OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - Know your Ohio: George Tod Perkins
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Darlene E. Kelley
http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00026.html#0006374
June 23, 1999
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Historical Collections of Ohio
The Kelley Family Collections
Newspaper article, Plains Dealer
compiled by S.J. Kelley-- 1925
And Then They Went West
by Darlene E. Kelley  1998
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     George Tod Perkins, second child of Col Simon Perkins, was born on
May 5,1836. He was the fourth generation of a family that had their sons
figting in our wars. His Great Grandfather was a Captain in the
Revolutionary war, who was injured and later died of his injuries. His
Grandfather, General Simon Perkins, earned his title in the war of 1812.
In the war of 1861, a nunber of his brothers served during the entire
war.
     When he was about two years old, his father moved into the Stone
Manson which had been under construction for six years in Akron, Ohio.
When he was about 8 years old, his father entered into partnership with
John Brown in the sheep and wool business.           
     During the Civil War, he enlisted as a private for three months in
the early call for volunteers, and at the end of this short service, he
again enlisted.  This time as a Major in the 105th Ohio Volunteer
Infantry. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Hoover's Gap,
Chickamouga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, and the siege
of Atlanta. He had three horses killed under him; one at Perrysville,
one at Chickamauga, and one near Big Shanty, Georgia. 
     On Oct 10, 1862, George wrote home;

Dear Father and Mother;  I simply write a few lines to let you know that
I am alright and done myself no discredit while on the field.  Our
Regiment was placed on the very hottest of the fire and our General said
we did nobly. Our loss in killed is about 60--two of our Captains-- in
wounded about 150--three of them are Captains--- I came out all right
with his exception--I lost my horse--No not my own, but a govt horse,
and my saddle and pistols and overcoats and blankets. Our officers and
men all displayed a good deal of courage and their friends at home need
not be ashambed of their record.
Your aff. son, --George.
     In the Battle of Chickamauga, he was injured rather severely, being
shot through the thigh by a sniper. Though he recovered from his injury
and continued in service, he frequently carried a cane in his later
years
     In September,1863 under Major Perkins' command, the 105th Regiment
was part of the Army of the Cumberland which engaged in one of the
bloodiest battles of the war at Chickamauga Creek, Georgia, just south
of Chattanooga.
    At a critical juncture, Perkins was ordered to lead his charge
against a far larger Confederate force.  Afterwards, it was said the
charge was intended as a suicide mission designed to protect several
other Regiments. Bcause the enemy was taken by surprise, the charge was
successful but at a great cost to both sides.
     At home in Akron, his parents recieved this Western Union telegram
from Nashville, Tenn.;
" George has slight flesh wound in leg.
Is at Chattanooga, doing well.
Simon Perkins, Jr."
    Just how his brother, Simon, a member of another regiment, came to
be on the scene is not known.  George's wound in the thigh was serious
enough to warrent a three-month convalescence at home.
     When he returned to duty in January, 1864, as a lieutenant colonel,
George Perkins led his men in further battles, cultimating in the Seige
of Atlanta. Then they joined General Sherman in the famous " March to
The Sea."
     George Perkins was promoted to full colonel on March 13, 1865 and
after participating in the Grand review in Washington, on May 14, was
mustered out with his regiment in Washington on June 3, 1865. He was
mustered out in command of his regiment.
     On his return to civilian life, he became Secretary of the Taplin
Rice Company, where he stayed until 1870. He was later identified with a
number of banks, serving as President of the Second National Bank for
several years.
    Col. Perkins played a important part in bringing Dr. Goodrich to
finance and start of his first factory.  He served as an official of
Goodrich from the beginning, being Secretary to 1884, and Treasurer to
1888.  Upon the passing of Dr. Goodrich. Col. Perkins became the second
President of the B.F.Goodrich Company,serving until his retirement in
1907.  He was chairman of the Board untl his death several years later.
     In his days as a business man in Akron, Col. Perkins was interested
and active in civic affairs; one of his gestures was the donation to the
city of Akron, 76 acres of wooded land for park purposes, on Edgewood
Ave--Perkins Park.
     Early after his return from service, Col. Perkins was married to
Miss Mary F. Rawson, who bore him three children. 
     Col. Perkins died September 10,1910 and was buried in the family
plot at Glendale Cemetery, Akron, Ohio.
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