Benjamin Perkins was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on June 8, 1797, the son of David Perkins (1770-1859), a merchant, and Hannah Fabens (1771-1851). In 1823, he married Jane Lawrence (1799-1890), daughter of Abel Lawrence and Abigail Page, and they moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, and then to Boston, where Benjamin established the publishing firm of Perkins & Marvin. They had several children: Charles (1824-1887), who became a clerk in Plymouth, New Hampshire; Mary (1826-1891); Jane (b. 1829); Benjamin (b. 1831); and Francis (b. 1833). The family was affiliated with the Congregational church and Benjamin Perkins served for 40 years as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society.
From the guide to the Perkins family papers, 1784-1891, 1784-1861, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
