Perley Family Papers

Anson Perley was born in Berlin, Vermont in 1799. His parents, John Perley (1763-1830) (a Revolutionary War soldier in his teens) and Sarah Merrill (1764-1827) were married in 1782 and moved from Massachusetts to Berlin, Vermont in 1791. In 1806, they moved to Enosburg, Vermont. A large farming family, Anson was one of 15 children (though 3 did not survive childhood). His siblings were Ruth, David, Sarah, Mehitable, John, Nathan, Hezekiah, Jesse, Jerry, Loren, Edward, William, Cynthia, and Sophia. In adulthood, Anson continued to operate the farm that was established by his father, living with siblings Ruth, Sarah, Mehitable, Hezekiah (who was also engaged in farming work until he declined in health), and Cynthia in the family home. A fire in 1856 was reported, revealing that Anson owned retail properties including a chair shop and a grist mill (St. Albans Weekly Messenger, 1856 March 13).

In 1829, Anson married Edith "Eda" Emerson (1810-1889). She was the sister of his brother Jesse's wife Eliza. Their parents were Samuel and Rebecca Webster Emerson. Eda and Anson had 10 children: John Edson (or Ed) (1830-1885), Rebecca Webster (1832-1896), Isaiah Russell (1835-1892, a Civil War cavalry Sargeant, married Elizabeth Hubbel), Eliza Sophia (1838-1880, later Boque), Emma (1840-1906, later Marvin), Anna Emerson (b. 1843, later Shattuck), Anson Wilberforce (or Wilber) (1846-1924, married Ida Ranslow and remained on the family farm), Edmond Sayles (1848-1849), Heber Samuel (1850-1924, married Lizzie Centerbar Woodward) and Van Edmond (1853-1932, married Anna Lydia Skinner aka Brewer). A family tree is available.

Eda and Anson were active members of the local Episcopal church in Enosburg, Vermont. He died in 1879. News of his death included a tribute calling him "one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens in town" (St. Albans Advertiser, 1879 April 22). Eda died in 1889.