James Hume Perry, Canada - origins Londonderry, Ireland

I have recently been collecting material on some Canadian Perrys and hope it is alright to post some of it here.

From the book, "A history of Ontario : its resources and development (1907) Vol.2"
Author: Fraser, Alexander, 1860-1936
Pages 789-790

JAMES HUME PERRY.

James Hume Perry, who is engaged in a general contracting business in Fort William, represents one of the old pioneer families of the Province. His father, John Perry, a native of Londonderry, Ireland, came to Canada in 1854, and in 1856 settled at Stratford, where he followed masonry, being connected with building operations up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1899. In this country he had wedded Miss Margaret Henderson, a native of Kingston, Ontario, and of Scotch lineage, her parents having settled in this Province in 1830, among the pioneer residents.

James Hume Perry was born at Stratford, in Perth county, September 20, 1869, and at the usual age entered the Public Schools, passing through successive grades until he became a High School student. His time was largely occupied with the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground until fifteen years of age, when he made preparation for a business career by learning the plasterer's trade. When he had mastered the business he continued to engage therein until 1891, which year witnessed his arrival in Fort William. Here he has been engaged in the general contracting business up to the present time, and his success has been most desirable, his business record being such as will bear close investigation and scrutiny, for the dominant elements therein are energy, diligence and unfaltering integrity. That he occupies an enviable position in business circles is indicated by the honor that was conferred upon him in his election to the Presidency of the Builders' Exchange of Fort William, in which position he has served since 1905, and he is also chairman of the Works Committee.

Mr. Perry has, moreover, figured prominently in affairs of the town as a member of the council in 1899, 1900 and 1906. In 1905 he was a member of the School Board, which position he resigned in order to make the race for councilman. In politics he is a Conservative, recognized as one of the local leaders of the party. He has various fraternal relations, belonging to the Masonic Lodge, to Shuniah Chapter, K.A.M., and to Rhodes Preceptory of the Scottish Rite. He is now a Past Master of Royal Lodge of Fort William, and his name is likewise on the membership rolls of the Independent Order of Foresters, the I.O.O.F., and the Canadian Order of Eagles.

In 1897 Mr. Perry was married to Miss Annie, a daughter of the late Alexander Cameron, of South Finch, Cornwall county, Ontario. He was one of the descendants of the United Empire Loyalists who settled in Canada late in the eighteenth century. His father took an active part in the rebellion of 1837. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Perry have been born four children: James Cameron, Annie Myra, Phyllis Jean and John Allan Hume.