Perley Harriman, 96, Had Roots in 1630s America

Perley Williams Harriman of Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs died Oct. 21 at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. He was 96 and the husband of Doris Kenyon Harriman.

Mr. Harriman was born on Nov. 17, 1905, in Brockton, to Perley A. Harriman and Lydia Evelyn Williams. For generations the family owned a dry-goods business in the Campello section of Brockton. He attended Tilton Academy.

He was a descendent of Leonard Harriman and, on his mother's side, from Edward Jewett, both of whom came from England to Salem on the ship John in 1638, and settled the town of Rowley in 1639.

Mr. Harriman bought his first house on the Island in 1928, purchasing the Siefert Farm on Old County Road in West Tisbury. After 1939, he was a seasonal resident until his retirement from Pneumatic Scale Corporation in 1970.

He was a member of the Harriman Family Association and the Oriental-Martha's Vineyard Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M.

He is survived by his wife; his son, Paul K. Harriman, and his wife, Cynthia of Norwell; two grandchildren, David K. Harriman of Rockland and Debra L. Farrell of Pawtucket, R.I.

A private graveside service will be held at the family plot in the Melrose Cemetery in Brockton. Donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home of Oak Bluffs.