This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/kFB.2ACE/4178 Message Board Post: William N. Perkins, of the firm of Sisson, Watson & Co., general merchants at Ada, Kent county, Mich., was born in Mansonville, Brome county, Quebec, November 1, 1858, and is a son of Erastus and Lucy E. (Martin) Perkins, the former a native of Canada and born in 1835, but now a retired resident of Grand Rapids, Mich. William N. Perkins, the eldest in a family of three children, received his earlier education in the common schools and completed his studies in the academy at Waterloo, Quebec. On relinquishing his studies he at once entered upon a three-year apprenticeship at painting and paper-hanging, which he learned thoroughly. In 1878 he came to Michigan and found employment with J.P. Creque, in Grand Rapids, and with him he remained eighteen months; he was next employed in the Sligh Furniture factory for about 4 years, and then for a year was employed in the Phoenix Furniture factory. Mr. Perkins next followed his trade of painter for some thime, and then found a situation with Howard E. Converse with whom he remained a year, when he was offered a position under his brother, John F., as solicitor for the Metropolitan Life Insurance company, and this situation occupied another year of his time. He next went south, followed his trade in Arkansas for eighteen months, and then retur! ned to Grand Rapids and for five years was employed by his father in connection with building contracting. At the conclusion of this engagement, Mr. Perkins settled in Ada township and for four years followed agricultural pursuits on a farm that he purchased north of Ada. In November , 1898, he was admitted to partnership as a member of the firm, Sisson, Watson & Co., in general merchandizing and buchering, and in this is prospering rapidly. May 17, 1893, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage, at Grand Rapids, with Miss Dora L. McCrossen a native of Michigan and a daughter of David McCrossen. This union has been blessed with one son, who has been christened Benjamin McCrossen Perkins. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins worship at the Methodist church though reared under Episcopal training. Fraternally Mr. Perkins is a Freemanson and also a member of Ada lodge, No. 480, I.O.O.F. In politics he is a storng democrat, and is identified with party work and organizations. He has led a life of industry and has had a varied experience, which well qualifies him for his present business, and he has, moreover, made hosts of friends since he has resided in Ada, where his is universally respected.