“Colonel” Simon Perkins (1805–1887) was a businessman, farmer, state senator, and entrepreneur. He spent most of his life in Akron. The title “Colonel” was honorary; no records exist that show he served in the military. Col. Perkins’ father, General Simon Perkins (1771-1844) was an early settler, businessman, and surveyor of the Connecticut Western Reserve, which would later become northeast Ohio. He served as a brigadier-general during the War of 1812. After the war, Gen. Perkins and Paul Williams became co-founders of Akron, Ohio.
