M. W. Brother Perry was born at Andover, Ohio, October 25, 1858. He was the son of Lieutenant B. F. Perry, who gave his country distinguished service during the Civil War, while mother and children rendered as valiant a service in keeping the home and farm at Andover.
Brother Perry attended the public schools at Andover and Austinburg, and graduated from the New Lyme Institute, at New Lyme, Ohio. He was appointed school examiner in 1882, holding the position for several years. On December 25, 1883, he married Miss Charlotte H. Beach, of Kellogsville, who was a student at Grand River Institute, Austinburg. He served as county clerk from 1889 to 1894. He began the study of law in 1890 and was admitted to the bar in 1896. From that time until 1924 he was associated with a number of distinguished members of the bar. In 1921 he was appointed judge of the Common Pleas Court to fill an unexpired term, and on its completion was returned to the bench by Ashtabula voters.
He retired to the practice of law in 1925, being the senior member of the firm composed of Judge Perry and Sons.
Too great a tribute cannot be paid to a life of such sterling worth and character. By the exercise of those finer sensibilities with which God had so graciously endowed him, he brought dignity and distinction to his profession and set a standard of practice worthy of attainment and became an inspiration for his own sons to follow in his footsteps. Ever actuated by sympathy and loving-kindness, he was indeed an ideal citizen, and endeared himself not only to the people about him, but to all who knew him everywhere. His spirit will ever live in the lives of those with whom he mingled.
The greatest compensation of his life is his family of five sons and daughters, all eminently fitted for service in their respective spheres.
M. W. Brother Perry was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Tuscan Lodge, No. 342, F. & A. M., in Jefferson, Ohio, April 4, 1890; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, April 19, 1890; and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, May 2, 1890. He served his Lodge as its Worshipful Master in 1901. He was advanced to the Honorary Degree of Mark Master, September 11, 1890; elected and presided as Master in the chair, and was received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master, December I, 1890. He was exalted to the Most Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Mason, December 11, 1890, in Jefferson Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M. He served as M. E. G. H. P. of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Ohio in 1921 and 1922.
He passed the Circle of Perfection in Ancient Craft Masonry, March 11, 1898, receiving all the degrees in Cryptic Masonry in Conneaut Council, No. 40, R. & S. M., Conneaut, Ohio.
He received all the degrees in Chivalric Masonry on July 24, 1885, in Cache Commandery, No. 27, Knights Templar, Conneaut, Ohio. He was created a Grand Elect Mason in Eliadah Lodge of Perfection, March 8, 1910; Prince of Jerusalem in Bahurim Council, March 9, 1910. Knight of Rose Croix in Ariel Chapter, March 9, 1910. Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in Lake Erie Consistory, March 11, 1910, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland.
He was crowned Inspector General, 33°, and made an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1913.
In the Grand Lodge of Ohio he served as District Lecturer, 1897-1899. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon, 1900; Grand Marshal, 1902; Grand Orator, 1904 and 1905; elected Junior Grand Warden, 1906; Senior Grand Warden, 1907; Deputy Grand Master, 1908; and Most Worshipful Grand Master on October 21, 1909. Since 1913 he has rendered valuable service as a member of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.
M. W. Brother Perry departed this life on January 13, 1931, funeral services were held in the Congregational Church, Jefferson, Ohio. His body was laid to rest in Oakdale Cemetery, Section B, Lot 12, Jefferson, Ohio.