GEORGE H. PERRINE, who resides just inside the corporation limits of Centralia,was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1822, and during his early childhood accompanied his parents on their emigration westward to Indiana. The family located in Ripley County, and there our subject was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmer lads. His parents were both natives of New Jersey, and one of the famous battles of the Revolution, that of Monmouth, occurred on his great-grandfather's farm. During the engagement seven cannon balls penetrated the walls of the residence. The Perrine family was originally of French origin, and as is indicated, was founded in America during early Colonial days.
Our subject acquired his education in the common schools, which he attended in the winter season, while in the summer months he aided in the labors of the field.
After arriving at years of maturity, he was married in the Hoosier State, the lady of his choice being Nancy J. Mills, who died leaving one child, Cyrus M. Perrine, who lives in Wayne County, ILL.
For his second wife he chose Miss Rosetta Alden, a descendant of the noted John Alden. Seven children were born of their union, but David, the second child, and Lucy Bell are now deceased. The others are
Cyrus, who is married and has three daughters, is engaged in the nursery business. William and Charles T. are also engaged in the same enterprise with their father. Samuel, who graduated from the Chicago University, is now a minister of the Baptist Church, serving as a missionary to India.
The family was represented in the Civil War by Cyrus, who enlisted in the Union army in 1862 and served until after the cessation of hostilities.
David G. was a graduate of the Chicago University, and was largely instrumental in establishing the present prosperity of the business now conducted by his father and brothers.
Cora B. is a graduate of Wellesly College, in Massachusetts, and is now connected with the Chicago University as assistant librarian.
In 1867, Mr. Perrine brought his family to Marion County, ILL., and has since resided in this locality. He located upon the farm which has since been his home, and after carrying on agricultural pursuits for some years, he embarked in the nursery business, in 1875. To this work he has since devoted his time and attention in connection with the raising of small fruits. He now has one of the most extensive nurseries in the county and is doing an excellent and lucrative business, which has steadily increased from the beginning.
In his political views, Mr. Perrine is a stalwart Republican, and his sons are also supporters of the same party. He and his children, with one exception, all belong to the Baptist Church, and the family is one of prominence in the community and its members are people of sterling worth.
Recently, Mr. Perrine erected a beautiful home on his farm, just at the edge of the city limits of Centralia, and there he expects to pass his remaining days, surrounded by the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, which he has secured through his own well directed efforts.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 222-223
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer