Charles Henry Perkins

Charles Henry Perkins, born at Ottawa, Ill., August 4, 1851, is the son of William G. and Elizabeth (Lyle) Perkins, both natives of Vermont, references to whom are made in this volume. Charles H. spent his boyhood days assisting on his fathers farm, attending school, or working in the Perkins coal mine at Osceola. In March, 1872, he visited California, remained one year there freighting and operating a threshing machine. Returning, he was married February 21, 1873, to Miss Mary J., daughter of Samuel and Julia A. (Drawyer) Brees, whose history appears in the chapter on Toulon township. After this marriage, he engaged in agriculture, and during the winters carried on coal mining. From his boyhood he has been engaged in operating threshing machines, and for the last five years has owned and operated a steam thresher, the first introduced into Penn township. To Mr. and Mrs. Perkins four children were born: Sarah J., December 26, 1874; Lulu J., November 3, 1877; Effie E., July 28, 1882, and Henry C, the youngest. In politics he is decidedly Republican, and in religious affairs as decidedly tolerant. Physically, he is above the average man, and his powers of endurance and ability to work have suggested the new proverb, "He has done about as much as Perkins."