Madison Starke Perry (1814–March 1865) was the fourth governor of Florida.

Born in Lancaster, South Carolina, he came to Florida in the late 1830s, settled and founded the village of Rochelle, Florida in Alachua County. He became a leader among the plantation owners in Alachua County and was elected to represent the county in the Florida Senate in 1850. He ran for and was elected governor in 1856, assuming office on October 51857. As governor, Perry helped bring about the settlement of a long-standing boundary dispute with Georgia and encouraged the building of railways. During the years before the Civil War, Governor Perry foresaw the possibility that Florida might secede from the Union, and in 1858 urged the reestablishment of the state’s militia. Florida did secede three years later, on January 111861. After his term as governor ended on October 71861, Perry served as colonel of the 7th Florida Regiment until illness forced his retirement. He died at his plantation in Rochelle in March 1865.

Facts

The city of Perry, Florida is named for him.
The city of Starke, Florida is named in honor of him.

External links

• Official Governor's portrait and biography from the State of Florida