John S. Perkins

JOHN S. PERKINS. - It is always pleasing to the biographist or student of human nature to enter into an analysis of the character and career of a successful tiller of the soil. Of the many citizens gaining their own livlihood, he alone stands pre-eminent as a totally independent factor, in short "monarch of all he surveys." His rugged honesty and sterling worth are the outcome of a close association with nature and in all the relations of life he manifests that generous hospitality and kindly human sympathy which beget comradeship and which cement to him the friendship of all with whom he comes in contact. For many years engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of high grade stock, John S. Perkins is decidedly a prominent and popular citizen of his township in Wyandotte county.

John S. Perkins was born at Westport, Kansas, in 1855, and he is a son of Stephen and Sophia (Seaman) Perkins, both of whom are now deceased. The father was born in the old commonwealth of Kentucky, on the 14th of November, 1817, and he was summoned to the life eternal on the 5th of December, 1893. The mother, who was a native of Indiana, was born in 1828 and died in August, 1907. As a young man Stephen Perkins removed from Kentucky to Iowa, where he engaged in manufacturing old fashioned fanning mills. In 1855 he came to Kansas, locating at Westport, where he became identified with the mercantile business. Subsequently he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and in 1858 removed to Wyandotte county, Kansas, locating near what is now known as Turner Station. Mr. Perkins experienced a great deal of trouble at the time of the border struggle in Kansas. He was a stanch Republican in his political convictions and was an influential factor in many matters projected for the good of the general welfare in his community. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Perkins became the parents of three children.

John S. Perkins passed his boyhood and youth in Wyandotte county and he received his early educational training in the neighboring district schools. He early became interested in farming and is now the owner of a splendid estate of one hundred and eighty-three acres of most arable land. The substantial buildings in the midst of well cultivated fields, together with the general air of thrift and prosperity which pervades the place, are splendid indications of the ability of the practical owner. For some years Mr. Perkins has lived virtually retired from active participation in business life, and while he does not take an active part in public affairs he exerts a strong influence in Wyandotte county for progress and development.

In the year 1876 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Perkins to Miss Mary Douglas, who was born and reared in Indiana and who passed into the great beyond in 1905. Mrs. Perkins was a woman of rare charm and most gracious personality and at the time of her death was deeply mourned by a wide circle of loving friends and relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins became the parents of six children, namely: Ida, Edna, Halline, Nellie, Alsie and Helen. In 1907 Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Sauer, of Wyandotte county. To this union has been born one child, Marguerite Alice, whose birth occurred in 1910.

Mr. Perkins has lived a life of usefulness such as few men know. God-fearing, law-abiding, progressive, his life is as truly that of a Christian gentleman as any man's can well be. Unwaveringly he has done the right as he has interpreted it. Possessed of an inflexible will, he is quietly persisent[sic], always in command of his powers and never showing anger under any circumstances. He is a man of the utmost kindliness of spirit and great affability and he is held in warm regard by all with whom he has come in contact.