Charles A. Perkins, of Lebanon, was born at Bozrah October 25, 1863, and is the son of Samuel and Philura (Miner) Perkins. He received his education in the public schools. On September 10, 1884, he married Julia Sisson daughter of Albert and Amelia (Dunbar) Sisson and they have had two children: Frank C., born November 22, 1888 and Fannie C., born February 12, 1891. Mr. Perkins is a successful farmer and is also engaged in carpentry. He is a Republican and has been Tax Collector four years. He is also Trustee of the First Congregational Church at Lebanon and has been superintendent of the Sunday School several years. Mr. Perkins is Ex-Councillor of William Williams Council, O. U. A. M., No. 72; a member of the A. O. U. W., and Fraternal Helpers. His upright and genial qualities gained for him many true friends at the Capitol.⁷

Another longer biography provides more extensive details of Charles and his family:⁹

Charles A. Perkins was born Oct. 25, 1863, in Bozrah, Conn., and attended the district school and Bacon academy until he was about fifteen years of age. At that time he lost his father, and was obliged to remain at home to manage the farm, as the older boys had all branched out for themselves. Although still a boy he was capable of doing as much work as any man. For four years he worked very hard upon the farm, and then his mother disposed of the property, and the young man began working for the Yantic Paper Company as fireman, and later for several years he was an engineer, remaining in the employ of that company for almost nine years, or until 1885. At that time, on account of poor health, he gave up his position. He had been allowed to work over time for extra pay, and some weeks he managed to do ten and one-half days’ work, beginning his tasks long before daylight. His strength, however, was not equal to the strain he put upon it, and he was forced to try outdoor labor. Renting a farm in Lebanon, he resided there for a year, and then removed to another farm, which he made his home for four years, at the end of that time, beginning work at the carpenter’s trade. Being of a mechanical turn, as were his brothers and sisters, it was very easy for him to learn the details of the trade, and he was soon working for Mr. William Taylor. In 1897, with his savings, he purchased his present farm, known as the “Ira Tucker place,” a tract of fifty acres, upon which he has made many improvements, and where he is engaged in farming and dairying, although he still works at his trade of carpenter, hiring a good deal of his farm work.

On Sept. 10, 1884, Mr. Perkins was happily married to Julia A. Sisson, of Groton, daughter of Albert B. and Amelia (Dunbar) Sisson. Amelia Dunbar was a sister of William Dunbar, who was lost on the ill-fated “Genetta” in Arctic waters. Another brother, Gurdon, also a seafaring man, spent three years with a companion on a lonely island, where they were wrecked. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are: Frank Charles, born Nov. 22, 1888; Fannie Clara, born Feb. 12, 1891. In politics Mr. Perkins is a Republican, and has served on the board of relief, and has been repeatedly chosen constable, but has never qualified. In 1900 he was elected tax collector. Fraternally he was a prominent and active member of William Williams Council No. 72, Order United American Mechanics, passing all the chairs, and in 1898 he was chosen to represent the organization at the state council held at Milford. Both he and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Congregational Church, and he is now assistant superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Perkins is a self-made man, and by his industry, energy and ability has risen in the world and firmly established himself in the respect and confidence of all who know him.