The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-02-08
WILLIAM DANA PERKINS.
Librarian of the State Library of Cali
fOfnia at Sacramento

Librarian of the State Library of Cali
fornia at sacramento.
Mr.. Perkins was born at Whitfield, n.
H., February 27, 1881, He attended the
public schools of his home, and then
learned the trade of the mason. In 1850
he removed to Boston, and sailed from
there for California in the ship Packet.
arriving in San Francisco in August OF
that year. he soon, Went up to Placer
County and engaged in mining ON the
american River. In 1858 he went to
Fraser River, u. c., to see what there was
IN the mining excitement there but re-
manned only short time. On his return
he mined in Secret Ravihe, Placer County,
with success: La January, 1859, he was
had arrived in California from New York
in 1853. In 1859 Mr.. Perkins opened q
hotel at Pine Grove, and conducted it for
four years. lie then removed to Auburn
Station for time. He removed next to
Newcastle in 1854, and shortly after he
purchased ranch near Rocklin, Placer
County, on which he located in 1865, and
where he has since had his home, until
he removed to Sacramento to take the DO
sitlon of State Librarian. Shortly after
he settled at Rocklin he was appointed
Land Agent for the Central Pacific Rail
road Company, and remained in the en-
ployment OF the company until April
last, when he was chosen to his present
position. In 1854 Mr.. Perkins filled his
nrst office, that of Constable at Rattle
snake Bar. In 1855 he was made Deputy
Sheriff OF Placer County, in 1863 was APP
pointed Tax Collector by the Supervisors,
and in 1864 was elected to the same posi-
ton on the Democratic ticket, and was
the only Democrat successful in that
year. lie was reelected in 1866. At one
r PORT Il 1,,t l.
came, on the fall OF that party, a Douglas
Democrat, and has since remained
with the Democratic party, and
has been recognized as leader of
prominence and great skill. He has at
tended two score or more of party con-
ventions, as representative of his COM
munIty, and has always been a potent
influence in them. He is the father of
two children. n. ID. Perkins, the we'll
known dramatic artist, is his son, and
ranks as one of the most capable OF stock
actors on the Coast. This son is now I'M
der engagement in New York. Another
son, w. Perkins, is a conductor on the
Los Angeles division of the Southern
Pacific Company lines. Mr.. Librarian
Perkins takes something of historic pride
IN the fact that his great-grandfather
Samuel p. Randall, of New Durham, n.
H., was the first Free-Wi1l Baptist
clergyman in America. Mr.. Perkins was
CHOSEN TO the very responsible and high
trust he now fills in April last. He has
surrounded himself with active and
competent assistants, and under his adj
ministration the beautiful library rooms
have been made still more beautiful by
ornamentation and furnishing Mr..
Perkins Is recognized as Shrewd. capable
business man, and an executive officer
with whom to contend is to meet true
steel; one ola strong Will, tempered by cool
Judgment and prescience. Mr.. Perkins
is liked by all who know him. While he
is man Of positive character, of exceed
ing knowledge of men, and how to
handle them, he is one of the easiest to
approach, and to hold debate with, and
though he is strong in his opinions, he is
open to conviction, and is always anxious
TO hear both sides. Perhaps there is no
man In the State more widely known,
who has not filed high political stations,
than Dana Perkins, as he is Familiarity
addressed and spoken of.