Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Perkins, A J, M D 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 7, 2007, 9:01 pm

Author: Genealogical & Biographical Record

A. J. PERKINS, M. D., the oldest resident physician of Plainfield, is a native 
of New York, born in Mount Upton, Chenango County, March 20, 1834.  His 
father, Luke, who was also of New York birth, followed the miller's trade 
during the greater part of his life.  When advanced in years he retired from 
business and came west, his last days being spent in the home of his son in 
Plainfield.  He voted for General Jackson when the latter was elected to the 
presidency, and always adhered to the Democratic party.  In religion he was a 
Methodist.  He married Sarah Preston and became the father of a large family.

When only fifteen years of age our subject began the study of medicine.  In 
the spring of 1865 he graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and came at once to Plainfield, where he opened an office.  
Having practiced previously in Vermont, he had considerable helpful 
experience, and from the first he met with success, building up a valuable 
practice.  Both in his practice and from a financial standpoint he has been 
prospered.  Of those who represented the fraternity at the time of his arrival 
in Plainfield he alone survives.  Notwithstanding his long professional 
career, he still retains his keenness of judgment, quick insight into the 
causes of diseases and skill in their treatment.  About a quarter of a century 
ago he was made a Mason, and since then he has been active in the fraternity, 
being now a member of Plainfield Lodge No. 536, A. F. & A. M.

In 1860 Dr. Perkins married Eliza, daughter of Rufus W. Bangs, of North 
Bennington, Vt. The only daughter born of their union was Julia E., who died 
in childhood. Their son, Harry A. Perkins, is engaged in business in 
Plainfield.

Dr. Perkins has been an important factor in the upbuilding of Plainfield.  To 
his energy and public spirit the attractive appearance of the town is in no 
small measure due.  For many years he has been a member of the school board, 
and during that time he spent a year in securing the erection of a substantial 
building which was built, jointly, by two districts.  At first the heavy tax 
necessitated by the work caused dissatisfaction and criticism, but the good 
results being apparent to all, he is given the credit due him for the 
praiseworthy enterprise.  The two large brick store and office buildings on 
the north side of Lockport street were erected by him.  For his own 
convenience in 1897 he built a gas plant, and this was so appreciated that he 
afterward enlarged it in order to furnish light to the entire block.  The 
Republican party receives his support and its candidates his vote.  For many 
years he served as a member of the town board, being president of the same 
during a large part of the time.  In this capacity he maintained a deep 
interest in the improvement of the town and the widening of its interests.  
His term on the board expired in  1895, when, deeming his long period of 
public service entitled him to a rest from such duties, he refused a 
continuance in office, retiring with an honorable record for diligent 
discharge of duties and for the zeal displayed in behalf of local interests.


Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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