Elisha Perkins
Elisha Perkins was one of the early settlers of the Plains. He came here when these prairies were nature's pasture grounds, the wild animals roaming unmolested, so far as the march of civilization was concerned. Mr. Perkins purchased and settled on the farm now owned by his son, Eli Perkins. But he was not permitted to remain but a few years, for in the sickly year of 1823, death claimed him as his own, and he was ruthlessly snatched away from his family and friends. His sons were Isaac, James, Eli, Horace and Dr. Hiram Perkins. The last mentioned was not a resident of this part of the county. Eli still resides upon the old home place.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]