Prominent Industrialist, and Banker; Notable Art Collector and Philanthropist.  Direct descendant of Anthony Perry (d. 1683), one of the original settlers of Rehoboth, Mass.  Son of Horatio Perry (1814-1853), and Malvina Wilson Perry (b. 1829).  Born in Rehoboth, he attended district schools.  When twelve years old he enlisted in a Massachusetts Company and served throughout the Civil War in the office of the Provost Marshall.  At the age of twenty-one he moved to Providence, R.I. and entered the banking business; becoming director of the Bank of America.  Known as “the man who owned Rhode Island”, his business ventures earned him his fortune and touched the daily lives of most of the population of south-eastern New England.  Perry’s influence could be felt in their electric and gas utilities, running water, and rail transportation.  In 1901 he acquired, as his residence, the historic John Brown House in Providence (built 1786).   Perry filled it with his collections of priceless 18th Century furniture, Chinese porcelains, and the finest and most complete collection of Shakespeariana in existence at that time.  He also collected the manuscripts and books of George Washington, and authors such as Lewis Carroll,  and the art works and writings of William Morris.  His collection of Rhode Island history covering everything pertaining to the people of the State, from its beginnings, he donated to the Brown University Library; he sponsored the complete restoration of historic University Hall at Brown.  Retired from active business, Marsden Perry passed away at his New York home at the age of eighty-four. (bio by: Robert Bruce)  Family links:  Children:  Marsden Jalael Perry (1902 – 1970)* *Calculated relationship