Born in South Kingston, Rhode Island. Older brother of Matthew Perry. Married Elizabeth Mason May 5, 1811. They had five children.

Joined the Navy as a midshipman in 1799. He served on the General Greene under his father, Christopher Raymond Perry. He served in the Mediterranian during the Tripolian War.

In 1813 he was assigned to build a fleet on Lake Erie. His forces defeated the British there on September 10, 1813. He sent a letter containing this famous quote, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." He died of yellow fever in Port Spain, Trinidad.

Congress honored Perry with a gold medal (Julian NA-20) by resolution January 6, 1814, for the victory on Lake Erie.

Perry appears on the face of the $100 National Bank note, series of 1875.

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