My Genealogy Hound

Abram D. Perry, a prominent farmer and successful business man of Groveland township, Oakland County, owning a well improved farm of 40 acres in section 18, and engaged in other business enterprises, was born in Groveland township, December 6, 1856. He is a son of John W. and Sarah (Downey) Perry, the former of whom was born at Watertown, New York, and the latter in Groveland township, Oakland County, Michigan, a daughter of Alexander Downey.

Abraham Perry, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts. He was a millwright by trade and in his native State assisted in the erection of many of the great cotton mills. He brought his family to Groveland township, Oakland County, in 1836, his four children being: Mrs. Mary Narrin; Mrs. Frances Miller; Abram D., who died in the army; and John W.

John W. Perry came to Michigan with his parents in 1836, being then two years old. He grew up on his father’s farm, and later purchased the farm of 100 acres in Groveland township where he still resides. He has been a successful farmer and stock raiser and one of the most interested men of his section in the promotion of the Grange movement. In politics he is a stanch Republican. In religious belief he is a Methodist. His three children are: Abram D., of this sketch; John W., who died in Groveland township, Oakland County, at the age of 38 years, a farmer and blacksmith by occupation; and Martha J., who has been a highly valued teacher in this county for 25 years and is now her father’s capable housekeeper.

Abraham D. Perry resided in Groveland township until December, 1878, and then went to Hazelton township, Shiawassee County, where he cleared up a farm from timber land and put it under cultivation, living there until 1892, when he moved to Fenton, Genesee County, where he worked at the blacksmith business for a short time and later, in Groveland township, a year and a half for his brother. In 1893 he bought his present farm of 40 acres and in the fall of the year erected a sawmill and feed and gristmill. He sawed all the lumber for a very comfortable house in which he still resides, and has so much custom work from the neighborhood that he needs the assistance of five men. The milling is carried on under the firm name of A. D. Perry & Son. He is also a very successful farmer and stock raiser and is generally considered one of the most practical and progressive business men of the community.

On February 28, 1878, Mr. Perry was married to Laura E. Horton, who is a daughter of Elston and Caroline E. (Phipps) Horton, and two children have been born to them, namely: Mrs. Sarah E. Pearsall, who resides at home; and Frederick H., his father’s partner, who is also living at home.

Mr. Perry is an independent in politics. He is serving as a justice of the peace and for nine years has been a school director. He like his father has been concerned in the agricultural development of this county and an active member of the society known as the Gleaners. He is noted for his industry and honesty and is one who deserves the name of a first class citizen.