncles built the penitentiary at Joliet. At a reunion of the Casey family, which was attended by Mrs. Perkins, there were gathered together fifteen hundred who were related either by marriage or birth. Mrs. Perkins’ father and seven brothers came from Germany to America and settled in Illinois and Ohio. All of the brothers enlisted in the Union army upon the outbreak of the Civil war and served throughout its course. Mrs. Perkins died in Oregon county, Missouri, when in her fifty-eighth year, and is buried beside her husband. They had six children, four of whom are now alive. Besides W. C. Perkins, of this review, the other children were: Zimri Perkins, now living in Texas; Mary Perkins, the wife of John Meredith, a very wealthy stockman of Oregon county, Missouri; Jacob Lee Perkins, now deceased; Thomas Perkins and Ephraim Perkins, both of Missouri. Educated in the schools of Miller county, Missouri, where he lived during his youth, W. C. Perkins secured a good education in the English branches. He then attended the high school at Tuscumba, Missouri, and at the age of eighteen years went to Mississippi, where he enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil war. He was assigned to the Third Mississippi Infantry, in which he served for two years and ten months. At the battles of Shiloh, Wilson Creek, Missouri, Carthage, lnka, Bolivar, Hollow Springs and the siege of Vicksburg he participated with his regiment and was disabled through sickness contracted while actively engaged in service. For this reason he was discharged at Canton, Mississippi, and after the war he returned to the north. He came to Illinois in the spring of 1864, settling in Jefferson county, where he took up farming. The year 1878 saw him moving to DeWitt county, he having been previously married. Here he was employed at the drainage work for several years, after which he operated a farm lying north of Weldon for two years. He next removed to Piatt county, where for three years he engaged in farming. At the end of that time he had accumulated sufficient money to enable him to purchase a farm and he moved back into this county, settling upon his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, which was then the Judge Davis place, on section 21, Nixon township. He has since lived here, developing the farm until it is one of the best in this section. It was in November, 1865, that W. C. Perkins and Miss NETTIE EBLE were united in marriage. Mrs. Perkins is a daughter of Joseph and Serena Irene Eble, and was born in Monticello, Piatt county, Illinois. Her parents were both born in Germany and were early settlers of Piatt county. Her mother died six years ago, while her father died while she was yet quite a child, being buried in Monticello. The mother is lying in the burial grounds at Weldon. They were the parents of a large family of children. Besides Mrs. Perkins there are: Lewis Eble, living at Mansfield, Illinois; Anna Eble, the wife of William Rucker, of Weldon; Aaron, of Dixon, Illinois; Dora Eble, the wife of Stephen Zorger; Minnie Suttles Eble, living on the home farm in Missouri; and Henry Eble, of Weldon, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are the parents of five children, four of whom are living. Edward Perkins, born March 13, 1882, is an employee of the post office department, being rural route carrier on Route No. 2, Weldon, Illinois, which position he has filled for three years. Grace Perkins is the deputy carrier, filling the position creditably when business or illness makes it impossible for her brother to ride the route. Nora Maude Perkins is the wife of Alfred Johnson, a teacher in Cisco, Piatt county, Illinois. Dora Perkins, born in 1885, died at the age of seventeen years, and is buried in Weldon. Grace Perkins makes her home with her parents. Ada Perkins is the youngest member of the family. Mr. Perkins and family are members of the Methodist Protestant church. His wife belongs to the Protective League, while Mr. Perkins is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics a democrat, yet he is decidedly independent in his political views. Broad minded and liberal in his views, he numbers his friends by the hundreds as do his entire family. Source: History of DeWitt County Illinois: with biographical sketches
of prominent representative citizens of the county. (1910) JOHN R. PERKINS, b. 1.1.1823 (1827 ?)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., PA m. JANE P.
(MOULTON), b.1832 Sanborntown, N.H., a daughter of David V. &
Marcia L. (Conner) Moulton. They were married at Galena, Jo Daviess Co., IL
on 1.1.1854. John R. Perkins was a bank teller in Galena, IL for eleven
years, he went into the mercantile and brokerage firm business at Bellevue,
IA in 1868. He died 1.14.1870 at Bellevue, IA. Children were; Edward
Moulton Perkins b.June.1856 Galena, IL & d. 7.26.1856 Galena, IL at 9
weeks old; Charles Goodman Perkins, Attorney b.1859 Galena, IL d.1896
Chicago, Cook Co., IL.
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