Perry Hannah

The popular, Perry Hannah, whom everyone in the entire area knew of, if not known personally, still in the year 2003 with any native in the five county area.

Perry was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, 22nd September 1824 and married Ann Amelia Flint, of New York. Anna being born there on 25 December 1852 1884.  Three children made up the family, son, Julius T. Hannah and daughters, Hattie Amelia and Claribel.  Perry came with his father to St. Clair County, Michigan when he was thirteen years of age and spent a portion of his early life in rafting logs from Port Huron to Detroit.  Perry then engaged for several years in commercial work with John Wells, of Port Huron.  In 1846 he became clerk in the lumber yard of Jacob Beidler of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois and continued there until 1850 when the firm of Hannah, Lay & Company was formed.

Perry was a member of the state legislature in 1856 to 1857, always interested in local affairs.  Serving twenty-eight years as moderator of the school board, supervisor several years and president of the village since it was incorporated.  Politically a Republican, his name was prominently mentioned in connection with the office of United States Senator.  His liberality in all worthy enterprises was proverbial.

To be continued, as there is pages and pages of 'pies' that Perry had his fingers in.

Source: The Traverse Region, published 1884.