Perley Day Wilder

Perley Day Wilder, son of James Mason Wilder and Angelina Albina Day, was born in Malone, Franklin Co., New York on June 13, 1869. He married with ELSIE LILLIAN MERRITT, dau. of John Merritt and Elizabeth Bangs. She was born in Hillsdale, Hillsdale Co., Michigan on Feb. 22, 1875. He died May 10, 1934 in Kinder, Allen Co., Louisiana; she died June 19, 1948 in Houston, Harris Co., Texas. Both buried at Kinder McRill Memorial Cemetery, Kinder, Allen Co., Lousiana.

Youngest son of James and Angeline Day Wilder. He was born in Malone NY, but grew up in Spring Valley, Minnesota. He moved to Crowley, Louisiana, in 1895, married Elsie Merritt in 1897 and had six children. He later opened a general store in Kinder, Louisiana.

NOTEABLE HISTORY: Perley is the brother in law of LAURA INGALLS WILDER the author of the "LITTLE HOUSE" books. Perley's brother Almonzo was married to Laura. You can read about Perley, Almanzo and life on the farm in Laura Ingalls Wilder's book "FARMER BOY"

Children were: James (1903; m. Thelma Gricourt), Gladys (1905), Harold (1909), Perley Jr. (1912-1977' m. Ethel Smith; m. Dolores Moore), Dorothy (1914-1966; m. Carl Pittman), and John (1916-1916).

• 1875 census: Perley D. Wilder (6, b Franklin Co., NY); in Burke, NY w parents and sibs.
• 1920 census: Perly D. (50, b NY) and wife Elsie L. (39, b Mich); in Ward 4, Jefferson Co., LA., w ch. Harold (10), Perly Jr. (8), and Dorothy (6). Children all born Louisiana.
• 1930 census: Purley J. (61) and wife Elsie (50); in Ward 2, Allen Co., LA w ch Harold (20), Perley D. (18) and Dorothy (16).
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