Nathan Perley was born in Boxford, 17 Nov., 1703, and died late in the fall of 1738. He married 20 or 30 March, 1732-3, Lydia Hale, born 23 March, 1711, to Joseph and widow Joanna-Dodge Hale of Boxford. She became the second wife—published 6 April, 1740—of Deacon Jonathan Tenney of Boxford. … Joseph's first wife was Mary Watson-52, daughter of Sarah Perley. … Mr. Perley was probably an itinerant tailor, according to the custom of his day; for Dr. David Wood has the following item of credit in his account with Nathan's father: "January: 1730-31, to a spell of Nathan to cut wescuts 12d." He was taxed in Boxford from 1720 to 1738 inclusive. He was attended in his last sickness by Dr. Wood; he died intestate; the inventory of his estate, dated 7 March, 1738-9, mentions 60 acres of land, buildings, 2 steers, 4 cows, 3 heifers, 3 yearling heifers, 1 colt, 8 swine, etc. His widow administered upon the estate, which was valued at £1040. Two items of his debts were "To Edward Kitchen for funeral £26 3s. 6d", and to "Bringing up a young child three and one-half years £35."
