Simeon Perkins

Perkins, Simeon
Simeon Perkins, merchant, diarist (b at Norwich, Conn 24 Feb 1735; d at Liverpool, NS 9 May 1812). He arrived in Liverpool in 1762 and rapidly became the leading local merchant, dealing in fish and lumber, building sawmills and small vessels, and developing a trade with New England and the West Indies. During the AMERICAN REVOLUTION he invested profitably in several Liverpool privateers. His ability, integrity and charity resulted in a long civic career in local administrative and judicial offices. He also held high rank in the militia. He served as MLA for Queens County 1765-99 and, although his attendance was intermittent, he was quietly effective. His diary (1766-1812), published in 5 volumes by the CHAMPLAIN SOCIETY, and his home, now a museum, are valuable records of a man whose career reflects Nova Scotia's economic, social and political beginnings.

Author LOIS KERNAGHAN

Suggested Reading
C.B. Fergusson, Early Liverpool and Its Diarist (1961).

Links to Other Sites
Historica-Dominion Institute
The website for the Historica-Dominion Institute, parent organization of The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Check out their extensive online feature about the War of 1812, the "Heritage Minutes" video collection, and many other interactive resources concerning Canadian history, culture, and heritage.

Simeon Perkins
A biography of Simeon Perkins, an 18th century Nova Scotia businessman, politician, and militia officer. Includes details of his involvement in local privateering activities.