In the 1880’s, various members of the Perry family moved to what was then Dakota Territory. George, William, Allen, and Alice (Perry) Keith moved to Lake County, near Madison, D.T. Sarah (Perry) Johnson and her family moved to Minnehaha County, in Dell Rapids, which is just east of Lake County. Other members of the Keith family also moved to Dakota. The Madison Sentinel occasionally contained information about the families.

Mitchell Capital, February 24, 1888.

A report from Madison on February 22 reports that “Doc Perry” and C.C. Tyler posted bonds for their appearance in June court. This is probably Allen Perry, as he also worked as a veterinary surgeon. The paper also reports that Perry says he “don’t know how he will make a living.”

Madison Sentinel, August 18, 1888.

Dear Sir: The persons, at the date set opposite their names, respectively, were, by Hon. Jno. E. Carland, district judge, enjoined them from selling any intoxicating liquor, or malt beer, with Lake county, until the further order of the court.

Allen Perry, enjoined Aug 22, 1888

“I send out said injunctions by order of the board of county commissioners of this county, who, on January 9, 1888, employed me to prosecute every person within Lake county, D.T., who thereafter should sell any liquors etc., contrary to law.

Madison Sentinel, Friday August 31, 1888. Chester Township News Items — The Liquor Question.

“Keith, Johnson & Perry started their [threshing] machine to-day. These gentlemen are very accommodating and do good work and are deserving of liberal patronage.” Elbert Keith was the husband of Alice Perry. Fred Johnson was the husband of Sarah Perry. The Perry was George H., as the Mankato paper reported in 1886 that George purchased horses for his farm in Dakota.

Later, in the same section, there is a note about another Perry, likely Allen Perry. “We hear that saloon keeper Perry has found storage for some of his liquors in this neighborhood since his arrest. We have no sympathy for law defiers, but we do heartily pity a man with the talent and ability that we know Mr. Perry has, that will degrade himself to the selling of liquor after the people have said by their vote that it shall not be done.”

Madison Sentinel, Sept 11, 1888. Chester Items.

“John Orr has bought Geo. Perry’s interest in the Keith, Perry Johnson & Co’s threshing machine.”

“Mrs. Chas. Eaton has been the guest of Fred Johnson’s family the past week.”