Eli Perry
Eli Perry (December 25, 1799 – May 17, 1881) was an American and businessman from Albany, New York. He became wealthy as the operator of a successful meatpacking enterprise, and later invested in several other ventures. Perry was most notable for his service as a U.S. Representative from New York, an office he held for two terms, 1871 to 1875.
Eli Perry | |
|---|---|
Brady–Handy Collection, Library of Congress, circa 1871 | |
| Member of the United States House of Representatives from New York | |
| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1875 | |
| Preceded by | Stephen L. Mayham |
| Succeeded by | John H. Bagley Jr. |
| Constituency | 14th district (1871–73) 22nd district (1873–75) |
| Member of the New York State Assembly | |
| In office January 1, 1851 – December 31, 1851 | |
| Preceded by | William S. Shepard |
| Succeeded by | Robert Harper |
| Constituency | Albany County 4th District |
| Mayor of Albany, New York | |
| In office 1862–1866 | |
| Preceded by | George Hornell Thacher |
| Succeeded by | George Hornell Thacher |
| In office 1856–1860 | |
| Preceded by | Charles Watson Godard |
| Succeeded by | George Hornell Thacher |
| In office 1851–1854 | |
| Preceded by | Franklin Townsend |
| Succeeded by | William Parmelee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 25, 1799 Cambridge, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 17, 1881 (aged 81) Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Clark Lydia (Smith) Collin Matilda Caroline Todd |
| Children | 4 |
| Occupation | Businessman |
A native of Cambridge, New York, Perry was raised in Albany and attended the common schools. He became active as a meatpacker, and the success of this venture made him wealthy. As a result, Perry was able to diversify into other enterprises in addition to engaging in several philanthropic endeavors.
Perry was a Democrat, and began a career in politics in 1845, when he was elected to a two-year term on Albany's board of aldermen. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Albany Co., 4th D.) in 1851, and served in the 74th New York State Legislature. He was Mayor of Albany from 1851 to 1854, 1856 to 1860, and 1862 to 1866.
In 1870, Perry was elected to represent New York's 14th congressional district in the 42nd Congress (March 4, 1871 to March 3, 1873). Following redistricting, in 1872 he was elected to represent New York's 15th congressional district in the 43rd Congress, March 4, 1871 to March 3, 1875. Perry died in Albany on May 17, 1881. He was interred at Albany Rural Cemetery.