Among the most prominent and valued residents of his section of the state is Collins Perryman, of Juliaetta, a veteran of the civil war, and a citizen whose labors in behalf of the town of his abode have been most effective in advancing its interests. He was the pioneer hotel man, as a real-estate dealer has handled the greater part of its property, has done more than any other man in the locality to improve the roads through the surrounding country, and has always been watchful of the welfare and progress, doing all in his power to promote the growth and prosperity of the thriving little place.
A native of the Empire state, Collins Perryman was born in Cattaraugus County, April 28, 1847, and is of English lineage. His grandfather sailed from England for the New World and was wrecked off the coast of Rhode Island, which led to his settlement in that state. His son, James Ferryman, the father of our subject, was born near Providence. Rhode Island, and married Miss Lucinda Kerkendall, who was born near Rochester. New York. In 1866 they removed to Michigan, where the father died October 6, 1872, at the age of sixty-five years, his wife surviving him until 1882, when she, too, was called to the home beyond, at the age of seventy-five years. They were farming people and were members of the Baptist church, Mr. Perryman being a powerful exhorter in the church.
Our subject is now the only survivor of their family of six children. He was educated in the public schools of his native state, and after the inauguration of the civil war, he patriotically responded to his country’s call, enlisting December 22, 1863, in Company M, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, when only sixteen years of age. He served with the victorious Army of the Potomac under General Hancock, and participated in all the engagements of the command until the surrender of General Lee. This included the hard-fought battle of the Wilderness. Through the exposure sustained in snow, sleet and mud he contracted inflammatory rheumatism to such an extent that he has entirely lost the sight of his right eye. He won for himself an honorable military record and was discharged on the 13th of June 1865, but for three years thereafter he was in an invalid condition. When he had sufficiently regained his health to engage in business, he became connected with the lumber trade in northern Michigan and later removed thence to Missouri.
In the latter state, on the 4th of October 1871, Mr. Perryman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice Nichols, a native of Kentucky. He resided in Missouri from September 1870, until April, 1883, when he crossed the plains and secured a homestead two and a half miles west of where the pleasant town of Juliaetta now stands. He obtained one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government and erected thereon a good residence, but when Juliaetta was laid out, he removed to the new village and became one of its most energetic and zealous promoters. He has aided in promoting all the enterprises of the town, and no movement for the public good has solicited his aid in vain. He is a most progressive and public-spirited citizen, and his labors have advanced the welfare of Juliaetta to a greater degree than those of any other man.
Mr. and Mrs. Perryman have reared but one child, Willis Arthur, who is now engaged in the grocery business in Juliaetta. Mrs. Ferryman is a lady of refinement and ability, and is now serving as past noble grand and district deputy of the Rebekah Lodge. Our subject belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Daughters of Rebekah, also the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Grand Army of the Republic and the Star of Bethlehem. By the grand lodge he was appointed to the position of district deputy of the latter. In politics he is independent, supporting the men whom he regards the best qualified for office, regardless of party ties. He is a gentleman of much kindness of heart, of generous impulses and sterling worth, and his many admirable qualities have endeared him in strong ties of friendship to many of the best citizens of his section of the state.