Ralph Perkins (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from Illustriana Kansas, pages 910-911


Ralph Perkins, farmer and stockman, was born at Howard, Kansas, December 12, 1893, son of Foster Henry and Rosealtha (Keene) Perkins. 

The father, a farmer, stockman, capitalist and banker, was born in Davenport, Iowa, September 26, 1853 of German and French parentage.  The mother was born in Saybrooke, Illinois, June 21, 1863, and died at Howard, February 16, 1932.  Her ancestry was English and Welsh, she being a daughter of a Civil War veteran and a great grand-daughter of two Revolutionary War veterans.

Mr. Perkins attained his early education in the rural schools of Elk County and on May 18, 1912 was graduated from Howard High School.  He was married on September 17, 1917, to Zora Esther Root at Independence.  Mrs. Perkins wa born at Weir, Kansas, August 26, 1895, of English ancestry.  Their three children are, Ralph Jr., born February 14, 1919; Elvin, born May 25, 1922; and Elma Louise, born February 21, 1928.

A Republican, Mr. Perkins is now serving as a member of the Board of Commissioners of Elk County.  He is an extensive farmer and stockraiser and is serving as vice president of the Howard National Bank.  Among his memberships are the Howard Commercial Club, honorary membership in the Moline Chamber of Commerce, the Union Center Rural School District of which he is chairman, the National Geographic Society and the First Presbyterian Church of Howard, or which he is assistant supertindent in the Sunday school.

During the World War he was a corporal in the 353rd Infantry, 89th Division, in service from September 18, 1917, until June 2, 1919.  He participated in all the activities of the 89th Division from its organization until the discharge of its personnel.  He is a member and past commander of the American Legion.

Residence:  Howard.