PERRY, Israel
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 558-559

Israel PERRY, whose pleasant home is located near Reedsburg, in Lavalle 
Township, is one of the foremost men of his calling in Sauk County [WI]. He 
has engaged in the pursuit of agriculture throughout his career, and has 
gained a thorough knowledge of his vocation, which, together with his 
industrious and practical nature, has made him a man of means and one whose 
influence is felt wherever he is known. Mr. PERRY was born in Middletown, 
Rutland County, VT, 29 Jan 1837, and was the son of Israel and Calista 
(MOSHIER) PERRY. His father was born in Middletown, Rutland County, and his 
mother was a native of Wells, Rutland County. They were of American 
ancestors as far as can be traced, and followed the occupation of farming. 
The family moved to Whitewater, Walworth County, WI, in the spring of 1857, 
and rented a farm for one or two years, and then moved to Lavalle Township, 
Sauk County, in 1861, where the father died in Apr 1881, aged [p 559] about 
83 years, and the mother passed away in Aug 1883, aged 82 years.

Our subject moved west with his parents when 14 years of age, and worked on 
his father's farm until he enlisted 04 Jan 1864 in Company F, 23rd WI 
Infantry. He saw service under General Banks in the department of the Gulf, 
and was engaged at Spanish Fort, Fort Blakeley, and numerous smaller 
engagements. He was confined in the hospital, afflicted with smallpox, at 
Morganzie Bend, and was mustered out of the service 15 Mar 1866 at 
Brownsville, TX. After the close of the war Mr. PERRY returned to Reedsburg, 
and engaged in farming on the old homestead. He has a comfortable residence 
and is otherwise prepared to enjoy his declining years.

Our subject was married 12 Nov 1867 to Martha POTTER, daughter of Elisha and 
Clemina (CALKINS) POTTER. Mrs. PERRY came with her parents to Sauk County in 
1853, and here her parents died, the father 08 Jun 1883, aged 82 years, and 
the mother in Jun 1879, aged 84 years.

Mr. PERRY is a prominent member of H. A. Tator Post, G. A. R., of Reedsburg, 
and has held most of the offices of the post, including commander. He takes 
an active interest in the welfare of his community, has made a success 
through his own efforts, and has aided materially in the upbuilding of Sauk 
County, and especially in his own township. [See also the Sauk County, WI, 
biography of William Wilson RATHBUN, who married Julia A. PERRY, a sister of 
Israel PERRY.]

Contributed by Cathy Kubly