Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-04-16
Death Of Ex-oovernor perham.
THE PASSING OF OXFORD coUNTY's
GRAND OLD MAN.

THE PASSING OF OXFORD coUNTY's
GRAND OLD NAN.
Ex-Governor Sidney Perham of Paril
died at his home in Washington at mid
night Tuesday night, the 9th, at few
days over So years Of age. His menta
faculties were unimpaired, and until
few days before his death he had trav
eled about on foot without any indication
of weakness. He was i'll only four days
was conscious to tho last, was fully
aware that he was passing away and
spoke freely of it to the members of his
family.
Mr.. Perham was not only at the time
of his death the Oldest ex-governor OF
Maine, both in years and in time of ser.
vice, but he was one of the most highly
respected and honored citizens OF the
state. A man of the highest type OF
character, he had served the people in
various important positions, always with
great ability and unfiinching honesty.
Sidney Perham was born in Wood
stock, March ~, 1919, the Oldest child OF
Joel Perham. His father was success
full farmer, and the son acquired a love
for the soil and for agricultural pursuits
which he retained throughout the varied
activities of his life. He was not favor
ed with school advantages beyond those
afforded by the town schools and sim
gle term at Gould Academy, Bethel,
but being by nature student, be made
for himself more valuable liberal edu-
cation than is obtained by many to
whom the highest institutions of learn
ing are open.
At the age of 10 he began teaching,
and for number of years followed that
occupation, at least during the winters,
when not engaged in farm work. Many
of the older people now living in Wood
stock and neighboring towns were Mr..
Perham's pupils. When twenty years
of age he purchased of his father the
old homestead farm on which he had
lived from the time he was four years
old; and for about twenty years he car
ried on large farming business, keep
ing from $50 to 500 sheep. In 1858 and
1854 he was a member of the Board of
Mr.. Perham was early interested in
political matters. He was a Democrat
until the breaking up of the parties in
the early fifties, when the organization
Of the Republican party began. He
then became active in the new party,
and remained Republican to the time
Of his death. he was elected select
man of his town at %, and served the
town in various capacities thereafter.
T. 1CsI ha ohacAv, hac Of
The legislature, and on the first day of
he session was elected speaker of the
house, an honor never in any other in
stance conferred upon legislator In his
irSt term in this state. He was presi-
iential elector in 1855, and with his
associates cast the vote OF Maine for
John c. Fremont for president. He
vas the last survivor of the Fremont
electors.
In 1858 be was elected clerk of courts
or Oxford County, and removed to Paris
Hill, the county seat, which has ever
'ince been his home. He was reelected
It the close of his term, and served un
il he resigned in 1853.
Mr.. Perham was elected representa-.
i've to congress in 1862. and served six
'ears in that body. He was chairman of
he pension committee for four years,
md to him is due the credit for some of
he best pension laws now on the statute
book.
In 1870 Mr.. Perham was elected gov
,rnor of Maine, and was reelected by in
,reased majorities in 1871 and 1872, the
ERIN then being for one year, and his
service covering the years 1871, 1872, and
1913. He advocated reform in the Jail
.ystem 80 as to provide for the employ
nent of the prisoners; an industrial
school for girls; the establishment of
rec high schools; and biennial elections
md sessions of the legislature. The
irst three of these measures were adopt
ID during his administration, the last
alter.
For eight years, from 1877 till 1885,
Ir. Perham was appraiser of the port
# Portland, resigning in the latter year.
For about twenty years he and his family
rave made their winter home at 905
Westminster Street, Washington, d. c.,
they have spent about two-thirds
If each year, always coming to the old
ZONE at Paris Hill for the summer. Mr..
'erham always retained his interest in
political matters, and during his resi-
lence in Washington has been a regular
attendant in the halls of congress, where
lis status as former member gave him
he privileges of the floor. At the
Maine Republican state convention in
Portland last June, he and Ex-Governor
Frederick ROBBIE, also in his eighties,
seats on the platform at both
forenoon and afternoon sessions.
An earnest advocate of all moral re-
orms, Mr.. Perham was particularly
Identified with the temperance cause,
md was known wherever his name was
known as one of the most active workers
n behalf of both legal prohibition and
moral suasion as temperance agencies.
In 1857 he spoke in two hundred towns,
lrging the re-enactment of the repealed
law.
Mr.. Perham became member Of the
Universalist church at 10 years of age,
md was always one of the most promi-
oent men of that denomination in the
state. He served for long time as
president of the board of trustees OF
Nestbrook Seminary. He was active in
advocating an industrial school for girls,
and when the school at Hallowell was
created BY the state, he became presi-
lent of the board of trustees, and re-
NAMED such until 1898.
Mr.. Perham married, Jan. l, 1913, AL
nena j. Hathaway of Paris. To them
we're born five children, of whom one
lied in boyhood. The other four sur
yive: Aurestes S. Perham of Washing
ton, William l.. Perham of New York,
and Misses Frances L. and Georgia S.
Perham, who have always been MEM
bers of the home family. Mrs. Perham
died in 1902, and was buried at Bryants
Pond.
Funeral services were held in Washing
ton Thursday, attended by Rev. John
Van Schaick, the Washington pastor of
the family. The remains were then
brought to Paris, accompanied by Mr..
aud Mrs. W. l.. Perham, the Misses
Perham, and Rev. Mr.. Van Schaick, and
services were held at 8 p. NJ. Sunday at
The summer home of the family at Paris
Hill. Monday morning the remains
were taken to Bryant's Pond, where
services were also held, and where the
interment will be.