Marsden Jaseal Perry
b.
Rehoboth, MA, November 2, 1850
d. New York, NY,
April 15, 1935
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Newport summer resident for nearly 30 years. In 1907 purchased "Bleak
House," the former summer residence of Thomas and Ross Winans. No
longer standing, house once stood opposite Winans Avenue, ocean-side between
Castle Hill and Brenton Point. Stonewall of estate remains, the ocean
bluff is popular diving sport - known as 12 o’clock high.
Member of Newport Reading Room, Newport Country Club, The Spouting Rock
Beach Association, New York Yacht Club, Clambake Club, Newport Civic League,
Newport Historical Society and Redwood Library.
Loaned books from his Shakespeare’s collection for Shakespeare Exhibition
at the Redwood (June 15th to August 1st, 1916). "Which is probably
second to none in interest and value to be found in any private collection
in the world..." (Winship).
Financier, utilities and transportation magnate, art collector. A
resident of Providence, lived in the John Brown House.
Marsden J. Perry business resume included:
(1881) Organized the American Ring Traveler Company,
a Providence manufacturing firm - served as president until 1889.
(1882) Acquired Fall River (MA) Electric Lighting Company.
He was considered a pioneer in electric lighting industry (monopolizing
the industry).
(1884) With two associates, purchased the Narragansett Electric
Lighting Company and Union Street Railroad Company of Providence. Developed
interurban electric railway system (trolley), which comprised practically
all of Rhode Island lines.
Invested in small local bank. By 1894, he transformed this institution
into the Union Trust Company of Providence. When the Union Trust
building was built in 1902, the railway lines were rerouted from Market
Square to the corner of Dorrance and Westminster, bringing "all of
Rhode Island to the Union Trust’s doorsteps" (Conley and Campbell p.
118). Union Trust Company is the forerunner of Fleet National Bank.
A former director and chairman of the board Norfolk Southern Railroad,
director of General Electric Company, Nicholson File Company and American
Screw Company.
At the turn of the 20th century, it was claimed that Providence contained
the world’s largest tool factory (Brown and Sharpe), file factory (Nicholson
File), engine factory (Corliss Steam Engine Company), screw factory (American
Screw), and silverware factory (Gorham). These were proclaimed as
Providence’s Five Industrial Wonders of the World. (Conley and Campbell
p. 100).
Considered the "Utility King" and one of the most powerful men of this
state, a partnership developed between Perry and Nelson W. Aldrich, a prominent
U.S. Senator (R.I.) who was dubbed "General Manager of the United States,"
a.k.a. CEO of USA, Inc.
Aldrich, a big business ally, expert on tariff and banking laws, wrote
and passed legislation directly benefiting Perry and himself.
The corruption and manipulation was so blatant and severe, it formed the
basis for Lincoln Steffens exposé of corruption in Rhode Island
called "Rhode Island: A State for Sale" which appeared in McClure’s
Magazine (1904). Aldrich, Perry and Charles Ray Brayton controlled
state politics, patronage, and favors.
Widely known collector - owned three notable collections.
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18th century English furniture
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porcelain
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the largest private collection of Shakespeareana in the U.S. (subjective)
Perry aspired to be known as best Shakespearean collector in the country.
As his wealth increased, so did his collecting- fueled by obsession, challenge
and competition.
When he was outbid for a particular work, he quipped "If I can’t have the
Devonshires... I will give up collecting. I will not take second
place." (Cannon p. 328). This incident, in combination with his declining
health due to a stroke and financial panic of 1907, curtailed his collecting.
He did manage to buy the Sidney F. Rider collection of Rhode Island history,
which was presented to Brown University. What remained of his library
was dispersed by order of his heirs.
Bibliography
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