Our Maryland Heritage, Book 10

This work is the tenth in a series of books about Maryland families. In this volume, the author turns his attention to the Perry families, primarily of Montgomery and Frederick Counties in Maryland, but including members of the family found in other locations. The Perry family was represented in Maryland very early in its history, with a Nicholas Perrie listed among the crew of the Dove when it landed on St. Clements Island in March of 1634. Perry family members appear to have been people of substance, holding public posts of honor and owning valuable property. Following the custom of the earlier works in this series, the book begins with a look at the early history of the Maryland Colony and the formation of the counties. From there, it moves into early records of the Perry family in Maryland; then, the actual genealogy begins in the second chapter, starting with one Joseph Perry (born about 1670). Joseph had at least six children, five of whom are dealt with in Chapter 2 and one of whom, Benjamin, forms the subject of Chapter 3, along with all of his descendants in both male and female lines. Chapter 4 is a report on one Thomas Perry (born about 1650), reportedly in England. He immigrated to the Maryland Colony and could have been related to Joseph Perry discussed in Chapter 2. Chapter 5 presents the descendants of Jacob Perry (born about 1802) and the progenitor of Henry Clay Perry (born 1896), to whom this work is dedicated. Chapters 6 through 27 deal with Perry records found in each of the twenty-three counties of Maryland, arranged in alphabetical order with the exception of Calvert County, whose Perry family members are discussed in earlier chapters. Chapter 28 presents miscellaneous references to Perry family members, found throughout the state and in other areas, who appear to have a connection to those principally under study. A bibliography of more than 100 titles testifies to the wide range of sources used in this compilation, and a full-name index supplies about 4,000 names. This book will be a huge head start for anyone researching the Perry surname in this area.