My Genealogy Hound

N. EDWIN PERKINS was born in Williamson County in 1821, and received the rudiments of his education in Franklin and subsequently attended college in Danville, Ky. Being fond of the country, he passed his life in rural pursuits. He wedded Miss Martha T. Maury, and to this union were born three children: Edwin M., Leighla O. and Maud C. (wife of J. W. Reid, grandson of Maj. John Reid, aid-de-camp to Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans). Our subject was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a member of high rank in the I. O. O. F. He was a man of unblemished honor and was universally respected. His death occurred in 1871 at his place, “The Meeting of the Waters.” He was of Welsh descent, and the grandson of Hardin Perkins, who was a native of Virginia, a captain in the Revolutionary war, and one of the first settlers in Williamson County. He was one of the most successful farmers in the State, and amassed a large fortune. Nicholas Perkins, our subject’s father, was born in Davidson County. After reaching manhood he went to Fort Stephens, then on the confines of the territory of the United States, where he entered into partnership with George S. Gaines in the practice of law. While there he was instrumental in the capture of Aaron Burr, who was attempting to make his escape to the Spanish possessions. He carried Mr. Burr to Richmond and delivered him up to the authorities. Nicholas Perkins wedded his cousin, Miss Mary Perkins, practiced law in Franklin and served several terms in the State Legislature, and died one of the largest property holders in the State. He was a man of fine practical ability. Our subject’s wife, Martha T. (Maury) Perkins, was the granddaughter of Mr. Abram Maury, who was a descendant of the Maury and Fountaine families, of Virginia. They were a Huguenot family, who were forced to leave France on account of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV. Mr. Abram Maury was born in Virginia, and was the first settler in Williamson County. He was the founder of the town of Franklin, and Maury County was named in honor of him. He held many offices of honor and trust in his State, and was a man of erudition and nobility of character. His son, the Hon. A. P. Maury, father of Mrs. M. T. Perkins, was a worthy man of a noble sire. He served his country both in the State Legislature and in the Congress of the United States. His greatest eulogium was that he was an incorruptible politician. His wife, Mary Claiborne, belonged to the Lewis and Claiborne families of Davidson County. They have three children now living: Mrs. M. T. Perkins, Mrs. W. S. Reid and Mr. F. C. Maury, of Nashville, Tenn.