Lewis T. Perkins’ tenure as sheriff of Williams County since 1919 showcases his natural leadership and dedication to law enforcement, effectively deterring criminal activities within his jurisdiction. Born in Gratiot County, Michigan, on June 29, 1880, Perkins’ roots trace back to early settlers, embodying a legacy of hard work and community service through his family’s history. His journey from Michigan to Ohio and back, and eventually into the law enforcement sphere, reflects a narrative of self-reliance and commitment to public service. Alongside his professional achievements, Perkins maintains a strong connection to his family’s Masonic heritage, further enriching his role within the community.
Lewis T. Perkins, who is giving a vigorous and effective administration of the office of sheriff of Williams County, is a man of the vital, well-poised type that is potent in causing malefactors to “sit up and notice” when they attempt to execute their nefarious work within his bailiwick, and he is making an admirable record since he became sheriff of the county, in 1919.
Mr. Perkins was born in Gratiot County, Michigan, June 29, 1880, and is a son of Frank and Effie (Brady) Perkins, both of whom likewise were born in that county, where their parents were early settlers. In his native county Frank Perkins continued operations on the old home farm of his parents until 1888, when he came with his family to Ohio and established his home at Pettisville, Fulton County. There he remained about six years, during which he conducted a meat market and also bought and shipped live stock. He finally returned to his native county in Michigan, but he is now retired and he and his wife maintain their home in the City of Saginaw, Michigan. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, as were also his father and his paternal grandfather, and the sheriff of Williams County, Ohio, perpetuates the ancestral fraternal loyalty by his active and appreciative affiliation with this time-honored organization, he being a member of the blue lodge, chapter and council at Montpelier, and both he and his wife being actively identified with the adjunct organization, the Order of the Eastern Star. In this connection it is interesting to record that the subject of this review has in his possession the Masonic apron that was owned and worn by his paternal uncle, Hiram Perkins, who was a pioneer settler in Michigan and who was killed as a soldier in the War of 1812. Sheriff Perkins has one brother, Hiram, a resident of Saginaw, Michigan, and one sister, Doris, who is married to A. T. Dixon and resides in Detroit.
Lewis T. Perkins was eight years old at the time of the family removal to Fulton County, Ohio, and his early education was received principally in the schools of Pettisville, that county. He has been virtually dependent upon his own resources since he was a lad of twelve years, and thus has gained the self-reliance, courage and invincible purpose which make him specially well equipped for the office of which he is now the incumbent. He finally entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company, of which he continued an efficient representative at Montpelier, Williams County, until his election to the office of county sheriff, his entire service with the Standard Oil Company having covered a period of sixteen years. He is a loyal advocate and supporter of the cause of the republican party and has been active in its councils and campaign work in Williams County. In addition to his Masonic affiliations at Montpelier he is identified also with the organizations of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Loyal Order of Moose in that city.
When he was twenty-five years of age Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Guilford, of Fulton, Fulton County, Ohio, and they have two children — Edna and Earl, both of whom are students in the public schools of Bryan.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.