Perkins, Simon, 1771-1844

Surveyor, soldier, and banker, of Ohio. Perkins was highly instrumental in the settlement of the Western Reserve (Ohio) and in the founding of the city of Akron, Ohio.

Simon Perkins (1771-1844) was a surveyor, soldier, land agent, postmaster, and banker who played a major role in the early development of the Western Reserve. Born on September 17, 1771 to Simon and Olive Douglas Perkins in Norwich, Connecticut, he moved to Lisbon, Connecticut when his father died in 1778. From 1795-1797, Perkins was engaged in land development in Oswego, New York. In 1797 he was sent to the Western Reserve of Ohio by the Erie Land Company to make a report and plan for a settlement. He remained there until 1798, and returned in 1799 to continue his survey and promote land sales. Perkins was a land agent and surveyor for the Erie Land Company from 1797-1830.

Simon Perkins served as postmaster of Warren, Ohio, from 1801-1829. During that time he opened the first postal route through Indian country to Detroit, Michigan. He married Nancy Anna Bishop of Lisbon, Connecticut on March 18, 1804. He and his wife moved to Warren, Ohio, in July 1804, and this city would serve as the family home for the next 125 years.

Perkins served as a general in the 4th Division, Ohio Militia, during war of 1812. He had been made a Brigadier General of the 4th Division in 1808.

Perkins was also a businessman and banker. He was co-founder and president of the Western Reserve Bank from 1826-1838. This was the first bank in the Western Reserve.

He was a member of the Board of Canal Fund Commissioners from 1826-1838. He also helped to found the city of Akron, Ohio. Perkins died on November 6, 1844 in Warren, Ohio.