Cleon Arthur Perkins
2/21/1896-6/9/76
Graduate of Rutland High School and Worcester Polytechnical University. Father Mayor Arthur Perkins.
US Army 12/14/17-6/21/1919 Company A 318th Engineers involved in Meuse Argonne offensive. Highest rank Corporal.
In late 1920’s, he held the office of adjutant, Post #31for two years and finance officer for one year.
1930-31 he served as Rutland #31 Post Commander.
1931-32 District Commander
1932-33 Department Vice Commander
1933 Rutland Herald Reports Cleon was a candidate for Department Commander and would be running at the August Convention against neighbor from West Rutland Post and well known area lawyer Asa Bloomer. The convention was a buzz with the contest of two prominent contestants. However, once the voting began, Cleon realized that Asa Bloomer had the majority of support throughout the state and conceded to Asa Bloomer with dignity before all posts finished voting. This would not be the last time Mr Bloomer and Cleon would vie for an elected position.
1930-1950 with the death of Father Mayor Arthur Perkins, Cleon and his siblings inherited family businesses. Cleon became the President of Rutland Fire Clay Company and The Killington National Bank.
1938-1944 Elected to the Rutland Board of Schools Commission.
1942 Democratic, and sometimes Republican candidate he become involved in state politics and served in the State House of Representatives.( with Asa Bloomer Republican candidate).
1945 Becomes chairman of the House Appropriations Committee a Democrat with a majority Republican Congress. He was a conservative Democrat and could easily work across the aisle. Well thought of by all governors.
1948 Elected State Senator from Rutland County
1951-63 Cleon resigns Senate seat to become Unemployment and Compensation Commission and held the office as Chairman of Highway Commission.
1970’s he is retired. Failing health with Parkinson’s Disease he suffered a stroke and was admitted to the Bennington Veterans Home. He 1976 and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery.
Veteran, businessman, aspiring politician, leader. Cleon led a long and busy life for the state of Vermont.
